Sir,
This has a reference to Secretary Tourism Farooq Ahmed Shah’s statement published in this paper on 24th Jan. under Heading “Purmandal and Utterbehni” to be developed as pilgrim, heritage sites.” This is indeed a welcome step that these world class heritage sites of great religions importance could find a mention in policy structure of Tourism Department. I would like to request that this approach should turn into reality. All of us know that development and highlighting of pilgrim, heritage sites can boost tourism like we see in Shri Amarnath and Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra. I would like to request Secretary Tourism to work out similar plan for Sudhmahadev-Mantalai areas. It is a welcome step that DPR for International Yoga Centre at Mantalai has been prepared, but Sudhmahadev and Mantalai has much more to show. The point of Yoga is only one in the chain of long list of historical and religious importance. It is common belief in Duggar Land that the four Dham yatra is incomplete till you take bath in Holy Devika at Sudhmahadev. Moreover legends say that Lord Shiva had married to Goddess Parvati at Mantalai. The Hawan Kund of marriage still exists in the shape of a sacred pond. The three pieces of Trident of Lord Shiva in Sudhmahadev Temple, The Papnashni Bowli at Sudhmahadev, the 1500 years continuous burning Dhooni in Shiv Temple Sudhmahadev where ash is not taken out, the Shiv Rudri in Shiv Temple, the Naina Devi Temple Kossar hills, The origion of Holy Devika Rivulet in foot hills of Dhar-Shivgarh and Gou Karan and Gouri Kund Temples.
Moreover, the Barat route of Lord Shiva can be traced out and developed. The Kasata House where family of Raja Dayal Chand of Chenani stayed during conflict period with Sikh Army aided by Raja Suchet Singh of Ramnagar. All these events are belived and linked with miracles of Lord Shiva. So like Purmandal and Utterbehni Tourism Department should prepare plan for Development of Sudhmahadev and Mantalai to convert pilgrim, heritage into real time tourism for prosperity.
Yours etc…
Rajinder Chand Anthal
Chenani Distt. Udhampur
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