![Devotees during inaugural ceremony of Mata Roop Bhawani year long 400th birth anniversary celebrations at Jammu on Monday. Devotees during inaugural ceremony of Mata Roop Bhawani year long 400th birth anniversary celebrations at Jammu on Monday.](https://cdndailyexcelsior.b-cdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/page11-2-7.jpg)
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 29: The formal inaugural ceremony in connection with the 400th birthday (Aaverbhav divas) celebrations of Sharika Bhagwati incarnate Mata Shree Roopbhawani falling on June 24 next year was held at Mata Roop Bhawani Shrine Tirath Nagar Talab Tillo here, today with pooja-archana and flag hoisting.
On the occasion, the scholars gave discourses on the life history, philosophy and teachings of Mata and also unfolded the year- long programmes being undertaken by Shri Alakh Sahiba Trust led by Chander Mohan Dhar its president.
The prominent people including the members of the Trust and Dr Sushil Wattal a well known scholar and social activist, Swami Kumar Ji of Geeta Satsnag Ashram Muthi and devotees of Mata attended the inaugural function and participated in the Pooja-Archana.
The devotees besides paying obeisance to the Mata prayed for welfare of mankind which is under great distress due to spread of Global COVID-19. The year long celebrations will culminate on June 24 next year.
C M Dhar president of the Trust, while talking to reports on the occasion said the year-long celebration will include seminars, on line lecturers, Deep prajalan on every Puran Mashi, webinars and religious get togethers not in J&K and India but across the globe where ever the devotees of Mata are putting up.
He said Mata who descended to humanity in 1621 A.D was illustrious daughter of Pandit Madhav Joo Dhar of Dedmar, Nawa Kadal, Srinagar, Kashmir.
All through her life on this planet, she performed meditation upon Lord Shiva at Cheshmasahibi, Watshun (Manigam), Waskura, Lar and her parental place. All these Taposthals (meditation centers) are managed and maintained by Shri Alakh Sahiba Trust, presently operating from Mata Shree Roopbhawani Temple at Tirath Nagar, Talab Tillo, Jammu, he added.
He said the Trust every year performs religious, spiritual, social and philanthropic activities throughout the Union Territory of J&K. Mata Shree merged with the supreme in the Year 1721 A.D, he added.
Today’s function was held with simplicity adhering to the government guidelines for COVID-19 pandemic.