Sir,
The identity of Udhampur is connected with the Holy Devika. Many people call Udhampur as Devika Nagri as the town is located on its banks. The area between Ravi and Chenab was known as Madr Desh. According to Neelamat Puran, Goddess Parvati accepted herself to flow as Devika with the aim to wash away the sins of people. A few Shiva temples were also constructed on its bank.
On the confluence of Devika and Doodganga exists a ghat where dead bodies are cremated. The relics and ashes are naturally assimilated in Devika. Ashes are not carried to Hariwar as the place is considered sacred. The dead bodies whose last rites are completed here are assumed to have attained Moksha.
At present there is no much flow of water in Devika. Due to increase in population and unchecked unauthorized construction sewage drains defiled the sancitity of Devika.
Thousands of people from remote/rural areas as well as locals come on sacred occasions like Basakhi, Gurupurnima, Shivratri, Chat Choudash etc. to take holy bath in Devika. But they feel disappointed on seeing its condition.
It would be wise to get an expert’s advice for cleaning the Devika. A layman’s idea to clean the Devika is that existing flow of polluted water may be got diverted from the point near to taxi stand to other side of temples.
Only spring/rain water be allowed to flow through Devika ghat. New bore wells be created at Devika ghat kunds to facilitate the holy bath to the devotees/pilgrims visiting on various occasion.
It has been reported that our BJP leaders have submitted a charter of demand to Union Government requesting development of tourism at certain scenic points and a tourism status to Jammu city etc. But it is a sad that no mention has been made about Udhampur.
It is requested to the BJP MP Jitendra Singh to take note of this and initiate the process of cleaning Devika.
Yours etc….
Raj Guru
Sr. Citizen and Social Activist
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