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KL Rahul Seeks Blessings at Mahakal Temple Ahead of Crucial NZ Decider

Indian cricketer KL Rahul visited the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain to seek blessings ahead of the decisive third ODI against New Zealand. He is in excellent form, having scored an unbeaten century in the previous match, though India lost, leveling the series 1-1. Team India coaches Gautam Gambhir and Sitanshu Kotak also participated in the early morning Bhasma Aarti ritual at the temple, praying for the team's success. This visit marks a recurring tradition for Rahul and Gambhir, who have both sought divine favor at the temple before major cricketing events.

Key Points: KL Rahul Visits Mahakaleshwar Temple Before IND vs NZ 3rd ODI

  • Rahul visited temple before ODI decider
  • He scored 112* in last match
  • Coaches Gambhir & Kotak attended Bhasma Aarti
  • Series leveled 1-1 after NZ win
  • Rituals performed for team success
2 min read

KL Rahul visits Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain ahead of IND vs NZ 3rd ODI

Ahead of the series decider, KL Rahul and coaches Gautam Gambhir & Sitanshu Kotak visited Ujjain's Mahakal Temple to seek blessings for Team India.

"Rahul is in splendid form in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand. - Report"

Ujjain, Jan 16

Ahead of the decisive third ODI against New Zealand, Indian wicketkeeper batter KL Rahul visited the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva before the series decider at Holkar Stadium in Indore on Sunday.

During his visit, Rahul offered prayers at one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. He also performed ritual worship of Nandi.

The Indian star has visited the Mahakal Temple multiple times. Ahead of the start of IPL 2024, Rahul arrived with his parents after the Bhasma Aarti and prayed for his team's success ahead of the tournament. He has also visited the temple with his wife Athiya Shetty, before the start of the Indore Test in 2023.

Rahul is in splendid form in the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand. The 32-year-old scored a magnificent hundred in the second 50 over match. The Indian star remained unbeaten on 112 as he hammered 11 fours and one six against the Black Caps.

Despite KL Rahul's knock, India suffered a seven wicket loss against the Black Caps as Daryl Mitchell's century helped New Zealand go over the line and level the series 1 1.

Before Rahul, Indian coach Gautam Gambhir and Sitanshu Kotak arrived at the Mahakal Temple at around 4 am to take part in the Bhasma Aarti.

During the Bhasma Aarti, both coaches sat in the Nandi Hall and sought the blessings of Lord Mahakal. They remained present for nearly two hours during the ritual and prayed for Team India's success in the upcoming match.

After the Aarti concluded, Gambhir and Kotak had darshan of Lord Mahakal from the temple threshold. They also offered water to Nandi as part of the customary rituals. This was not Gautam Gambhir's first visit to the temple. He had also come for darshan along with his family around five months ago. So far, Gambhir has participated in the Bhasma Aarti on four occasions.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's fascinating to see how faith and sport intertwine in India. While the visit is a nice personal moment, I hope the focus remains on the team's strategy and performance on the field. The last match showed we need more than prayers.
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Vikram M
Good to see Gambhir sir also visiting. When the coach and players are aligned in their positive energy and focus, it creates a strong team environment. Jai Mahakal! Let's clinch the series.
P
Priya S
Rahul is in such great form! His century was brilliant. Maybe the temple visit gives him that mental peace and clarity. Wishing him another match-winning knock. All the best, Team India! 💙
R
Rohit P
Respect for the tradition, but the article mentions we lost the last match despite Rahul's ton. Bowling and fielding need equal attention. Hope the blessings translate to a complete team performance.
K
Kavya N
So sweet that he visits with his family and wife too. It's more than just a pre-match ritual, it's a part of his life. The Bhasma Aarti at 4 AM is a powerful experience. Wishing them all the best!

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