Over Four Lakh Pilgrims Flock to Vaishno Devi Shrine as Festive Spirit Soars During Navratras

JAMMU, Oct 12: During the nine-day Shardiya Navratras, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, located in the Trikuta Hills of Katra town, Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, witnessed an influx of over four lakh devotees. Pilgrims from across the country and abroad paid their respects at the revered cave shrine, reflecting a surge in spiritual fervor during the festive period.

A Shrine Board official stated that numerous initiatives were introduced to enhance the experience for pilgrims. These included the launch of Langar Sewa at Adhkuwari, improved healthcare services through the inauguration of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendra (PMBJK) at Bhawan, and a complimentary 11-minute Virtual Darshan experience to provide a seamless, immersive, and sacred journey.

The Shrine Board made elaborate arrangements to ensure the comfort and convenience of the devotees. The Bhawan area was illuminated with attractive lighting, and essential services such as accommodation, battery-operated vehicles, passenger ropeways, and helicopter services operated efficiently throughout the Navratras.

In conjunction with the Navratra festivities, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) organized the sacred Shat Chandi Maha Yagya. This nine-day-long ritual, aimed at world peace, prosperity, and the well-being of humanity, concluded with great reverence on Mahanavami. The event was held at the newly inaugurated Yagyashala, a dedicated space for large-scale religious ceremonies, and was presided over by the Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha, who also serves as the Chairman of SMVDSB.

The Maha Yagya saw the participation of Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Dr. Neelam Sareen (a member of SMVDSB), Chief Executive Officer Anshul Garg, SDM Bhawan Vikas Anand, and other Shrine Board officials. The ceremony, attended by numerous pilgrims, included the Purnahuti and other religious rituals, conducted with Vedic chants.

The event was further sanctified by a group of distinguished Pandits led by Padma Shri Prof. Vishwamurti Shastri, who conducted the Maha Yagya, adding to the sanctity and spiritual significance of the occasion.