KATRA: Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine is witnessing heavy rush of devotees as compared to the corresponding period of previous years.
Around 2,26,382 pilgrims have paid obeisance here at Cave Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi during the first 13 days of 2016. The rush this time is even higher than 2011 and 2012 when the annual Yatra had crossed one crore mark. The Yatra during the corresponding phases in 2015 was 1,78,793 while it was 1,98,997, 1,92,240, 2,19,054 and 1,80,324 during the years 2014, 2013, 2012 and 2011 respectively. On an average around 12,000 to 13,000 pilgrims are visiting the Holy Shrine daily.
This was informed by Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) after culmination of Havan-Yagya organised on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti here at Maha Lakshmi Temple in Trikuta Bhawan Complex on Thursday.
The Havan-Yagya, which commenced amidst chanting of Vedic Mantras and performance of other religious ceremonies including Purna Ahuti, was organised under the supervision of Ajeet Kumar Sahu.
Pankaj Gupta, Deputy 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.
Ajeet also informed that the natural cave of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji has been opened for Darshan 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.