Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 6: Despite the sweltering heat, thousands of pilgrims drawn from different parts of Jammu paid obeisance to Mata Ragyna during Kheer Bhawani Mela at Bhawani Nagar temple here on the occasion of Jesht Ashtami today.
To avoid the scorching heat of the day, there was a heavy rush of devotees in the morning and evening. The devotees offered milk, flowers, Kandh to Goddess during the pooja.
All arrangements were made by Maha Ragnya Trust, Bhawani Nagar for the pilgrims. Besides, the administration had also made elaborate arrangements for the yatris on the occasion. The entire temple complex was fully decorated befitting the occasion. A big contingent of police was also deployed in the area and at holy shrine to avert any untoward incident.
Various social and philanthropist organizations had installed stalls of serving fruits, water and soft drinks to the devotees. Besides, the stalls of flowers, milk and other Pooja material were also installed by the Trust as well as other organizations.
A Maha Yagya was also organized by the Trust on the occasion. The Hawan started yesterday evening and it culminated with Puranahuti in the afternoon. The devotees were served with Prashad after Puranahuti.
In view of the heavy rush both the gates including Main Gate from Bhawani Nagar and another from Lakkar Mandi area were opened for the pilgrims by the Trust today.
The function culminated late in the evening with Samohik Aarti (mass prayer).
It may be recalled that Bhawani Nagar temple here is the replica of Mata Kheer Bhawani Tulmulla Shrine in Kashmir Valley which was constructed by Kashmiri Pandits after their mass exodus from Valley in 1990 and since then devotees visit here regularly.
Jesht Ashtami was also celebrated in the premise of KP Sabha Ambphalla with great fervour and gaiety. The celebration started with Pooja of Mata Ragyna and recitation of Bhajan Kirtan.
This was followed by distribution of Naveed among the devotees. Sabha president K K Khosa, Ashwani Koul, S L Bhagati, G L Kampasi, Subash Dhar, Ashok Khar, R L Koul and others attended the function.
In connection with Mela Kheer Bhawani a Maha Yagya was performed at holy shrine of Mata Bargasheikha Mattan in Anantang district of South Kashmir . A large number of devotees visited the shrine and paid their obeisance to Goddess. The function was organized by Martand Teerath Trust led by its general secretary, Vir Ji Pandita.
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