Sunny Dua
Book 1: Mahamaya Temple – The Kingdom of Dharanagri
Author: Heena Mahajan
Hindi Translation: Reeta Gupta
Publisher: Highbrow Publications
Printer: Classic Printers
Pages: 66
Continuing her quest to explore Jammu and bring to the foreground folklores and historical besides religious places for people’s knowledge, Heena Mahajan has penned down another book about famous Mahamaya Temple nestled behind the ancient Bahu Fort and overlooking the tranquil Tawi River that holds a unique place in the history of Jammu. The book titled Mahamaya Temple – Kingdome of Dhara Nagri has also been translated into Hindi by Reeta Gupta to reach to more readers.
Having done a commendable research work and interviewed those manning the temple affairs she has been able to document stories heard from their ancestors how this temple was explored and how it served as a worshipping abode for erstwhile Kings of Jammu and Kashmir.
Beautifully penned down story goes like – Centuries ago during the reign of Maharaja Ranbir Singh of Jammu, the deity Mahamaya once made her presence known. According to a legend, the Maharaja’s son fell gravely ill with an undiagnosed disease. One night, the Goddess appeared to the Maharaja in a dream, instructing him to build a temple in her honour at a specific location. Despite an initial unsuccessful search, the goddess guided him to the exact spot with the help of a young girl. There, they discovered the sacred Pindi, and a temple was built. Miraculously, the Maharaja’s son recovered, solidifying the royal family’s devotion to Goddess Mahamaya.
From that time onward, the erstwhile kings of Jammu made it a tradition to seek the blessings of Mahamaya Devi during important occasions. The rulers would visit the temple on foot, crossing the Tawi River in boats, as no roads existed back then. Surrounded by thick forests, the temple became a place of pilgrimage not just for royalty but eventually for the entire populace. It was believed that Mahamaya, a form of Goddess Durga, watched over the kingdom, protecting it from evil and granting prosperity.
Heena Mahajan goes on to inform her readers that this temple, earlier was believed to have stood on the sacred grounds of Dhara Nagri, a kingdom that existed long before the city of Jammu. Dhara Nagri, as described in folklore and by prominent writer Vishwanath Khajuria, was a flourishing land near the snow-capped hills and pristine rivers. It is also said to be the same land where the poet Kalidasa composed his famous work “Meghdoot.” Despite a lack of concrete evidence, tales of historical monarchs like Raja Vikramjeet paint a picture of a thriving kingdom, making Dhara Nagri a significant part of Jammu’s cultural history.
According to oral accounts, Dhara Nagri thrived under the wise and heroic rule of King Vikramjeet. The land was abundant in resources, with fertile soil for cultivation and a prosperous population. However, after the king’s passing, his son ascended the throne and quickly became infamous for his cruelty and corrupt leadership. The kingdom deteriorated under his reign, and it is believed that a curse was placed upon him for his misdeeds, which led to a catastrophic earthquake. The kingdom was buried beneath debris, but one thing remained intact-the sacred stone, or Pindi, of the local deity, Mahamaya. Hidden beneath the rubble, the Goddess continued to protect the land.
It was after this devastation that story of Maharaja Ranbir Singh surfaces who traces the site for himself and built the temple only to see his son recover from unknown ailment. The Goddess had told Maharaja that how could he sleep when the Goddess was not having a shelter on her head.
Even today, the Mahamaya Temple remains a revered site, especially during festivals like Navratri, Lohri, and Deepavali. Devotees offer roasted black chickpeas and jaggery to the goddess, believing in her divine powers to protect and bless the land. The temple’s historical connection with the royal families of Jammu, and its continued significance in the lives of the people, make it a symbol of Jammu’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. These two books one on Dogri and another one in bilanguage are worth a read and even recommending to the children so that they could know about their city and its iconic sites.
Book 2: Jammu Di Chiri
Author: Heena Mahajan
Publisher: Highbrow Publications
Printer: Classic Printers
Pages: 56
In a world where screens have replaced the heartwarming tales once shared by elders, Heena Mahajan’s book – Jammu Di Chiri is a heartfelt attempt to revive the rich traditions of storytelling for children. Her debut collection of Dogri poems is not just a book-it’s a bridge between generations, culture, and the fading beauty of language. Heena Mahajan through her debut collection of Dogri Poems has tried to cater to those children who are deprived of privileges of growing old listening folklore from their grannies.
