Amidst the relentless and scorching heat gripping Rajasthan, a unique and extraordinary ritual has been performed in Jaipur, seeking the blessings of Lord Indra for much-needed rainfall. The intense “Nautapa” period has wreaked havoc on humans and animals alike, leaving everyone yearning for relief. To combat this extreme heat, priests in Jaipur have undertaken an unusual yagna, appealing to Surya Dev (the Sun God) to lessen the intensity of the heat. Several photos and videos of this distinctive ritual have gone viral, showing priests immersed in tubs of ice-cold water, performing prayers and yagna.

While some parts of India grapple with floods due to heavy rains, Rajasthan continues to reel under a severe heatwave, with temperatures in many cities soaring above 40 degrees Celsius. In this desperate situation, the Jaipur priests’ unconventional approach to prayer has captured significant attention. Submerged in cold water and ice-filled tubs, they performed the yagna, not only praying for the heat to subside but also earnestly beseeching Lord Indra for abundant rainfall. Throughout the ritual, Vedic chants resonated as offerings were made into the sacred fire. This unique yagna was organized at the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple in Ramnagar, Jaipur. The performing priests stated that according to religious scriptures, the tradition of yagna and havan has been practiced since ancient times. They believe that if rituals are performed with a sincere heart and according to proper procedures, with the welfare of humanity in mind, then the desired objectives are fulfilled. Therefore, to appease Lord Indra for good rain and relief from the intense heat across the state and the country, this water-bound yagna was performed.