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Key Points

Devotees at Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar Temple offered prayers for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's space mission success. He became India's second astronaut after Rakesh Sharma, flying aboard Axiom-4 via SpaceX. The crew will spend 14 days on the ISS conducting experiments. The temple's daily Bhasma Aarti included special rituals for Shukla's safe journey.

Key Points: Devotees Pray at Mahakaleshwar Temple for Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla

  • Devotees held Bhasma Aarti with Shukla's photo
  • Shukla is second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma
  • Axiom-4 launched via SpaceX Dragon
  • Crew to conduct 14-day ISS mission
2 min read

Ujjain: Devotees offer prayers at Mahakaleshwar Temple for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's success

Special prayers held at Ujjain's Mahakaleshwar Temple for Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the second Indian in space via Axiom Mission 4.

"They prayed for the success of the work and mission for which Group Captain Shukla has gone under the Axiom 4 Mission. – Hari Om Bhakt Mandal"

Ujjain, June 26

Special prayers were offered for Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who became the second Indian to go into space, during the Bhasma Aarti at the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh.

The Hari Om Bhakt Mandal, which attended the Bhasma Aarti every day, prayed to Baba Mahakaleshwar at the temple with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's photograph in hand. They prayed for the success of the work and mission for which Group Captain Shukla has gone under the Axiom 4 Mission.

Thousands of devotees attend the Bhasma Aarti in the Brahma Muhurt every day. On Thursday, the Bhasma Aarti of Mahakaleshwar, was done after the Panchamrit Puja Abhishek and Maha Vijaya Snan was offered to Baba Mahakaleshwar, followed by incense and lamp Aartis.

The Axiom Mission 4 or Ax-4, was launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 2:31 am Eastern Time (12 Noon IST) on Wednesday.

With this, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla became the second Indian to go into space after Indian Air Force Officer Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew aboard Soyuz T-11 on April 3, 1984, as part of the Soviet Interkosmos programme. Sharma spent seven days in space on board the Salyut 7 space station.

Axiom-4 is the fourth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. The crew is travelling to the orbiting laboratory on a new SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The targeted docking time is approximately 7 am Eastern Time (4 pm IST) on Thursday, June 26.

Once docked, the astronauts plan to spend up to 14 days aboard the orbiting laboratory, conducting a mission comprised of science, outreach, and commercial activities.

Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, is in command of the mission along with specialists Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
What a proud moment for India! 🇮🇳 Group Captain Shukla's space mission shows how far we've come since Rakesh Sharma's historic flight. The prayers at Mahakal are so touching - our traditions and modern achievements coming together beautifully. Jai Hind!
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Priya M.
The Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar is so powerful! It's wonderful to see our armed forces personnel getting this spiritual support. But I do wish ISRO would speed up our own human spaceflight program - Gaganyaan can't come soon enough!
A
Amit S.
While this is indeed praiseworthy, we must remember this is a private mission, not a government one. The real test will be when our own Gaganyaan mission takes off. Still, best wishes to Group Captain Shukla - make us proud up there!
S
Sunita R.
Mahakaleshwar's blessings will surely protect our astronaut! 🪔 It's heartwarming to see how our ancient temples continue to be part of modern achievements. Maybe next time, they can carry some prasad from the temple to space - that would be special!
V
Vikram J.
The fact that an IAF officer is going to space shows the growing synergy between defense and space sectors. But why is India still dependent on foreign missions? We need more budget for ISRO to make our own human spaceflights regular.
N
Neha P.
So emotional reading this! From Rakesh Sharma in 1984 to now - what a journey. The temple prayers show our beautiful Indian way of combining science and spirituality. May Group Captain Shukla's success inspire millions of young Indians to reach for the stars! ✨

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