Ancient Shiva Cave Discovered in Reasi

An ancient Lord Shiva cave has been discovered on the high mountain near Thanpal in Salal area of district Reasi.

The area is tough terrain and nearly 2 hour on foot journey along Surman ‘Khud’. The villagers with their efforts managed to make narrow track up to the cave which is on the steep rocky mountain. On one side there is Salal dam and on the other at high mountain this cave.

The locals said that this cave was inaccessible due to its location but as they used to hear some kind of sounds from that area, nobody ever dared to go that side. A daring youth of the area namely Sunil Kumar, son of Paras Ram, armed with gun and assisted by 2-3 more youth, managed to reach up to the cave using ropes and his mountaineering skills. He saw a Shiva Lingam, stone idols of Shiva family, a statue of Saint and Hanuman. The cave appears to be almost equal to that of Shiv Khori. After this, the youth returned and told this matter to the whole village.

The next day, the village Sarpanch and some locals started digging track on the rocky mountain and with in few days they managed to reach there and saw the cave. They saw ‘Pindis’ and a big Shiva Lingam. The villagers narrated the matter to the local MLA and district administration. On their request, some officers including DC also visited the cave last week and they were astonished to see such a wonderful cave. They assured to develop the area and the cave for pilgrimage on the pattern of Shiv Khori.

There are two different routes one via Talwara-Siar Baba and Thanpal using boat over Salal dam and another one via Reasi Salal and yet another one via Bidda Dhayangarh Dam site.

Charri yatra for Sukrala Mata 2012

Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla today flagged off 13th annual religious Charri yatra from Lucky Bawa Mandir (Vaishno Mata Mandir Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu) here today. Over 1000 pilgrims are participating in the yatra. The yatra, commenced from Lucky Bawa Mandir (Vaishno Mata Mandir Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu) for Sukrala Mata ji temple in Kathua district amidst chanting of Bhajans and religious sermons.

Local administration accorded a warm send off to the pilgrims. The State Government has made all arrangements of security, health care, transportation and civic amenities for smooth and peaceful conduct of the yatra.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister hoped that this religious pilgrimage will culminate in a smooth and successful note. He appealed the people to optimally utilize religious events to promote peace, brotherhood and communal harmony in the society.

Meanwhile, Mr Bhalla dedicated ` 12.80 lakh recreational park to Trikuta Nagar people.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Bhalla said, it is the duty of every citizen to cooperate with the Government in making the Jammu and Kashmir as a model State, adding that several projects are in pipeline for the benefit of general masses across the State.

Regarding upgradation and expansion of Jammu Airport, the Minister informed that Central Government has approved Rs. 71 crore for this purpose, adding the project envisages upgradation of facilities at par with international standards.

At Mahajan Sabha, Mr. Bhalla attended 2nd round of Shri Chandi Mata Bhajan organized by Shri Chandi Mata Trust.

About 60 budding artists of Kishtwar, Padder, Batote, Ramnagar, Udhampur, Akhnoor, and Jammu participated in the bhajan competition.

Chairman of the Trust, Bansi Lal Gupta and people in large numbers were present on the occasion.

On the occasion the Minister said that district administration Kishtwar has been directed to upgrade all the basic facilities at Shri Chandi Mata shrine at Padder like approach road, drinking water, electricity besides toilet blocks so that the devotees do not feel any inconvenience during yatra period.

Vaishno Devi yatra crosses one crore in 2011
Interlocutors report on Kashmir to be made public in January

public in January

Peace in Kashmir is New Year eve hotspot for tourists

Shrines Temples Bill

PNBMT’s appeal to legislators on passage of Shrines, Temples Bill

Pt Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust (PNBMT) in a meeting here today appealed the legislators of all the parties to support their demand and move the Kashmiri Hindu Shrines and Religious Places Protection and Management Bill and get it passed in the current session of State Legislature.

It has also appealed to the Government to bring an official bill in the budget session and also pass the same, since leaders of all the parties have assured the community of their support to the bill.

The KP community has been demanding since long time the constitution of statutory body to protect, maintain and manage their religious places in Kashmir, on the pattern of Auqaf Board for the Muslim religious property and Gurduwara Prabandak Board and Committees for the protection and management of Sikh Gurdawaras. The passage of the bill will be a biggest confidence building measure for the migrated KP community to return to the valley and settle there, with a sense of security and dignity, it was observed in the meeting.

The Trust which has been assigned the responsibility by all the KP organizations as a nodal agency for spearheading the movement for introduction and passage of the bill in the State legislature, has with the consultation of all other organizations of the community, chalked out the program to hold mass dharna on Monday March 12, outside Jammu Press Club, to highlight their concern for the protection of their religious places in Kashmir.

The religious places of Kashmiri Hindus in Kashmir are being vandalized, encroached uponand sold by some unscrupulous elements, after the forced mass exodus ofthe community from Kashmir 22 years back.

