Army renovates Mata Kheer Bhawani temple at Tikker

Excelsior Correspondent
KUPWARA, Dec 18: Indian Army, Kupwara Terriers inaugurated the newly constructed overhead shed on the pathway to Mata Kheer Bhawani temple on the propitious Minority Rights Day. This day is observed to protect the rights of minority communities, as a contribution to nation-building and ensuring communal harmony and bonhomie nationwide.
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kheer Bhawani (Ragnya Bagwati) constructed over a sacred septagonal spring known to change its colour with various hues of red, pink, orange, green, blue, white, etc. Every year on Zestha Asthami Mela, thousands of pilgrims of all walks of life come and offer their prayers with devotion to get their wishes fulfilled by Mata Ragnya Bagwati.
However, the pathway to the temple was open thus demanding an overhead structure to comfort the barefooted walking pilgrims during inclement weather. Kupwara Terriers took the initiative and commenced the constructing on 26 November 21 of overhead shed on the pathway to the shrine and completed it on December 5, 2021, before Kupwara could see its first snow fall of the season.
Col. Swaraj Bhattacharya, Commandant I60 Infantry Battalion (TA) (H&H) inaugurated the infra in presence of all three religious clerics. Locals of Tikker, participated in puja and offered milk and floral tributes to the idol of Kheer Bhawani Mata.
This newly constructed infra by Kupwara Terriers is dedicated to the Kashmiri Hindus known as the ‘Kashmiri Pandits’ in anticipation of their return to the Valley and reside peacefully thereby facilitating manifestation of Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava in Kashmir Valley.