The presiding deity of Jammu

Prof. (Dr) R.D. Gupta
These days Bahu Fort is fast emerging as a hub of tourism and pilgrimage. This fort is nearly 5 Km from Jammu city which stands situated on a hillock on the left bank of the river Tawi well known as Suraya Putri (Daughter of the sun). The hillock constitutes a part of sub-mountainous area of Siwaliks (Shivaliks) locally known as Kandi belt of Jammu. It is assumed that the Bahu Fort was constructed by Raja Bahu Lochan around 3000 years ago. There is a belief that first renovation of this fort was undertaken by Maharaja Ranjit Singh during Sikh Rule in 1820. Later on, during the reign of Dogra Rulers, its renovation and beautification was done from time to time. during their rule (1846-1947) which started from Maharaja Gulab Singh to Maharaja Ranbir Singh, Maharaja Pratap Singh and ended with Maharaja Hari Singh.
Inside the Bahu Fort is an old religious temple dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Mahakali, the presiding deity of Jammu. Locally, this temple is known as  “Bawe Wali Mata”.
About the Fort
The Bahu Fort located at an elevation of nearly 300m, is quite opposite to the old city of Jammu. The octagonal shaped fort is well connected with thick walls. The towers possess enclosures to house guards. The main entry is quite fit to permit passage of elephants into the fort, on the left entry into the fort is a pond of water. The pond has been built on the same pattern which used in the old Jammu city like Rani ka Talab which has been converted into  a park. Ajaib Ghar Tala (where now secretariat stands up) and those of Kandi belt of Jammu. It is 6.1 x 6.1 m in size with a water depth of 4.6 m. Apyramidal structure on the right flank is used as ammunition store. An underground chamber was used as a prison. This chamber possesses, a secret exit to escape from the fort in case of any emergencies. The first floor is lavishly built with arches and decorated with floral designs like a palace-Baradari.

 

Bahu Fort Mela special

About Maha Kali Temple: According to some historians Mahakali Temple dated back to 3400 BC, is one of the oldest temples in India together with Mahamaya temple in Bahu Rakh, which now allures not only local pilgrims but also a large number of the Vaishno Devi pilgrims during their return journey. It is one of the renowned Shakti Temples which has been built in with white marble on a raised platform of 1.2 m height. It is point to mention that Idol (Murti) of Bawe-wali-Mata was brought from Calcutta (Now Kolkata) where Mahakali Temple of Calcutt exists and as such Bawe-wali-Mata is also called Mahakali. Although this temple is believed to  be very old yet the temple seems modern. It is a small temple which can accommodate a few worshippers at a time. In the past, animal (Goat) sacrifice was practised at this temple, which has now been stopped. Presently, a priest performs a few rites uttering some religious hymns and sprinkles Holy water over the animal and then lets it to go free.
Another special feature seen in the temple premises is the presence of a large group of Rhesus monkeys, rather the largest such group in whole of Jammu and Kashmir. These monkeys are fed by the devotees with gram, sweets, bread etc. Sometimes they snatch the worshipping materials from the hands of devotees forcibly. On every Sunday and Tuesday as well as during Navratras, a large number of pilgrims visit this temple to worship the Bawe-wali-Mata and to secure her blessings. Now a days many langars are arranged by the devotees of Bawe-wali-Mata to serve  prashed among the vistors. The place is well visited by many tourists who come to pay obeisance to Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.
About Bagh-e-Bahu
Although Jammu city cannot boast of the best scenic beauty in the country yet the city has a number of spots that will allow them to witness the Nature’s glory and bring them to a man made Paradise on Earth. The Bage-e-Bahu in Jammu city is one such garden that does not only boast of lavish greenery but also permits people to have a sneak view of the Jammu city. The visiting tourists cannot see only garden but they see the river Tawi, famous Jammu University and all the four bridges on this river and some residential areas of Jammu city. Something on the lines of Mughal Gardens in Kashmir Valley, the Bagh-e-Bahu possesses lot for potential of alluring tourists. Sprawling over an area of 20 hectare of land, this garden has been divided into a number of phases which consist of vast landscape, canteen, boating rides, mini Apu Ghar, water streams, fountains and professional photographers who can capture all this in their lens. It is worth mentioning that Bagh-e-Bahu has been developed on the slope that has majestic and historic Bahu Fort on its top.
Bahu Fort Fair
Among the various fairs, Bahu Fort fair locally known as Bahu Mela, is one of the most popular festivals. Bahu Mela is held during the Navratras in Bahu Fort area twice a year during March-April and September-October. It is celebrated on the auspicious occasions of Durga Ashtmi and Ramnavmi.
The festival is very colourful and the celebrations begin with people in large numbers visiting the bahu temple of Goddess Kali to seek divine blessings. One can see a large gathering in and around the famous Bahu Fort. There are all sorts of entertainment and edibles for all age groups (Kids, young men and women and old persons). For enjoyment, there are a number of temporary slides and turning boards which are organized during the festival. For eating, there are large number of stalls consisting of ice-creams, kulfi, malai-baraff, sugarcane and orange juice, barfi-jalaibi, golegapay, aaloo-cholay, kachaloo etc. There are balloons cotton candy and entertainers like snake charmers and others.
It is point to mention that before 1947 many villagers used to come to the Bahu Fort Mela on foot or by tongas first at Jammu and then to Bahu Fort either via boats which used to float in the river Tawi or via bridge. They used to start their journey when they listend the voice of canon fire from this fort which was fired at 4 AM and after every 4 hours i.e 6 times a day i.e. 24 hours.  This phenomenon remained up to 1948 and thereafter only once a canon fire used to listen at 12.0 Am. This practice continued up to even up to 1955-1956. Even people of Jammu city used to come via boat.
Suggestions
* For boosting tourism in Bahu Fort area, the Government must create more modern line way side facilities for pilgrims and tourists in the area.
* Like recreational garden aquarium, balidan stump, land scaping, view points, tug shops, toilet blocks, illumination, drinking water facilities besides construction of Kalka Colony is the need to become a mojor attraction for those visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji and other tourist spots of the state.
* The state Government should constitute a committee of the experts to look into the causes/reasons if any damage per chance takes place in the Bahu Fort building and, thereafter for suggesting its control measures.
* Like Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Shrine Board for Bawe Wali Mata must be set up. This will assist in for more development of Bawe Wali Mata Shrine.
* A beautiful lawn should be formed after closing some space. It will not only make Bahu Fort more green but also help in making Bahu Fort more neat and clean.

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