Tribute to Bhagat Singh

Heavy rain in kashmir valley

J&K Panchayat Polls

3 Day Shiv Khori Mela from Feb 19

The historic 3-day Shiv Khori Mela is commencing at Ramsoo, the base camp of the Shiv Khori Shrine in district Reasi of Jammu province, from February 19.

The Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Sheetal Nanda, who is also Vice Chairman of Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board (SSKSB) convened a meeting of officers to review the various arrangements for the smooth conduct of the mela here on Monday.

The Director Tourism Jammu, R. S Mehta, Assistant Commissioner Revenue (Executive Officer SSKSB), S. S Samyal, Additional SP HQ, Ajeetha, Dy. Director Tourism, Subash Chander, Tehsildar Reasi, District Social Welfare Officer, ARTO, and officers from various departments participated in the meeting.

The Deputy Commissioner disclosed that preparations for providing necessary facilities to the visiting pilgrims are going on and instructions were also given to all the concerned Government Departments for making all the arrangement well in advance.

She issued instructions to the concerned to give festive look to the Darshani Deodi of cave shrine and other important areas on the track as well as the base camp of the Shrine.

Free langers by various social organizations besides entertainment for the pilgrims by various cultural troops and free style last day of the mela at Ransoo would be other highlights during the Mela days.

Vaishno Devi yatra crosses one crore in 2011

In a new landmark, pilgrimage to holy cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ji today crossed one crore mark for the first time in history of the shrine, setting an all time record.

News Agency had exclusively reported on December 25 that yatra to the shrine of Goddess Vaishno Devi would touch or cross 10 million on December 28.

The pilgrimage touched 1 crore at 4.20 pm today, a jubilant Additional CEO of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), Dr Mandeep K Bhandari, announced.

Dr Rakesh Vishavakarma from Jaipur, Rajasthan, who had come to darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi ji, became 10 millionth pilgrim when he registered himself for visiting the Bhawan at Shrine Board’s counter at holy town of Katra, the base camp of the shrine, at 4.20 pm.

The Shrine Board authorities brought Dr Vishavakarma and his family to Spiritual Growth Centre (SGC) near Shrine Board’s head office at Katra and facilitated him and his family. They were presented with ‘Mata Ki Chunri’ and a photograph. The entire family would be the guest of the Shrine Board during their pilgrimage. Deputy CEOs SMVDSB Rahul Sharma, Vikas Sharma and Rashpal Singh and Rohit Khajuria, CAO and Director SGC were also present on the occasion.

Dr Rakesh and his wife would be the Board’s guest for next five years, Dr Bhandari said.

This was for the first time in history of the shrine that number of pilgrims in a year has touched and crossed the figure of one crore. Significantly, the magic figure was recorded in silver jubilee year of the SMVDSB.

Mata Vaishno Devi’s shrine has become the first religious place across the country, which is not covered by road, but still received over one crore pilgrims. Some other shrines in the country including Tirupati, Shirdi and Sidhi Vinayak received more than one crore pilgrims a year but they all are covered by road.

To reach Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, the pilgrims had to trek 13 kilometer hills from Katra. Some of them hired the services of pithoos to carry luggage or children and mules. The battery car ferried only 500 odd pilgrims a day from Bhawan to Adh-Kunwari as against the arrival of 30,000 to 35,000 pilgrims per day.

Last year, highest number of 87.2 lakh yatris had visited holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi ji, located between Trikuta hills at a height of 5200 feet from sea level. This year the yatra was up by 13.05 lakh so far from the last year.

During last three years, pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine has recorded about 45 per cent increase. In 2008, 67.8 lakh yatris had paid obeisance to natural pindies of Goddess Vaishno Devi in sanctum sanctorum of natural cave shrine. This year, about 1.02 crore pilgrims were expected to visit the shrine.

News Agency Editor-in-Chief S D Rohmetra has congratulated Governor NN Vohra, chairman of SMVDSB on record one crore yatra to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine during the current year.

The SMVDSB was set up by the then Governor Jagmohan in 1986 taking over all affairs of the shrine from the baaridars and 13 kilometers track leading to an era of unprecedented development all around.

The Shrine Board is presently running Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University while Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence at Katra (first phase) is expected to be commissioned in next seven months. President Pratibha Devi Patil had commissioned Board’s Spiritual Growth Centre during her visit to the shrine in November this year.

Pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine was just 13.95 lakh in 1986 when the Shrine Board was constituted by an act of the Legislature. The yatra has recorded nearly seven fold increase in 25 years.

From 13.95 lakh in 1986, the pilgrimage to the cave shrine started picking up and crossed 40 lakh in 1995. By 2000, the yatra had crossed 5 million mark. In 2004, the yatra crossed 60 lakh for the first time while it crossed the figure of 7 million recording 74.17 lakh pilgrimage in 2007.

