Ashok Sharma
Sarthal Mata,also known as Ashta dash Bhuja Mata, is considered as the re-incarnation of Goddess Durga, with 18 arms. She is the Chief Deity of Hindus in Kishtwar and adjoining regions.Originally made from the stones by locals under patronage of Raja Agar Dev of Kishtwar, this holy temple was renovated by Maharaja Hari Singh in 1936 from the wood of Dayalwan and Deviyun-van forests.The temple,built in the Pahari style,has the idol of Mata Sarthal Devi Ji in the Garbhgriha.There are inns adjoining the temple for providing accommodation to the pilgrims.The Goddess is revered as the Kuldevi of many clans.Located at approximately 6000 feet, this scenic temple,located at a distance of about 30 Kms from Kishtwar District Headquarters is covered with snow during winters. A number of peaks in the Pir Panjal Range are visible from the temple. It is connected by a vehicular road which takes off from Hasti, 11 kms ahead of Kishtwar town. The holy shrine is located amidst beautiful mountain ranges, lush green fields and charming surroundings endowed with breathtaking beauty. This sacred shrine site has a cluster of villages and habitations like Agral, Sarthal proper, Lawa, Karool etc in its vicinity.The temple is situated on the top of a hillock and the devotees have to ascend steep stairs to reach the top.
THE LEGEND
The local legend goes that Shri Paul who was the first saint from Kishtwar region, instructed his disciples to worship goddess Durga in the form of Divine Mother with 18 arms.Following his instructions,one of the local devotees was able to invoke the goddess in the form of a young girl who pointed towards the eighteen armed idol of the goddess. King Agar Dev of Kishtwar,probably in 1170 AD,is then believed to have sent his courtiers to construct a temple for the idol at an appropriate place. It is said that the Idol of the Divine Mother became too heavy to be carried beyond its present abode at Sarthal where a stone Temple was constructed and the idol made of black stone was installed.
According to another legend, it is believed that Goddess Athara Bhuja shifted from her abode at Hari Parbat in Kashmir Valley through Sighpora pass and took rest in the cave where the temple is situated. Some people also believe that Mother Sharika relocated to Kishtwar during winter.
Whatever be the legend, people have great faith in the Goddess.Every year, thousands of devotees from different parts of the UT keep visiting the shrine almost the year around to pay their obeisance to have the blessings of Mata for their well being and prosperity. It is believed that every wish of the devotees is fulfilled by the Goddess. Many people proceed to holy shrine in the form of a big religious processions like Yatra with large number of their kiths and kins, friends and relatives, chanting and reciting bhajans amidst beating of drums and allied music to offer their prayers to the holy Goddess during the ceremonies of 1st hair cut of their children/babies or for redeeming their oaths having been made earlier to have blessings of the Deity. Many a time, this sacred shrine witnesses heavy rush of devotees.The visitors,especially from the plains are thrilled by the natural beauty of this region murmuring streams with crystal clear water,bubbling springs,lush green meadows and snow capped peaks.In addition to paying obeisance to the Goddess,they enjoy breathtaking natural beauty and carry back sweet memories.
THE YATRA
The annual pilgrimage is organised by Sarthal Devi Ji Management Council.A Shobha Yatra with Holy Mace on Harshudi Saptami (7th day of bright fortnight of “Ashaad Month)is organised, which starts from Shri Gouri Shanker Temple Sarkoot and goes upto holy shrine of Mata Sarthal Devi Ji with great pomp and show and religious fervour in the form of a huge procession in which thousands of devotees participate chanting religious slogans and reciting Bhajans in glory of the Goddess, with musical arrangements.
People bring in tridents (trishul) to the temple which boasts of a trident collection that is hundreds of years old. It is said that during the Dogra Rule, this pilgrimage was known as ‘Sarkari Yatra’ during which there used to be a 3-day holiday in the entire Kishtwar district to enable people for participation in this yatra.At the holy shrine of the Goddess, Yagya, Pooja and Havana, amidst chanting of Vedic Mantras, Shalokas, Bhajans etc is performed on ‘Harshudhi Asthami’ with other religious ceremonies as per the rituals and with “Puran Ahaooti” on the last day. Also Kirtan and Jagrata is performed at the shrine. Community feast or Langar is also arranged at the complex.It is also considered auspicious to have Mundan (First hair removal of a male baby) at the temple.
Pilgrims can reach the shrine by public and private transport system, which is easily available at every District Headquarter and Kishtwar. The District Administration, Kishtwar makes elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of this Yatra.There is arrangement for foolproof security,uninterrupted supply of water and electricity,healthcare facilities,transport facilities etc. for the pilgrims. Fire tenders are also put in place at Gauri Shanker Temple Sarkoot and Mata Sarthal Devi Temple to deal with any emergency.Prior to the Yatra,mega cleanliness drive is launched, dust bins installed, lanes and drains cleaned and roads properly repaired and maintained to provide a spiritual and memorable experience to the pilgrims visiting Gauri Shanker Temple and Mata Sarthal Devi Shrine.Shri Sarthal Devi Ji Yatra,like other pilgrimages, bears testimony to our rich cultural heritage, bequeathed by our ancestors.So people,in large numbers, should take part in such pilgrimages to have a live experience of our priceless culture.Children should also be exposed to our rich culture by motivating them to participate in these pilgrimages so that our rich culture is preserved and transmitted to the coming generations.
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