Shiv Khori the cave shrine housing the ligam of Lord Shiva has become another place of visitation by a large number of pilgrims from different parts of the country. Around ten lakh pilgrims visited the cave last year and the number is likely to increase further this year. Management of the shrine is in the hands of the Shiv Khori Shrine Board. Access to the shrine is along the Jammu-Reasi road but then some distance has to be covered on foot to reach the cave shrine at the heights of Trikuta Hills. In view of Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board having inducted chopper service for the pilgrims from Jammu to the shrine, the Shrine Board of Shiv Khori shrine also had been trying for chopper service. The plan was mooted some time back and in pursuance of the request, it was decided that a chopper landing strip be made at a suitable site close to the shrine. The project was taken in hand and we are informed that an airstrip having parking capacity for four choppers is ready for service. The approach road to the chopper strip is of 375 meter length of which two-third has been completed and only 125 meters are remaining. Chopper service is designed between Katra and Shiv Khori and Jammu-Shiv Khori. The approach road will connect the air strip with Gauri Bhawan.
However, owing to incomplete iron bridge over a nullah that falls in between the shrine and he airstrip, Board authorities have made a temporary diversion until the time steel bridge come up. Tenders were floated but for technical reasons, these need to be refloated.
Providing chopper connectivity will stimulate pilgrimage to the cave shrine. Millions of people in the country are worshippers of Lord Shiva — the Creator and Destroyer according to Hindu mythology— and his abode is generally believed to be on Mount Kailash. However, we have several sites in the State where the tradition of lingam worship has been going on for centuries. Apart from Shri Amarnath cave shrine in the Himalayan ranges atop Pahalgam in Kashmir, we have Buda Amarnath in Mandi-Poonch. Though Amarnath cave shrine in Kashmir attracts largest number of pilgrims running in tens of lakhs in a year, the number of pilgrims to Buda Amarnath and Shiv Khori is far less. But as far as natural setting and scenic beauty are concerned, Shiv Khori has an edge over Buda Amarnath.
Apart from its religious significance, Shiv Khori can have tourist potential as well provided the Department of Tourism takes interest in developing it as a tourist spot. We would suggest that the Department of Tourism deputes a team of experts to examine the spot and explore the possibility of converting it into a major tourist spot in the region. Except for Patni Top and to some extent Sanasar and Mansar, there are no well planned tourist spots in Jammu region. If Shiv Khori is brought on the tourist map, it is bound to bring about radical change in the economy of the entire district of Reasi. Unfortunately so far Reasi remains one of the backward districts of the State. This is despite many schemes and much developmental projects undertaken by the Government to improve the standard of living of the people in the district. While over all development of the district is entirely the job of the government, initiatives taken by Shiv Khori shrine Board will indirectly support all developmental activities of the civilian Government. Chopper service will be a landmark step in improving connectivity in the district. We highly appreciate the effort of the Shiv Khori Shrine Board that is taking pains to improve the things on the patters on Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine.
Reasi has already been brought on the railway map of Kashmir. With the addition of chopper service, communication, trade, pilgrimage, tourism and transportation will receive big fillip in due course of time. Katra, the base town is on the threshold of becoming a brisk trade and business centre. It would be highly satisfying if the District authorities of Reasi plan the development of strategic and commercial towns of Katra after entrusting the task to a select committee of experts in town planning.
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