Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 7: Observing the restrictions imposed due to spread of COVID pandemic a selected number of pilgrims from different surrounding villages today visited the ancient shrine of Nowdal at Tral, Awantipora in South Kashmir district Pulwama today to participate in annual Nowdal yatra and performed the Rudra Maha Abisheikh of pious Shivlingam in one of the springs at the shrine.
The yatra was arranged by Temples and Shrines Prabhandak Committee (TSPC) Tral and selected devotees from surrounding villages paid obeisance at the holy shrine and took a dip in the springs there to keep the age old tradition alive.
The representative of TSPC, Dr Ramesh said the Nowdal Chaturthi was also celebrated at Jammu with religious fervour and gaiety today as the yatris could not visit the holy shrine due to restrictions and guidelines made by the Government in view of COVID pandemic.
He said the Nowdal shrine is one of the ancient shrines of Kashmir Valley from Puranic period and it is linked to culmination of annual Amarnath yatra when the pilgrims on this day i.e Nowdal Chaturthi used to visit the shrine for immersion of relics including sticks and foot wears made of grass and then take a dip in holy waters besides performing the Maha Rudra Abhishekh of Shivlingam at the shrine.
He said however due to turmoil the yatra remained affected for some period but the TPC over 12 years back re-started the pilgrimage to holy shrine. He appealed the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) and its Chairman, Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha to include it in the yatra itinerary of holy Amarnath shrine also to revive the old age tradition.
He said Temples Shrines Prabandhak Committee Tral-Awantipur with camp office at Jammu has also been for last 10-12 years taking yatra to Nowdal on this day with security and other arrangements like Transport etc. provided by the Government .
ADC Tral ,Police authorities and apart from other security agencies different civil administration departments also were at Nowdal providing help and necessary facilities to the devotees.
In Jammu at Sidhvinayak Mandir Muthi also executive members of TSPC lead by its President Adv. C L.Bhat performed a symbolic Pooja assisted as per Vedic norms by Dr.Ramesh Bhat.
Adherence of social distancing and wearing of masks was strictly adhered to during the religious function.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
