Yatris given grand reception at Akhnoor, Dumi
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 29: The first batch of Buda Amarnath Yatra was flagged off from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas here, today by Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, ADG Police Jammu, Mukesh Kumar and Bajrang Dal national convener, Neeraj Dhanoria.
As the first batch comprising of over 1055 pilgrims drawn from different parts of the country left the Yatri Niwas the slogans Jai Shri Ram and Buda Amarnath Ki Jai rent the air. On the occasion president, Baba Amarnath and Buda Amarnath Yatri Niyas, Pawan Kohli, its general secretary, Sudershan Khajuria were also present.
Speaking on the occasion, Divisional Commissioner , Jammu, Ramesh Kumar said that VHP and Bajrang Dal should remain assured that administration will provide all facilities to pilgrims and take care of their security and other issues.
He said at 12 places arrangements for yatris stay have been made enroute. The national convener BD Neeraj Dhanoria said that yatris will be given a grant reception at Jia Pota Ghat Akhnoor, and they will also visit the historical and religious places enroute to Buda Amarnath.
He said after performing the pilgrimage at holy temple of Buda Amarnath Ji the yatris on return to Bhawati Nagar Yatri Niwas will also pay obeisance at Shiv Kohri Shrine in Reasi district.
Kartik Sudan J&K convener BD said that 1055 pilgrims left in 24 vehicles. These all pilgrims had come from Surasht and Jodhpur, he added.
Later the first batch of Buddha Amarnath pilgrimage was received at Dumi village on Jammu-Poonch National Highway by impressive bike rally of Bajrang Dal headed by Balkar Singh (Prant Suraksha Pramukh Bajrang Dal) whereas SSP Mohan Lal Bhagat, Deputy Director Indoor SKPA Udhampur was especially present to welcome the Yatra observing all the traditional religious rituals. Bhavesh Bhai Thakur, Senior Bajrang Dal functionary from Gujarat was also accompanying the Yatra.
The Yatra was then escorted to the historical Kameshwar Temple in Akhnoor where Sham Lal Sharma, former Minister and senior BJP leader, Mahamandleshwar Rameshwar Dass, SSP Mohan Lal Bhagat, Dr Krishan Lal Bhagat Ex MLA, Jagdish Bhagat, Ravi Verma, Sonia Verma and other functionaries of VHP/ Bajrang Dal welcomed them.
The Yatra was flagged of from the Temple by Mahamandleshwar Rameshwar Dass, Former Minister Sham Lal Sharma and others.
The yatra was also given a grand reception on its arrival at Rajouri in the afternoon. The batch was received by Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Vikas Kundal, DIG Rajouri-Poonch Range , Dr Mohammed Haseeb Mughal, ADDC Pawan Kumar, ADC Rajouri Sachin Dev Singh, ACR, Imran Rashid Kataria, Mohammed Arif , president Municipal Council Rajouri, Mohammed Arif, vice president , Bharat Bushan Vaid, AD FCS &CA , Arif Lone and others.
The yatra was also received at Poonch by DC and other senior civil and police officers. It will have a night halt at Poonch where from it will leave for Buda Amarnath tomorrow.
The pilgrimage is taking place after a gap of two years as it remained suspended in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID restrictions. Jammu and Kashmir Police, Army as well as Central Paramilitary forces are guarding Yatra convoy, Yatra route and halt points. Several other adequate security measures have been taken that include quick reaction team’s deployment as well as of traffic management squads.
According to legends Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati had a brief halt at this place while on their way to Shri Amarnath Ji in Kashmir Valley. According to another legend Pulastya Rishi while meditating in the Himalayas had virtual interaction (darshan) of Lord Shiva where the Holy shrine is situated. The shrine is situated on the bank of Pulasta river named after Ravana’s grandfather Pulastya Rishi and has pleasant and cool weather throughout the year. As per local myth the shrine is older than Shri Amarnath Ji cave (Kashmir) and pilgrimage to Shri Amarnath is incomplete without paying a visit to Shree Buddha Amarnath shrine. The holy temple in its main structure housing one big rock having a natural (self-manifested) Shiv Lingam made of- white quartz. The temple has four doors symbolizing that the shrine is open for all the sections of the society.
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