Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Jan 14: On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board organised Yagya for peace and prosperity at Maha Lakshmi Temple in Trikuta Bhawan complex here today.
The Havan-Yagya, which commenced amidst chanting of Vedic Mantras and performance of other religious ceremonies in the morning, concluded with Purna Ahuti this afternoon.
The Yagya was organised under the supervision of Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB. Pankaj Gupta, Dy. CEO, Sudesh Sharma, Deputy Manager, Trikuta Bhawan, other officers and staff of the Shrine Board, besides a large number of pilgrims participated in the Yagya and Purna Ahuti.
At the culmination of the Havan-Yagya, Prasad was distributed among the pilgrims and all those present on the occasion.
Meanwhile, the CEO informed that the natural cave of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji was today opened for the devotees. He further informed that the pilgrims shall be allowed from the old cave considering the rush of pilgrims at the Bhawan to ensure that there is no waiting.
Normally pilgrims are allowed from the old cave when the daily Yatra comes below the 10,000 mark. It is pertinent to mention that heavy rush of devotees is being witnessed these days as compared to the corresponding period of previous years.
He added that 12,000 to 13,000 pilgrims are visiting the Holy Shrine daily and so far 2,26,382 pilgrims have paid their obeisance at the Holy Cave Shrine during the first 13 days of this year. This rush is even higher than 2011 and 2012 when the annual Yatra had crossed one crore mark.
It is pertinent to mention that the Yatra during the corresponding period in 2015 was 1,78,793 while it was 198997, 192240, 219054 and 180324 during the years 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 respectively.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
