STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The 6th Annual Sudhmahadev Charri Yatra was successfully organized by the Sudhmahadev Charri Yatra Samiti (Regd) from the ancient Panjbakhtar Temple in Jammu to the ancient Shiv Temple of Shri Shul Paneshwar Ji Maharaj in Sudhmahadev, District Udhampur.
This sacred pilgrimage, conducted annually during Jyestha Purnima, witnessed the devout participation of hundreds of Bhagwan Shiv devotees from across the region.
The Yatra commenced early morning with devotees gathering at the Panjbhaktar Temple, fervently chanting “Har Har Mahadev.”
The flagging off ceremony was conducted by Retired Judge Suresh Kumar Sharma, along with Retired Colonel S.K Thappa, Congress leader Vinod Sharma, Manik Gupta (Chairman RTI cell), Advocate Bhavishya Sudan, Ex-Corporator Ritu Choudhary, General Secretary of Kanak Mandi Association Vikas Gupta, SHO Brahm Dev Singh, SI Pritam Singh, and other dignitaries.
The spiritually elevated saint, Shri Damodar Das Ji Maharaj from Vrindavan, carried the Pavitar Chhari to Sudhmahadev. Speaking to the media, Maharaj emphasized the significance of Sudhmahadev, citing its references in religious scriptures such as Shiv Puran and Padam Puran. It is noted that Lord Shiva solemnized his marriage with Maa Goran at Mantalai, a sacred site along the Yatra route.
En route, the Chhari was warmly welcomed at various locations.
At the Shiv Temple Dhok Waziran in Nagrota, Ex-MLA Balwan Singh led devotees in welcoming rituals, followed by religious programs and community meals organized by the temple committee.
The Yatra was also received with enthusiasm at Devika Ji Temple in Udhampur by Yuva Brahman Mandal, and at Mukteshwar Dham in Domail Chennai town, where artists from Kanpur performed the captivating tale of Shiv Vivah.
The journey continued through “vegetable village” Basht, where Ex-Sarpanch Surinder Kumar welcomed the Chhari and arrangements for Langar were made for the devotees. Special Pooja rituals were performed at the holy Gorikund cave with Vedic chants led by local Pandits and temple committee president Balbir Singh.
The Yatra concluded at Sudhmahadev with a warm reception by Tehsildar (Mela Officer) and SHO Pushpinder Singh, SI Raman Kumar, and a large gathering of local residents. Special Pooja was conducted at the holy temple of Bhagwan Shul Paneshwar Ji Maharaj amidst Vedic mantras, invoking blessings of Lord Shiva upon all participants.
The Sudhmahadev Charri Yatra Samiti expressed heartfelt gratitude to the numerous Shiv Bhakts who participated in the Yatra, contributing to its success. The administration ensured all necessary arrangements were in place for the safe and hassle-free conduct of the pilgrimage.
