Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 14: Braving scorching heat thousands of devotees thronged the Kheer Bhawani Peeth here at Janipur today from early in the morning to participate in the Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela and Zesht Ashtami celebrations. The temple at Janipur is the replica of Kheer Bhawani shrine of Tulmulla Kashmir which was constructed by the devotees soon after the forced exodus of Kashmir Pandits from the Valley.
The rush of the pilgrims started from early in the morning and it continued to late in the evening. Entire shrine premise was fully decorated and the atmosphere echoed with Bhajan since last evening which reached its climax as the day advanced. Devotees with flowers and Thalis filled with Puja material continued to assemble around the holy temple of Mata Maha Reghneya to offer Puja in the traditional way. The fragrance of Dhoop , Sandal and other Puja material made the environment serene.
The Ardh Ratri Maha Reghneya Sewa Sanstha Trust managing the affairs of shrine also performed Maha Yagya on the occasion in which large number of devotees participated. The devotees also joined the Puranahuti later in the afternoon. This was followed by serving of Prashad to devotees. Several stalls were set up by the Sanstha for the convenience of the yatris. The day long religious function culminated with Samuhik Aarti in the evening in which also a large number of devotees took part.
Entire Bhawani Nagar area in Janipur where the shrine of Mata is situated gave a festive look. The Sanstha with the help of local authorities had made elaborate arrangements like drinking water, transport and sanitation for devotees. Elaborate security arrangements were also made in view of recent terror attacks in different parts of Jammu and a big contingent of police was also deployed in the area. The Bhawani Nagar road was also closed for vehicular traffic for the day to avert any inconvenience to pilgrims.
The president of the Sanstha on the occasion apprised the devotees about the activities of the Sanstha and the developmental works which were completed during the previous year and those which are to be taken up in hand in near future. He sought cooperation of devotees in for fulfilling the dream of bringing up a magnificent Sedh Peeth at Kheer Bhawani, Janipur.
The management also complimented the Government departments for rendering cooperation in smooth conduct of religious festival.
It may be recalled that Kheer Bhawani is the presiding deity of Kashmiri Pandits whose birthday is celebrated on Zeasht Ashtami from times immemorial. Thousands of devotees used to visit the holy shrine at Tulmulla Kashmir from different parts of Valley to pay obeisance to Mata on this day.
Zeashta Ashtami was also celebrated here at K P Sabha, Ambphalla where Puja Archana was performed in which large number of devotees participated and took Prashad. The devotees prayed for the well being of mankind and peace.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