Mahajan’s dedication to promoting the Dogri language shines through every poem, each one capturing the soul of Jammu, its festivals, and its iconic landmarks. From the vibrant streets of Jammu to the serene slopes of Bagh-e-Bahu, the sparrow “Chiri” takes young readers on an enchanting journey. The imagery of this little bird flying over River Tawi, Bawe Wali Mata, Bahu Fort, slopes of Bagh-e-Bahu, Amar Mahal, Raghunath Temple, Dhakkis (Slopes) of Jammu city, river Chenab and even the bustling mini-buses of Jammu brings the essence of the city alive.
Children are drawn into the magic of Jammu through these lyrical explorations, as the poems are simple yet rich in meaning. Minibuses of Jammu which are city’s lifeline and enable every section of society to commute have also found a place in one of her poems that explain how this mode of transport keeps the city on the move. Heena Mahajan’s passion for nature also flows seamlessly through her verses, reminding young readers of the wonders of black clouds, the importance of trees, and the warmth of winter nights with grannies weaving sweaters. Every element feels deeply connected to the natural and cultural roots of Jammu, making children not only learn about their heritage but feel it in their hearts.
Her poems extend beyond nature and tradition, touching on relationships, emotions, and the spirit of celebration. From the bravery of Maharaja Hari Singh to the grace of poetess Padma Sachdeva, and the charm of family bonds, Mahajan’s work resonates with children and adults alike. Her words, written in the simple Hindi script, carry the weight of tradition while being accessible to young readers. They evoke the essence of festivals like Deepawali, Baisakhi, Holi, Eid, Basant Panchami and Navratras while introducing the rituals, such as fasting and lighting traditional lamps, that make them unique to Jammu.
Introducing ‘Jammu Di Chiri’ into school curricula could be a powerful step in preserving the Dogri language and passing down the cultural heritage of Jammu to future generations. This book doesn’t just teach a language; it teaches a way of life, a connection to roots, and the beauty of storytelling. In a world increasingly moving away from tradition, Mahajan’s effort to bring children closer to their culture through poetry is truly commendable.
Heena Mahajan’s journey, under the mentorship of Prof. Lalit Magotra, an academician and President of Dogri Sanstha, Jammu reflects her deep commitment to Dogri literature. She hopes to give children not just words, but smiles, stories, and a better understanding of life. Through her work, Mahajan has made a heartfelt contribution to reviving the Dogri language, and if this book finds its way into the hands of schoolchildren, it will surely be a gift of language, culture, and love for generations to come.
Giving importance to relations, she also explains her bond with her brother through deeds that brothers do for their sisters. Poems on Rawan – the Villian of Ramayana, watchman (Chowkidar) and how he performs his duties, Nani (Granny) besides on birds and animals especially thirsty crow and fur babies (Cats) are sure to engage children in poetry and these characters and animals incorporated in the book explain these characters and their deeds in beautiful manner that are sure to attract children. Written in simple language using Hindi script the poems are easy to understand and worth narrating to school children.
Heena has done quite a justice with rituals and religious events including Navratras wherein she explains how the festival is celebrated in Jammu by fasting, holding Jagratas, lighting traditional lamps, how devotees throng Maa Bawe Wali, Kanjak Pujan at Kod Kandoli temple and how magnificently the cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is decorated during the festival season.
She has also cared to reflect importance of other temples like that of Chichi Mata, Chandi Mata, Ma Sukrala at Billawar that gives Jammu its name the City of Temples. The purpose of writing about thirty poems, according to Heena is to promote Dogri language which is why she chose to write in simplest form so that school children can understand the poetry and language while getting connected with Jammu as well.
Heena Mahajan, having done her masters in finance from Pune University has written books in English, Hindi and Dogri languages. Marking the UN International Year for Indigenous Languages, members of Indian diaspora recited poems in their vernacular languages at the House of Lords. The poem ‘Jammu Di Chiddi’ written by a budding Dogri poetess, Heena Mahajan gives a peek into the beautiful city of Jammu, its people, iconic landmarks and street foods. The poem was translated into Takri by Ansh Choudhury.
(The writer is senior journalist)
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