J&K, Mar 22 : In Jammu and Kashmir, shrines and temples across Jammu artistically decorated to welcome devotees for the ensuing Chaitra Navratri, which is commencing from today, March 22.
AIR Jammu Correspondent reports that specially exported multi-hued flowers used to decorate, the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi nestled in Trikuta Hills of Katra town in Reasi district of Jammu division is set to host pilgrims during the ensuing nine-day Navratras. Similar arrangements were done at Bawe Wali Mata temple in Jammu for the auspicious days of Navratras. Special arrangements were also put in place for some special rituals but the rush of devotees was much less than expected.
Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Anshul Garg on Tuesday reviewed the arrangements being put in place for pilgrims on the track and other locations which include round-the-clock water and power supply along the track leading to the shrine, sanitation, medicare, and availability of special “fast-related” food at the catering outlets of the Shrine Board.
To facilitate the smooth pilgrimage of Divyang pilgrims, SMVDSB decided to provide priority darshans, free pony, and battery car service to Divyang pilgrims from this Navtratri. Arrangements have also been made for a ‘Shat Chandi Maha Yagya’ at the shrine for peace, prosperity, and good health of mankind. The Yagya will be telecast live from 11.30 AM to 12:30 PM every day during Navratra.
However, all the pilgrim centric facilities including helicopter tickets, battery car, accommodation, Aarti Darshan, Havan, and donation can be booked online through the Official Website of Shrine Board: www.maavaishnodevi.org and MATA VAISHNO DEVI APP, only. Earlier, before the Navratra, the Chairman, SMVDSB Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha dedicated a five-storey Durga Bhawan to the pilgrims on March 18. The building has provision to accommodate 3000 pilgrims on a daily basis, bound to give a new shape and structure to the comforts and convenience of the pilgrims visiting the Holy Cave Shrine.
