President Droupadi Murmu, the first citizen of India, inaugurated the Skywalk and the revamped Parvati Bhawan at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji Shrine. She embellished the occasion by unveiling a multitude of improvements to elevate the Yatri experience to an unparalleled echelon. The Skywalk and the renovated Parvati Bhawan, as well as the provision of free ‘langar’ (community meal) for pilgrims at Bhairon Ghati and the expanded Atka Aarti premises, are all part of the significant projects undertaken by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB). These projects are set to become operational with the first Navratra.
The unyielding dedication and commitment exhibited by the Shrine Board in ensuring a remarkable and unforgettable yatra experience are commendable. The advent of well-established road, rail, and railway connectivity has resulted in a burgeoning influx of pilgrims, surpassing the monumental one crore mark. The transformations within Bhawan have been nothing short of extraordinary, transcending from a few rudimentary structures to a profusion of top-notch facilities catering to the needs of a multitude of pilgrims. The metamorphosis of the once rugged stone pathway into a meticulously maintained, resplendent trail illuminated by solar-powered lighting, coupled with the addition of a distinct pathway from Adhkuwari to Bhawan, battery-powered conveyances, well-maintained lavatories, rest areas, and RO-filtered potable water sources at various junctures, has substantially ameliorated the challenges posed by the arduous trek, rendering it more accessible for the pilgrims.
For those with the means, direct helicopter services from Jammu Airport to Bhavan are in the pipeline. The ability to make donations and procure prasad online represents a welcome advancement. The live broadcast of the Bhawan Aarti in the morning and evening is a spiritual lifeline for countless devotees. The implementation of separate ingress and egress tunnels, in conjunction with the traditional cave entrance, serves as a much-appreciated development that mitigates waiting times and expedites darshan. The ropeway transportation system linking Bhawan to Bhairon Ghati imparts an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience that will etch indelible memories into the hearts of the pilgrims.
Drawing wisdom from past experiences, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has taken decisive measures to address persistent challenges. The unwavering enthusiasm of devotees to embark on a sacred pilgrimage to this revered shrine has led to an ever-increasing influx of pilgrims. The stark reality is that the Bhavan’s geographical location is nestled within an ecologically sensitive area, encompassed by formidable mountainous terrain. This, in turn, presents a substantial constraint in accommodating the burgeoning number of yatris. The primary natural cave entrance had been supplanted by an artifice tunnel entry, expediting the ingress and egress of devotees through the narrow entrance. But the thoroughfare leading to the shrine’s entrance within Bhavan remained singular. The complexity of the situation is further exacerbated by the myriad of pilgrims crisscrossing for bathing and baggage retrieval. In a display of sagacious planning, SMVDSB has proffered a salient solution in the form of the Skywalk. This innovative addition is poised to eliminate another significant bottleneck while simultaneously fortifying the security measures for the pilgrims. The introduction of RFID cards and the proliferation of CCTV surveillance are other initiatives aimed at streamlining the flow of pilgrims while concurrently safeguarding their well-being.
It is unequivocally evident that the economic vitality of the Jammu region is inextricably linked to the colossal pilgrimage of over one crore devotees who visit the sacred shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji. Every painstaking effort dedicated to the enhancement of facilities in Katra, Bhavan, and along the pilgrimage route promises to engender contentment among the pilgrims. This contentment, in turn, fuels word-of-mouth promotion, further propelling the influx of yatris. Sustained and resolute endeavours undertaken by SMVDSB are not only highly commendable but also hold the potential to catalyse the prosperity of the Jammu region on a substantial scale.
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