In 2008, the yatra came down to 67.92 lakh due to two months long Amarnath land row agitation but recorded a massive jump of about 14 lakh and went up to 82 lakh in 2009. In 2010, 87.2 lakh yatris visited the holy cave shrine.

Yatra during the months of June, July and August helped in achieving the magic figure of 10 million. The highest number of 11.5 lakh and 11.27 lakh pilgrims visited Mata Vaishno Devi shrine this year during the months of June and July respectively. In August, the number of yatris stood at 10.05 lakh.

During April and May, 9.77 lakh and 8.7 lakh yatris respectively had darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi ji. In September, October and November, the number of pilgrims stood at 8.25 lakh, 8.72 lakh and 6.39 lakh.

In January this year, 4.21 lakh pilgrims had paid obeisance to the Goddess while lowest ever yatra of 3.69 lakh was recorded in the month of February. In March, 7.55 lakh pilgrims had visited the holy cave shrine.

In the month of December so far, 5.75 lakh yatris have visited the shrine.

After the SMVDSB took over affairs of the Shrine Board in 1986, the pilgrimage to holy cave shrine started increasing with every passing year due to massive infrastructure generated for pilgrims by the Board along with a number of facilities from Katra to Vaishno Devi Bhawan.

Several rest and guest houses with accommodation for the pilgrims, ‘Bhojnalayas’ at ‘no-profit, no-loss’ basis’, other eatable points, widening of tracks all around, creation of an alternate track from Adh-Kunwari to Bhawan with battery car facilities for aged and infirm pilgrims and construction of two new caves around the Bhawan are just to mention the facilities generated by the Board.

The upcoming facilities of the Board included an exclusive track dedicated to ponneys from Katra to Adh-Kunwari, material ropeway from Katra to Bhawan and passenger ropeway from Bhawan to Bhairon Ghati, for which ground work has already been completed.

Governor N N Vohra, who is also the Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board congratulated Board on this momentous occasion and desired that the focus of the Shrine Board must continue in the direction of providing better services and infrastructure to the visiting pilgrims. Chief Executive Officer, Raj Kumar Goyal, also conveyed his greetings to the one crore'th yatri and informed that the Shrine Board has been consistently making efforts to improve upon the existing infrastructure. Operation of Manokamna Bhawan Phase-II, starting of accommodation projects like Parvati Bhawan and Ashirwad Complex are the remarkable efforts in this direction, he said.

The work of Sports Stadium and dedicated mule track, new and renewable energy related projects, emergency helipad and ropeway projects are the highlights of the recent achievements of the Shrine Board. There has been a continuous effort to maintain the existing facilities and to provide a very satisfying experience to the visiting pilgrims. Replacement of worn out tiles on the track, provision of better medical facilities, carrying massive plantation for preservation of ecology, Disaster Management Preparedness and such other activities in this direction have been at the focus of the Shrine Board in the interest of pilgrimage.

"Lot of efforts have been made towards improvement of sanitation facilities by carrying dedicated sanitation drives, construction and improvement of the rain shelter sheds and improving the water supply to Bhawan and Adhkuwari as well as the arrangement of power to the Shrine area in the recent past. Commissioning of two major projects i.e. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Spiritual Growth Centre and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Gurukul, apart from the opening of the new tunnel leading to Sanctum Sanctorum have been the recent achievements of the Shrine Board,'' Dr Bhandari said.

Anantnag Prabandhak Committee holds meet

A meeting of Anantnag Prabandhak Committee was held here today under the chairmanship of PN Goja its president.

The meeting informed the gathering about the steps taken by the Committee for the development of the ancient and historical Nagbal Shrine at Anantnag and other shrines of the town.

It lauded the role of the youth of the community in development of the Nagbal shrine. It said the youth serving in Valley will be honest and sincere while discharging their duties so that they can prove as ambassadors of honorable and dignified return. It also lauded the role of Muslim brethren who extended lot of cooperation during the religious function held at Anant Chuterdashi at Nagbal by the Committee.

The meeting was informed that the Committee had informed the DC that the building of the shrine has been utilized by security forces since 1990 without payment of any rent. It also demanded restoration of water supply and drainage system around the shrine. The DC assured necessary action in this regard.

The meeting among others was attended by J K Bhat, C J Dhar and R K Koul. 

6.36 lakh Piligrims Visit Amarnath Yatra 2011

Forty-six days long annual pilgrimage to holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnath ji, located at a height of 13,500 feet from the sea level in South Kashmir Himalayas, concluded today with Mahant Deependera Giri carrying holy mace (Chhari Mubarak) of Lord Shiva, joined by about 500 devotees, performing darshan in the shrine.

