Ujjain Saints Perform ‘Panch Dhuni’ Penance Amid 40°C Heat

Spiritual gathering draws devotees as saints continue intense rituals in Ninora village

Even as the next Simhastha Kumbh in Ujjain is still nearly two years away, the temple town is already witnessing scenes reminiscent of a major religious congregation. A group of saints led by Tatambari Sarkar has arrived in Ninora village on the outskirts of the city, where they are carrying out rigorous spiritual practices despite the intense summer heat.

The saints are participating in a religious programme linked to a Narmada Purana recital being organised at a local farm in Ninora. What has drawn attention, however, is the sight of ascetics seated amid blazing “Panch Dhuni” fires while temperatures in the region hover around 40 degrees Celsius.

Heat And Rituals

Under the Panch Dhuni practice, saints sit surrounded by sacred fire pits on four sides while another burning vessel is placed above or near them, symbolising extreme austerity and meditation. Witnesses at the venue said the saints remained engaged in chanting and meditation through the afternoon heat, even as most residents avoided stepping outdoors during peak daytime hours.

Devotees have been arriving steadily at the venue to seek blessings from the saints and observe the uncommon ritual. Several visitors described the atmosphere as similar to preparations usually seen during large-scale religious fairs in Ujjain.

Four-Month Anushthan

According to Dhruv Das Tyagi, the saints begin their daily routine as early as 3 am. After completing prayers and daily rituals, they sit for the dhuni-based penance and jap for extended hours.

He said the special spiritual observance is being performed for “the welfare of the world” and will continue for nearly four months. The rituals are expected to conclude around the occasion of Ganga Dussehra.

Narmada Purana Event

Local organiser Sonu Sharma said Tatambari Sarkar has been associated with religious programmes in Ninora since 1992. This year too, the saint arrived in connection with the ongoing Narmada Purana Katha, which began on May 3 and is scheduled to conclude on Saturday.

A large community feast and religious gathering have also been planned for the concluding day, with saints and devotees from nearby districts expected to attend.

Young Mahamandaleshwar Present

Among those drawing public attention at the event is Siyaram Das, who is regarded by followers as one of the country’s youngest Mahamandaleshwars.

Religious followers associated with the camp said Siyaram Das received the Mahamandaleshwar title during the Prayagraj Kumbh at a very young age. Originally from Madhya Pradesh, he is said to have adopted the path of renunciation in his early teens before becoming a disciple of Tatambari Baba.

The young seer, known for his long matted hair and traditional ascetic appearance, remained a major attraction for devotees visiting the religious camp on Friday.

Devotees Continue Arriving

Through the day, groups of visitors continued reaching the temporary camp despite the scorching conditions. Many spent time near the dhuni site, while others attended the ongoing religious discourse and community activities arranged under the pandal.

With the Simhastha Kumbh approaching in the coming years, religious activities in and around Ujjain have gradually started gaining momentum. Organisers believe such spiritual gatherings are likely to increase further in the months ahead as saints from different akharas begin their visits to the city.