Dr.Banarsi Lal and Dr.Shahid Ahamad
Reasi is a hilly district of Jammu and Kashmir which is located around 72 km away from Jammu and is at 1528 meter above mean sea level. Its population is 3, 14,714 as per 2011 census. It was carved from Udhampur district on 1st April, 2007.This district is surrounded by Udhampur, Rajouri, Jammu, Ramban and Shopian districts. This district of Jammu and Kashmir is world famous because of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. Every year millions of devotees visit this holy shrine to pay homage. The Chenab River passes through this district which is another centre of attraction in the district. Salal Power Project has been constructed over this river and this generates around 690 MW power. Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir is the abode of Mata Vaishno Devi and blessed with vast biodiversity. Reasi is one of the oldest towns of the state. It was the seat of the erstwhile Bhimgarh state, said to have been established by Bhim Dev somewhere in the 8th century. It remained an independent principality till 1822 when Gulab Singh, the then King of Jammu consolidated small states. Upto 1948 Reasi was the district of Jammu province but in the first administrative reorganization of the state undertaken in 1948 major part of the then district Reasi was merged with Udhampur district, while some area became part of district Poonch presently Rajouri.
District Reasi is the hub of tourists’ spots. The district is blessed with number of religious places and devotees across the globe used to come here every year to pay homage. There are numerous religious spots in the district. Following are some of the important destinations for the tourists in Reasi district:-
Vaishno Devi Shrine
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine is the most important religious spot in the district which attracts millions of pilgrims every year. Vaishno Devi shrine is located in the lap of the Shivalik hills which is around 13 kms away from Katra which is one of the prominent towns of Reasi district and is around 45 kms from Jammu. The divine power of Mata Vaishno Devi attracts the devotees across the world. It is said that whoever comes to Mata Vaishno Devi and prays with true spirit and full dedication, his/her aspirations are always fulfilled. The Shrine is world famous pilgrimage centre in the state. It has been managed by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board since 1986.It is the epicenter of religious spots in the district. The Shrine Board takes care of all the devotees of the pilgrims in every possible way. There are beautiful hotels in Katra city where the pilgrims can stay as long they like. The beautiful Shivalik hills and natural beauty of the spot really added the enthusiasm among the pilgrims. The Shalimar garden situated at Katra also added charm to the beauty of city.
Shiv Khori
Reasi town is also famous for this ancient cave of Lord Shiva. This spot depicts the natural formation of Shivlingam and is one of the most important caves of Lord Shiva in the state. The cave is around 150 mts long and 4 ft high natural Shivlingam. The cave gives the divine feelings to the devotees. It is said that 33 crores of deities exist in the cave. This spot is around 55 km away from Reasi. Generally whoever visits at Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine also visits this spot. This spot is also managed by the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and every effort is made for the smooth holy visit of the pilgrims. A big fair is organized by the district administration on Shivratri for three days. A large number of devotees visit this place every year across the globe.
Dera Baba Banda Bahadur
Dera Baba is another important place situated in Reasi district. It is around 25 km away from Reasi. Baba Banda Bahadur Singh was a famous saint warrior of Guru Govind Singh who fought with the Mughals. This shrine has an arrow, a sword and some weapons given to Baba Singh by Guru Govind Singh. A Gurdwara on the bank of Chenab River has been made which gives living memories of Baba Banda Bahadur. He has rigorously worshipped at this spot. This place is considered as a major pilgrimage center for the Hindus & Sikhs devotees. People from all over the world used to visit this for pilgrimage throughout the year. In the month of April a big fair is organized on Baisakhi festival and people from the nook and corner of the country participate in it. Baba Jatinder Paul Singh Sodhi Ji who is the 10th descendant of Baba Bahadur family is the main organizer of this Gurdwara and gives sermons to the devotees for the enrichment in their spiritualism.
Salal Hydroelectric Power Project
Salal Power Project is also a source of attraction for the tourists in Reasi district. Its construction work was commenced in 1970.The main objective of the project is to electrify and provide electricity for domestic and commercial use. It is surrounded by the mountains and is around 23 km away from Reasi. Salal Hydroelectric Project is constructed on the Chenab River which passes through Reasi district. The project generates around 690 MW of power. U.P, J&K, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, H.P. Chandigarh & Rajasthan get the electricity through this project. This is a very charming place and the tourists’ enthuastically visit this spot.
Baba Aghar Jitto
Baba Aghar Jitto is a shrine which has been made on Katra-Reasi main road at village Aghar Jitto which is around 6 km from Katra. Baba Aghar Jitto was a great devotee of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. Baba Jitto was a farmer who sacrificed his life to get his due share of agricultural crop from Jagirdar Bir Singh who denied him to give the committed share. After that he became famous among the farmers community. This place is also source of attraction for the pilgrims from all over the world. On this spot Baba Jitto statue has been constructed and natural source of water is really the centre of attraction. Every year a big fair is organized by the district administration at this spot and large number of people participate in this fair and pay respect to Baba Jitto.
Bhimgarh Fort, Reasi
Bhimgarh fort generally said to be Reasi fort has been constructed at an altitude of around 150 meters from the surface level near Reasi town. It is located on the North West side of Jammu. This is an historical fort which was initially made with clay and later on reconstructed by Maharaja Rishipal Rana by using the stones. This fort was named after the second Pandava brother Bhim and it signifies his strength and appearance. The fort is built on a hilly spot near the bank of River Anji. This place is also a source of attraction for the tourists in Reasi district.
Baba Dhansar
The holy place is situated around 15 km away from Katra near Karua village. It is said that in ancient times, there was a demon who was residing there and committing crimes on the people. The villagers sought the help of Baba Dhansar who is said to be the son of Vasudev. It is said that Baba Dhansar prayed to Lord Shiva for the help of the people. Lord Shiva listened the prays of Baba Dhansar and killed the demon. The major attraction of Dhansar, however, is the spouting spring which emerges from the rocks and flows into the adjacent forest.
Siarh Baba
This holy shrine is situated on the bank of the Chenab River and is around 6 km from Reasi town. Siarh Baba is known for its natural waterfall from a height around 400 ft. which is a mainly a centre of attraction for the tourists. People from distant areas used to visit this spot enthuastically every year. This is a very nice spot to visit especially in summers because of the pleasant cool atmosphere. People here take the holy dip in the water pool. There is also an ancient Nag temple. People have immense faith on Siarh Baba shrine.
Nau Devian
This spot is situated about 15 km from Reasi on Reasi Katra main road. The shrine has naturally formed nine pindies which symbolize the nine avtars of Maha Shakti. There are certain natural water pools where the pilgrims can have the holy bath.
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