On the occasion of Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan, the final day of annual yatra, about 1,000 pilgrims today paid obeisance inside the holy cave shrine of Lord Shiva. Governor NN Vohra, who happened to be the chairman of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) and SASB CEO R K Goyal also performed prayers in the shrine today.

A record number of 6.36 lakh yatris had darshan of Lord Shiva’s holy Ice Lingam during about one and a half month yatra this year. The pilgrimage had started on June 29. There was heavy rush of pilgrims during first 20 days when number of the yatris having darshan daily ranged between 25,000 to 30,000. The holy Ice Lingam remained in full bloom during about a month after which it started melting.

However, with the rise in number of pilgrims, the yatra also witnessed number of 107 deaths this year with 68 of them breathing their last due to cardiac and pulmonary failures. Five porters and two security personnel were among those killed during the yatra period.

During 2010, 68 pilgrims had died while the number was 45 in 2009.

Official sources attributed increase in number of deaths during the yatra to massive rise in rush of the pilgrims during initial period when a large number of unregistered pilgrims visited the shrine.

While hardly 3 lakh yatris had registered themselves for the yatra through Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Yes Bank and some Co-operative Banks for the pilgrimage, 6.36 lakh pilgrims performed darshan. Nearly 3.36 lakh unregistered yatris undertook the pilgrimage. The SASB had covered registered yatris as well as porters for Rs 1 lakh insurance cover.

While 3.50 lakh pilgrims reached holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnath ji from tougher but shortest 14 kilometers Baltal track, 2.84 lakh yatris opted for traditional 34 kilometers Pahalgam-Chandanwari route.

As against 6.36 lakh yatris performing darshan during this year’s annual pilgrimage, the previous best figure of 5.33 lakh of 2008 was surpassed. In 2010, 4.55 lakh yatris had visited the holy cave shrine while the number was 3.81 lakh in 2009.

In 2001 when the SASB had taken over affairs of the shrine, 1.19 lakh yatris had paid obeisance to Lord Shiva’s cave shrine while the number came down to 1.10 lakh in 2002 but went up to 1.70 lakh in 2003. The number of yatris recorded a sudden jump to 4 lakh in 2004 but it again came down to 3.88 lakh in 2005, 3.47 lakh in 2006 and 2.96 lakh in 2007.

During Amarnath land row agitation in 2008, the highest number of 5,33,368 yatris had visited the holy cave shrine in South Kashmir Himalayas. This year, the number went up by 1.03 lakh.

Sources said security forces, para-military personnel and police had made impressive tight security arrangements for the pilgrimage right from Lakhanpur to the cave shrine at a height of 13,500 feet from the sea level and performed the task of providing security cover to a large number of pilgrims under extreme tough terrain and weather conditions.

Army personnel, who had been assigned the security of peaks including the cave shrine, did an extra ordinary job braving chilly weather and other difficult tasks. Not even a single militancy-related incident was reported on either of the two tracks or any other place connected to the yatra during 46 days period, sources said.

Governor NN Vohra, the chairman of the SASB and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah constantly monitored yatra arrangements and security.

However, the number of 107 deaths during the pilgrimage remained a matter of concern for the Shrine Board as well as the pilgrims. There was a strong opinion among the pilgrims as well as the local people that the Board should upgrade medical facilities on the tracks and the cave shrine to prevent, or at least, minimize the number of deaths.

Meanwhile, the ‘Chhari Mubarak’ of Lord Shiva reached the Amarnath ji shrine from Panchtarni halting station this morning after a night halt.

Led by Mahant Deependera Giri, custodian of holy mace, hundreds of devotees and Sadhus accompanied it.

A special prayer was offered on the occasion of ‘Shravan Purnima’ to pay obeisance to ice-lingam of Lord Shiva – coinciding with Raksha Bandhan – to mark the conclusion of the annual yatra.

Governor N N Vohra, Mrs Usha Vohra and Chief Executive Officer of Shrine Board R K Goyal also took part in the prayers at the cave shrine.

After the traditional prayers, the ‘Chhari Mubarak’ was taken back to Panchtarni for a night halt.

The holy mace is scheduled to reach Chandanwari tomorrow and Pahalgam on Monday on its return journey.

‘Pujan’ and ‘Visarjan’ ceremonies would be performed on the banks of river Lidder in Pahalgam on Monday while the Chhari would return to its abode at Dashnami Akhara in Srinagar on the same day.

The Governor, expressing satisfaction over the smooth conduct of this year’s yatra, complimented all the concerned Departments of the State Government, Army, CRPF, BSF, State police, BSNL, J&K Bank, and all other concerned organisations, and particularly the people of the State, for making the pilgrimage a satisfying experience for thousands of pilgrims who visited the holy shrine this year from various parts of the country, over the past 45 days.

He had a word of appreciation for the close coordination, which had been maintained among security forces, civil and police administration, all the stakeholders, local population and the Shrine Board in ensuring a smooth and peaceful Yatra.

