Shriji Dr. Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar during the Gaddi Utsav at the City Palace in Udaipur.
Credit: DH Photo/NP Jayaraman
Shriji Huzur Dr Lakshayraj Singh Mewar acceded as the 77th custodian of the House of Mewar on behalf of Sri Eklingji, on Tuesday, ushering in a new era after the demise of his father, His Highness Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar. Continuing the 1,500-year-old tradition, the grand ‘Gaddi Utsav’ ceremony was carried out with fervour at the City Palace in Udaipur, celebrating the rich heritage of the Sisodia clan of the Rajputs of Mewar.
The ceremony kicked off with Ganesh pujan at the Rai Angan, the oldest courtyard of the palace, where pandits performed prayers. Around 9:30 am, Dr Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar departed from his palatial residence, Shambhu Niwas, in a vibrant procession towards Rai Angan.
Pandits perform puja at the Rai Angan in City Palace, Udaipur.
Credit: DH Photo/NP Jayaraman
Beautifully adorned with white blossoms, the palace oozed a sense of elegance, purity and regality. Hundreds of royal dignitaries witnessed the event of the passing of the torch.
Dressed in white, Dr Lakshayraj Singh Mewar made his entry amid the chanting of mantras and the blowing of conch shells, creating a powerful and spiritual atmosphere.
Representing a unique blend of historical legacy, modern vision and spiritual responsibility, the royal joined the Ganesh pujan and offered prayers. He further performed a special pooja to the deities and the past Maharanas.
Supervised and guided by Kulguru Dr Vagishkumar Goswami, the traditional rituals lasted for over a couple of hours. Continuing the century-old tradition, the scion of the erstwhile Mewar royal family sought blessings at the Dhuni Temple.
Dr. Lakshayraj Singh Mewar being anointed as the titular head of the erstwhile royal family of Mewar.
Credit: DH Photo/NP Jayaraman
After being anointed as the titular head of the erstwhile royal family of Mewar, Dr Lakshayraj Singh Mewar and his son, Haritraj Singh Mewar, had a photo-op with the media. Also seen were the Kulguru, Dr Vagishkumar Goswami, and his sons.
Despite the significance of the day, the occasion was tinged with sorrow due to the passing of Arvind Singh Mewar on March 16, following a prolonged illness.
At noon, Lakshyaraj performed Ashwa Pujan (worship of the royal horse) before proceeding to the revered Shri Ekling Nathji, the deity of Mewar. On his way, he also visited Saheliyon ki Bari and bowed down at Jagdish Mandir before returning to the City Palace.
In the evening, another event, ‘Rang Paltai Dastar,’ was organised at the Darbar Hall, where the members of the royal family exchanged their turbans and then proceeded for the ‘Shahi Dawat’ organised in the City Palace courtyard.
Dr. Lakshayraj Singh Mewar with his father-in-law, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, during Rang Paltai Dastoor at the Darbar Hall in City Palace, Udaipur.
Credit: DH Photo/NP Jayaraman
About Dr Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar
The successor to Shriji Arvind Singh Mewar, Shriji Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar continues an unbroken lineage of custodianship that dates back to the 8th century, making it one of the longest-living dynasties in history.
Lakshyaraj is married to Nivritti Kumari, daughter of a politician and a member of the erstwhile royal family of Patna, Bolangir, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo. The couple has three children: Mohlakshika Kumari Mewar, Praneshwari Kumari Mewar and Haritraj Singh Mewar.