Dharmarth Trust celebrates Shankara Jayanti with fervour, gaiety

Devotees waiting in a queue to offer prayers at Adi Shankaracharya temple in Srinagar on Friday. (UNI)
Devotees waiting in a queue to offer prayers at Adi Shankaracharya temple in Srinagar on Friday. (UNI)

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, May 6: J&K Dharmarth Trust celebrated the Shankara Jayanti -the birth anniversary of Adi Guru Shankaracharya, who was the pioneer of ‘Advaita’ philosophy, with religious fervour. Religious preachers of Vedas from several parts of the country converged at the Shankaracharya Temple.
On the occasion, Advisor to Lt Governor Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Divisional Commissioner, PK Pole, and President J&K Dharmarth Trust Advocate Ajay Gandotra amidst the galaxy of prominent persons performed Pooja in a traditional manner followed by the Rudra Abhishek.
Every year, people from across the country visit Srinagar on Shankara Jayanti to pray for peace and harmony, and to make India a strong nation. “Adi Guru Shankaracharya was born in Kerala 2,000 years ago. The saint travelled thousands of kilometres from Kerala and came to Kashmir to meditate at the Shankaracharya hill, Srinagar, to spread the message of peace to humanity,” a temple priest said, adding ‘Abhishek’ was also performed for world peace on the occasion and several priests from Kanchi Mutt, Tamil Nadu, were also present. He said the priests performed “Homa, Havan and Yagna” for peace in the country.
The Trust has illuminated the temple premises. Later, Parsad was also served among the devotees.
Meanwhile, Ajay Gandotra visited Kheer Bhawani Temple and Shiv Temple Gulmarg to take stock of the facilities. He also gave necessary directions for providing hassle free facilities to the visiting pilgrims.
Gandotra said that Dharmarth Trust has attained expertise in providing state of art facilities to the devotees visiting temples and shrines being run under its ambit and this has been acquired after decades of experience. He said that the Trust is now working to provide modern amenities to the visiting pilgrims and for this dedication of staff and people is a must.
Gandotra also appreciated the zeal and dedicated work being performed by the staff of J&K Dharmarth Trust particularly at Shankaracharya Temple, Kheer Bhawani Temple and Shiv Temple Gulmarg.