Shat Chandi Maha Yagya starts at Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 22: The nine auspicious days of Navratras have started today and the devotees thronged all the prominent temples here to pay obeisance to Goddess Durga.
Serpentine queues of devotees were witnessed at Bawe Wali Mata temple right from the wee hours today and they were chanting “Jai Mata Di”.
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Many devotees from adjoining villages of Jammu city visited the shrine of Goddess Kali in groups.
The shrine of Bawe Wali Mata is housed in a very ancient fort built by Raja Bahu Lochan some centuries back on a hillock at the bank of river Tawi.
“About eight thousand devotees paid obeisance to the Goddess on first Navratra today,” informed Pandit Vivek Magotra, Head Priest at the shrine adding that all should visit the shrine to get blessings of the deity.
Many volunteers have organised free Langars at the shrine where even those who were observing fasts were served with special items like potatoes.
Similar was the scenario at other temples like Kol Kandoli temple in Nagrota, Chi Chi Mata Mandir in Samba, Kali Mata Mandir in Jastora and at many other places.
The Police have put a tight security arrangement around the temples to prevent any untoward incident.
Meanwhile, Shat Chandi Maha Yagya started today at the holy cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji in Katra.
Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, other officers and staff of the Shrine Board besides pilgrims were present on the occasion.
The Maha Yagya was performed through the recitation of Vedic hymns and other religious ceremonies for universal peace, prosperity and well-being of mankind. The Yagya will culminate on October 1 with Purna Ahuti on Mahanavami.
As per directions of the Chairman SMVDSB (Lt Governor, Jammu & Kashmir UT), several inclusive and facilitative measures have been implemented to enhance the pilgrimage experience. These include complimentary pony and battery car services for differently-abled devotees, priority access to Darshan at the sanctum sanctorum and the establishment of dedicated help desks at key locations to assist pilgrims at large.
The Bhawan, Atka and surrounding areas have been adorned with indigenous and exotic fruits and flowers, elaborate reception gates and decorative Pandals. The entire Bhawan complex has been illuminated with vibrant façade lighting, offering a visually captivating experience for pilgrims.
The CEO, Shrine Board also interacted with pilgrims to assess the arrangements and expressed satisfaction with the facilities being provided at both Bhawan and Katra.
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