As Chairman of the Shrine Board, the Governor had been monitoring all important aspects of the yatra management on daily basis and personally reviewing the arrangements for the pilgrimage by visiting the base camps, camps enroute and the holy cave.

He had earlier issued strict instructions for launching a time-bound post-yatra cleanliness drive at the base camps, camps enroute and in the holy cave area for ensuring absolute purity of the entire yatra area.

In this context, the Governor particularly visited Panchtarni and Sheshnag camps today to personally review the results of the cleanliness drive launched in the yatra area.

Expressing satisfaction over the implementation of the sanitation measures, the Governor asked the CEO of the Shrine Board to ensure the disposal of all garbage by August 20, so that the entire yatra area is free from all solid wastes well before the onset of ensuing winter season.

Mr Goyal said that 6.36 lakh yatris paid their obeisance at the holy cave Shrine during this year’s pilgrimage, which had commenced on June 29, simultaneously from Baltal and Nunwan base camps, ensuring equitable economic benefits to the local stakeholders residing in Sonamarg-Baltal and Pahalgam-Chandanwari areas.

Referring to various new initiatives taken during the Yatra-2011, Mr Goyal said that the Shrine Board has been according very high priority to the implementation of sanitation and related measures for the preservation of the environment at the base camps and at all the locations enroute the cave shrine and both the yatra routes.

He said that the two Sewerage Treatment Plants (STPs), based on Eco-friendly technology/Biological treatment, at the Baltal and Nunwan base camps, yielded very encouraging outcomes.

Mr Goyal added that the toilet/bath facilities were significantly augmented at Sheshnag, Panchtarni and holy cave camps, with over 250 additional toilets.

He further said that all the toilets were dosed with eco-friendly bacteria on daily basis, for decomposition of the faecal matter.

The CEO disclosed that like last year, all the registered pilgrims were provided free of cost Accident Insurance Cover of Rs one lakh this year as well.

He said that the accidental insurance cover was also provided, with the support from the State Government, to all the registered labourers deployed during the yatra, as well as for the pony owners, in case their horse/pony was involved in an accidental death.

This scheme was aimed at benefiting about 20,000 labourers and 7,000 pony owners, almost all of whom belonged to the economically weaker sections of the society.

Mr Goyal disclosed that insurance claims of pony owners are being processed expeditiously and hoped that beneficiary pony owners would receive the insurance claim in the coming weeks, after completion of all procedural formalities.

Dwelling on other activities this year, the CEO stated that the helicopter services were made available on both Baltal-Panchtarni and Pahalgam-Panchtarni routes, at reasonable fares.

The CEO added that, at the instance of the Governor, several steps were taken for the promotion of tourism industry in the J&K State, through enhanced and equitable distribution of helicopter seats among the registered Tour and Travel Agents and their Associations (based at Srinagar and Jammu), Hotel Associations of Kashmir and Jammu Divisions, House Boat Owners Association and Pahalgam Hotel Association.

These collaborative arrangements were widely appreciated by all the stakeholders.

Mr Goyal added that mobile phone connectivity had been made operational by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) on both Pahalgam and Baltal routes of the entire yatra area up to the holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnath ji this year 10 days ahead of the commencement of the yatra, which not only enabled the yatris to contact their families back home while undertaking the pilgrimage through mountainous tracks but helped a great deal in day to day management of the Yatra.

The Board had also installed Digital Satellite Phones at the crucial camps at Sheshnag, Panchtarni and the holy cave, which proved to be extremely useful for real time monitoring of the Yatra arrangements as also the movement of Yatris.

He informed that round the clock Control Room was established in the CEO’s office to monitor all movements and to particularly watch the weather reports.

Despite repeated Advisories and issue of Do’s and Don’ts to the Yatris, the CEO regretted that as many as 107 Yatris lost their lives due to medical reasons, the prime among them being cardiac arrests and pulmonary failures.

Mr Goyal stated that the Shrine Board had provided all required financial help and logistical support for the medical treatment of those injured, for the transportation of dead bodies to various parts of the country, and in arranging evacuation, wherever required.

30000 visit Budha Amarnath Shrine

Over 30,000 pay obeisance at Budha Amarnath, hundreds visit Thajewara shrine

Over 30,000 pilgrims along with Swami Vishwanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj the custodian of holy mace of Lord Shiva paid obeisance at Budha Amarnath Temple in Mandi teshil of Poonch district today.

The Chhari Mubarak which was led by Swami Ji from Dashnami Akhara Poonch on August 11 morning had reached the Budha Amarnath shrine late in the evening on the same day.

The Chhari Mubarak was accompanied by thousands of devotees and Sadhus drawn from different parts of the State. After paying obeisance in the ancient temple of Lord Shiva at Budha Amarnath, the Chhari Mubarak left for Dashnami Akhara Poonch where Swami Ji will deliver religious discourses tomorrow.

