Koushal Kotwal
The Himalayas according to Purans is the abode of Gods and Godesses. The Himalayan range especially passing through Himachal Pradesh, Tibet, Uttrakhand and Jammu and Kashmir is dotted with numerous spiritual centres.
The people residing around these areas have a strong faith in the spiritual powers of Gods. Since centuries people worship them and seek the blessings of the divine powers..
Bhaderwah known as Bhaderkaashi then is also a place where Devi Devtas especially Mata Durga and Lord Shiva, Lord Vasuki Naag Ji shower their blessings. The 2046 years old famous temple of Lord Vasuki ji is situated at Gatha village. This village has a unique temple of national heritage- Maha Mrityunjaya temple of Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati. It is a temple of unique significance. The temple possesses idols of Lords Ganesh Ji with family, Sai Baba Ji, Panch Mukhi Hanuman Ji, Lord Shani Dev Ji, Mata Saraswati Ji and now few days back idols of Lord Vishnu Ji, Mata Lakshmi Ji, Lord Surya Ji and 18 Bhuja Mata were installed in it, adding a spiritual atmosphere in and around the area where people of all around the Chenab valley and other states visit to get the blessings.
The 18 Bhuja Devi idol looks like Durga Mata also called Ashta Dasha Bhuja Mahalakshmi. She is having 18 hands. The Maha Lakshmi Devi is higher form of Shri Lakshmi Devi. In Sri Maha Lakshmi Ashtakamstrotram in the 8 stanzas she is described as the killer of Kolha Shur(Mahisha sura) . She bestows yoga Shastra. It is also said that when the Demon King Mahishasura was creating havoc in the forests the devtas and people urged Mata Durga to kill the demon. Then the 18 armed Sapta Shrungi Devi took the form of Durga and slayed the demon and since then she is known as Mahishasura Mardhini in Ramayana. It is mentioned that Lord Rama alongwith Mata Sita and Lakshmi ji prayed to the Goddess to seek her blessings. The devi is said to be swayambhu(self manifested) as described in the devi Mahatmya legend.
The goddess was gifted various weapons to slay mahishasura. She holds these in her arms. The Trishula(trident) of Lord Shiva, the Sudarshana Chakra of Lord Vishnu, the Shankha(conch) of Varuna, The flames of Fire God Agni, the bow and arrow of Vayu. the Vajra(thunderbolt) and Ghanta (bell) of Indra, danda(cudgel) of Yama, Akshamala(string of beads) of daksha kamandalu(water pot) of Lord Brahma, the rays of Sun God Surya, sword and shield of Mata Kaali, parashu (axe) of Vishwakarma, the wine cum of Kubera, Gadha (mace), lotus, lanca, pasha (noose).
The Devi is decorated with high crown( like a papal tiara) and a gold nose ring and necklaces which are the ornaments used everyday. Her attire is in the form of a robe, with a blouse, which is changed everyday before she is worshipped. She is religiously given formal abhisheka or bath. Warm water is reported to be used for 2 days in a week. The eyes of the idol shine very brightly. The temple has a unique ambience of of spirituality where hundreds of people visit daily to have a look and seek the blessing of goddess and offering milk kheer, fruits, flowers of different colours.
The temple is situated at a place which is surrounded by snow peaks of famous Kailash hills and Sonebain hills covered with glaciers around and surrounded by deodar trees at lower hills.
It is suggested that the Tourism Development Authority maintain the surroundings of the temple. Proper lighting system around these national heritage temples be installed so as to explore the spiritual tourism in the area and to attract more and more tourists to visit this place.
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