Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 19: The 18th holy Chhari Yatra was taken to historical shrines of Purmandal/Utterbehni on the occasion of Chetra Krishan Chaturdarshi.
First of all, the holy Chharies were taken to Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Gandhi Nagar via Shri Raghunath ji Mandir from Shri Ranbireshwar Mandir, Jammu.
After performing Pooja Archana at Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Gandhi Nagar, under the guidance of Sant Mahatamas, the holy chharies were taken in an especially made Rath in a huge procession to the historical shrines of Purmandal.
On the way to Purmandal shrines, Aarti were performed at Shri Mahadev Mandir Gandhi Nagar, Shiv Mandir Trikuta Nagar, Shiv Shakti Mandir Greater Kailash, Shri Narsingh Dev Mandir and Shri Data Ranpat Dev ji Mandir Birpur where devotees had assembled in large number to pay obeisance.
A large number of Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs led by Muslim and Hindu Panchs and Sarpanchs gave befitting reception to the Yatra enroute at different places i.e. Kharah, Madana, Takkar, etc.
Apart from the office bearers and members of Dogra Sadar Sabha, Dharamarth Trust, J&K, Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir Management Trust, Gandhi Nagar and Purmandal/Utterbehni Shrines Development Committee, thousands of devotees also participated in the Chhari Yatra to have the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Thereafter, on reaching Purmandal, the holy chharies were received by thousands of pilgrims at Bus Stand and on the banks of holy Devika amidst chanting of slogans- “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bum-Bum Bhole”. Chharies were taken to the historical Shiva Temple at Purmandal where again Pooja was performed.
Gulchain Singh Charak, former Minister and president, Dogra Sadar Sabha, J&K as well as chairman, Purmandal/ Utterbehni Shrines Development Committee, while addressing the devotees gathered in the temple complex highlighted the historical importance of the start of Chhari Yatra 16 years back and hoped that time is not far off when crores of pilgrims will visit these historical shrines to have the blessings of Lord Shiva.
Shashi Khajuria, Secretary, Dharamarth Trust also spoke on the occasion.
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