With the performance of darshan by holy mace at Budha Amarnath the 12 day long yatra of Budha Amarnath which started on August 2 culminated today.

During the 12 days yatra one lakh devotees drawn from different parts of the country visited the Budha Amarnath shrine and paid obeisance there.

The authorities had made elaborate arrangements for the pilgrims. Over 80 langers were organized for the yatris enroute and Poonch by various social and religious organizations.

According to reports hundreds of pilgrims drawn from different parts of the State today visited the Pracheen Amarnath shrine in Thajewara (Bijbehara) in South Kashmir district of Anantnag and paid obeisance there. Besides the Kashmiri Pandits from different parts of the Valley, the newly appointed migrant employees and devotees drawn from different parts of Jammu also visited the holy shrine to offer the prayers there. The district administration Anantnag and Prabandhak Committee Bijbehara had made elaborate arrangements for the pilgrims.

It may be recalled that thousands of pilgrims used to visit the holy shrine of Lord Shiva at Thajewara before the militancy in 1989. However, no pilgrim could visit the shrine for over one and half decade of turmoil where the dharamshalla and temple was also damaged by the militants.

But after the renovation of temple some years back by the Prabandhak Committee the yatra to this ancient shrine was restored and for the first time in last 22 years of turmoil hundreds of pilgrims visited the shrine this year.

Meanwhile the festival of Sawan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan was celebrated with traditional religious fervour and gaiety in the State today. There was beeline of devotees in Shiv Mandir, Jammu, Shiv Mandir near Tawi bridge, Shiv Mandir Canal and Aap Shamboo Mandir, Roop Nagar, since early in the morning.

In connection with celebration of Raksha Bandhan and Sawan Purnima a grand function was also held at Sanjeevani Kuteer, Krishna Satsangh Bhawan, Bohri where a large number of devotees participated.

On the occasion Anand Swami Pran Nath Bhat Gareeb commonly known as Bhai Jee gave a thought provoking lecture and stressed on unity and Shiv devotion. He said Lord Shiva is finally source of joy and devotion who liberates devotees from deep miseries and bondages of world.

The Sawan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festival were celebrated at Kathua, Hiranagar, Bani, Basohli, Udhampur, Ramban, Samba and other parts of Jammu region also with fervour and gaiety.

Lok Bhawan shrine

Renovation drive launched at Tirath Raj
Lok Bhawan shrine

In view of coming Harbah festival falling on July 12, a cleanliness and renovation drive of Tirath Raj Lok Bhawan shrine in Anantnag district of South Kashmir was launched by the Migrant Employees Forum from Vessu.

The shrine, which remained closed for pilgrimage during last 20 years of turmoil had suffered major damage during this period also. However during last some years the Prabandhak Committee Teerath Raj Lok Bhawan undertook the renovation work of the shrine and performed the religious functions also.

The volunteers of Forum led by Sanjay Koul and Sanjay Ganjoo under the patronage of Ajay Bharti advisor of the Committee launched the drive.

Meanwhile a meeting of the Prabandhak Committee was also held here today under the presidentship of Maharaj Krishan Raina in which it was decided to organize annual yatra to the shrine from here on Harbah festival this year. The yatra will start from here on July 10.

Sai Baba at Raghunath Temple Jammu

Jammu and Kashmir Dharmarth Trust, today wrote the Golden Chapter by installing and unveiling graceful idol of Shree Sai Baba of Shirdi in one of the outer Parikrama temple groves near famous Natraj Mandir in Shri Raghunath Ji Temple Complex here.

Kanwarani Ritu Singh, Wife of Ajatshatru Singh Ji Trustee and Member Legislative Council, unveiled the idol amidst chanting of Vedic Mantras and performing of special Pooja by a team of the highly learned Pandits.

Fomer Minister and Trustee Ajatshatru Singh was the chief guest.

President, J&K Dharmarth Trust, Thakur Divakar Singh and Members of the Jammu and Kashmir Dharmarth Trust Council, besides, Secretary Shashi Khajuria, galaxy of prominent citizens and a large number of devotees were present on the occasion .

Speaking on the occasion, Trustee Ajatshatru Singh said that by unveiling the Idol of Shree Sai Baba in Raghunath Mandir complex, the Trust has fulfilled the long aspirations of people of Jammu, particularly Sai Baba's devotees coming from outside the State for darshans of Shri Raghunath Ji Mandir in Jammu.

He said that with the installation of Shree Sai Baba's Idol in Jammu's pride of Shri Raghunath Ji temple, now the City of Temples could rightly be called as the abode of secular God. Underscoring the need for unveiling the sacred Idol of Sai Baba in Shree Raghunath Ji Temple Complex, Kanwarani Sahiba said, "Now devotees of Sai Baba will not to have undertake long journeys to other places for darshans of Sai Baba."

