Excelsior Correspondent
As many as 2500 pilgrims will get free accommodation in a day while a large number of others will be able to get paid accommodation with the completion of Durga Bhawan at Mata Vaishno Devi Ji shrine complex which is expected to start functioning from upcoming Navratras this month
The Bhawan has large number of dormitories, both paid and free; and rooms which will be available for the pilgrims who want to stay at the shrine complex.
“Durga Bhawan can be used by 3000 pilgrims in a day and, of them, 2500 will have free accommodation. The Bhawan is equipped with blankets, lockers, washrooms, Bhojnalayas and many other facilities,” says Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) CEO Anshul Garg.
Durga Bhawan is being constructed at a cost of Rs 25 crore.
At the same time, work on widening of Atka Aarti complex is also in full swing and it is likely to be completed within a month’s time. It will increase sitting capacity at Atka Aarti from 200 to 550, Garg said.
Sky Walk is also expected to be completed in next three to three and half months. It involves cost of around Rs 15 crore.
“Construction of Durga Bhawan will prove a big boon for the yatris,” officials said.
Not only the room and paid dormitories but even the free dormitories have well furnished attached bathrooms for the convenience of the pilgrims. Significantly, special bathrooms have been constructed on every floor of Durga Bhawan for specially disabled pilgrims.
Souvenir Shop inaugurated recently by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at the Bhawan complex had been providing `prasad’ to the pilgrims starting from as low as Rs 10 and up to Rs 7875.
Anil Singh Charak, Tehsildar, Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan, said the Souvenir Shop has been attracting large number of pilgrims as it was offering all kind of `prasad’ at very reasonable rates. The shop remains open 24×7 with staff working in multiple shifts, Charak said, adding all modes of payments are being accepted at the shop.
Tripti Bhojnalya is another significant eating point run by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board which has come up at the Bhawan complex. And, the pilgrims are often surprised to see that the Bhojnalya is offering `Rajma Chawal’ and `Kadi Chawal’ at just Rs 55 per plate, Dal at Rs 25 per plate and tea at just Rs 8 per cup. Sugarcane made plates are being used at the Bhojnalya.
As per the officials, with construction of Sky Walk, the pilgrims will straightway leave from Parvati Bhawan, where bathing ghat is being constructed, for darshan from Sky Walk.
There will be separate entry and exit to avert any kind of collision among the pilgrims.
The existing track in the Bhawan premises which is used for darshan presently will remain spare just for walk, emergency services and transportation of goods.
Upcoming Sky Walk, Durga Bhawan and new Atka Aarti complex will add new charm to pilgrims’ journey to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji shrine.
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