Kheerbhawani Festival in Tulmula Kashmir

Governor, CM pray for peace, prosperity Thousands pay obeisance at Kheerbhawani, other shrines in Valley

Emotional scenes were today witnessed as thousands of Kashmiri Pandits joined the annual ''Mela Kheerbhawani'', in Tulamulla where the holy spring associated with Goddess Ragnya Devi changes colours from time to time.

The annual mela provides an opportunity to Kashmiri Pandits, who had migrated to other parts of the country in early 90s and their local Muslim brethren to get reunited.

Governor, N N Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Revenue and Relief Minsiter Raman Bhalla , Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Mohammad Yaseen Malik and senior separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah were among others who visited the temple to greet the devotees, who had come from different parts of the country.

Mr Vohra who was accompanied by first lady, Usha Vohra, paid obeisance at sanctum sanctorum and prayed for peace, harmony, progress and prosperity in the State.

Mr Abdullah interacted with yatris and enquired about the arrangements. He paid obeisance at the shrine and prayed for the return of peace and tranquility in the trouble-torn State.

"We wait entire year for this occasion to meet our Pandit brethren," said Muslims, who provided them milk, flowers and other articles for Pooja.

The administration had put into service 40 passenger buses for ferrying the devotees from Jammu. Besides 20 private buses have also been granted permission for transport facilities of devotees from favoured destinations of the Valley.

The spring of the temple takes on various hues like red, pink, orange, green, blue and has often light green, red rosy and milky white shades.

The colour of the spring remained black in the year 1947 when the Pakistani raiders attacked the Kashmir valley.

Any shade of black colour is supposed to be inauspicious for the inhabitants of the Valley, Kashmir Pandit priests, associated with the shrine said.

Thousands of devotees from different parts of the country and within State visited the shrine today on the occasion of Jesht Ashtami.

Rising of bubbles has also been observed many times which form the mystic Chakra on the surface of the water.

Such a sacred and mysterious spring is found nowhere else in India. The people living round the holy spring have great veneration for the holy shrine as nobody enters the premises of the holy spring if he happens to have taken meat on that day.

The historic Temple of Kheer Bhiwani was built by Maharaja Pratap Singh in 1912 and later renovated by Maharaja Hari Singh.

The diety of Godess Ragyna is decorated in a small white Marble Temple. The legend goes that Lord Rama worshipped Mother Ragyna during his exile & desired Hanuman to shift the seat of Mother after the expiry of exile period, who bought it to Shadipora and was later shifted to present site as per the wish of divine Mother Ragnya conveyed in dream to one Pandit Rugnath Gadroo.

Meanwhile, reopening of Mata Bhawani temple in south Kashmir after remaining closed for more than 22 years was more than just a religious affair as emotional scenes were witnessed when Pandit migrants were received by their Muslim neighbours.

"It was reunion with our Muslim brethren who encouraged us to return and reopen the Mata Bhawani temple at Lokti Pura (Aishmuqam) on Anantnag-Pahalgam road in South Kashmir yesterday," said the Kashmiri migrant Pandits who had come from different parts of the country.

A young girl said she had a very faint memory about the temple as she was visiting to pray alongwith her parents before migration to Jammu.

The Pandits, who were in tears after receiving overwhelming response from the local Muslims said ''We have wasted two decades as we were scare because of daily news reports on Kashmir situation''.

"We find totally different situation in the Kashmir Valley, where Kashmiriyat is still alive'', they said.

The local Muslims said the temple was closed after majority of Pandits migrated to other parts of the country in early 90s.

"We were looking after the temple and made sure no damage was done to it", they said, adding that they remained in touch with the Pandit brethren.

They said they succeeded in perusing them to return here and reopen the Mata Bhawani temple again.

"Our efforts had yielded results and we are again together today to join each others festivals", the Muslims said.

Hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits paid obeisance at the Mata Kheer Bhawani temple at Tikker in North Kashmir district of Kupwara where a Maha Yagya was also performed on the occasion.

The Mata Kheer Bhawani mela was also celebrated at the ancient shrine of Mata Kheer Bhawani at Manzgam in South Kahsmir district of Kulgam and at Tripur Sundri Khanbarnian today.

A large number of Kashmiri Pandits participated in these functions and hawans were also solemnized at these shrines. The local Muslims welcomed the displaced Pandits.

A Maha yagya was also performed at Tirath Raj Mattan under the supervision of M K Yogi president of the Trust.

As a goodwill gesture Low Paid Employees Federation and Pensioners Association had installed stalls to offer soft drinks and lemon water to yatries at Tulamulla.

34.5 lakh visit Vaishno Devi

Pilgrimage to holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi ji has gone up by about two lakh during first five months of current year as compared to corresponding period last year even as police have beefed up security arrangements in holy town of Katra, the base camp of the shrine, 13 kilometers track and the Bhawan area.

In first five months, about 34.5 lakh pilgrims had darshan of natural pindies of Goddess Vaishno Devi in holy cave shrine inside Trikuta hills. During the same period last year, 32.47 lakh yatris had visited the Bhawan.

Yatra to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in the month of May was almost equal like the last year. While this year, 8.7 lakh yatris visited the cave shrine, the figure for the last year was 8.65 lakh.

Additional CEO SMVDSB, Dr Mandeep K Bhandari said the yatra to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine has increased by 2.03 lakh during first five months of this year.

The yatra was expected to pick up further in the months of June and July due to summer vacations and Amarnath yatra. Most of the pilgrims visiting Amarnath ji shrine in South Kashmir Himalayas also preferred to have darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi.

With the picking of rush, security arrangements at Katra, the Bhawan and the track have been beefed up with deployment of more police and CRPF personnel at vintage points.

SDPO Katra P N Tickoo said security has been stepped-up at the base camp of Katra and other places in view of heavy rush of yatris and some adverse inputs supplied by the security agencies. ``We are fully alert to the situation. Security has been intensified for the pilgrims. We are taking all care of the yatris’’, he added.

Mr Tickoo said police and para-military personnel to thwart the designs of anti-national elements have covered the mountains of Katra and Reasi surrounding the holy cave shrine.

Meanwhile, a number of pilgrims visiting the cave shrine have complained extortions from the hands of pithoos and ponneywallahs. They said that as against Rs 314 rate fixed for a mule from Katra to Bhawan and Rs 630 for return, they were extorting any thing between Rs 1500 to Rs 3000, or sometime, even more from the pilgrims especially those visiting the cave shrine from outside the State for the first time.

Some pithuwallahs have also started the similar practice.

Sources said all authorities including the Katra Municipality, which has been licensing pithoos, mules and poneywallahs, knew the extortions but there has been no action from anyone to save pilgrims from the loot.

Earlier, the Katra Municipality used to give the work of pithoos, poneywallahs and palkis on tenders. This time, however, the tenders haven’t been floated.

Katra Municipality Secretary Rattan Lal admitted that there had been complaints of overcharging by the pithoos and mule owners but said they have taken prompt action. The registration of erring mule owners was suspended and they were fined.

``In one case, we returned Rs 8000 (overcharged by the mule owners) from a Mumbai team by the Demand Draft’’, Rattan Lal said, adding that entire problem of overcharging will be over when their system of wi-fi is introduced shortly. For the system, two towers have already been installed at Adh-Kunwari and Bhawan while permission has been sought for installation of tower at Katra, he added.

About 87 lakh pilgrims had visited Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan in 2010, the highest ever in the history so far. If everything goes well, the yatra was easily expected to cross 9 million figure this year as it has already increased by about 2 lakh in first quarter of the year.

The Shrine Board was ultimately bracing up to receive 1 crore pilgrims a year to the cave shrine.

As against 87.2 lakh yatra in 2010, the number in 2009 was 82 lakh. In 2008, 67.92 lakh yatra was recorded while the number was 74.17 lakh in 2007. The pilgrimage was down in 2008 due to Amarnath land row agitation.

Even last year, the SMVDSB authorities were anticipating 9 million yatra to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine but the number remained slightly less due to three month unrest during summer in the Kashmir Valley. The valley unrest also had impact on the yatra to Vaishno Devi Bhawan.

While 4,21,231 yatris had darshan of natural pindies of Goddess Vaishno Devi during January this year, the similar figure for previous year was 3,99,665. In February, the yatra came down slightly and stood at 3,69,755 as against 3,77,213 last year. In March, 7,55 lakh yatris paid obeisance to the Goddess as against 7.22 lakh last year. In April this year, 9.77 lakh pilgrims visited Mata’s Bhawan as against 8.35 lakh last year.

Devotees at Chountra shrine

Over one lakh devotees pay obeisance at Chountra shrine

Over 40000 pilgrims visited the holy shrine of Chountra Mata situated on a scenic hillock in-between village Rang Bulandh and village Thail in tehsil Ramnagar and Majalta of the Udhampur district during the  7th Navratra. 

The Akhand Joyti of Mahamaya Chountra Mata which was lit at Narsingh ji Mandir, Ramnagar on April 4, 2011 on Ist Navratra was taken to the shrine on the 7th Navratra in a colourful procession followed by thousands of devotees chanting bhajan and kirtan.

MLA, Ramnagar Harshdev Singh, Sub Divisional Magistrate, Basantghar, Amit Sharma, Block Medical Officer, Ramnagar, Dr. Rajesh Gupta, SDPO, Ramnagar, Station House Officer also visited the shrine.

According to the Mela Officer, Naib Tehsildar Ramnagar, over one lakh yatris performed darshan at the shrine during Navratra days.

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