STATE TIMES NEWS
KATRA: The 9-day long deeply revered Shat Chandi Maha Yagya organised by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) at the Holy Shrine during Chaitra Navratra for universal peace and prosperity concluded on a grand note with “Purna ahuthi” on the auspicious occasion of Ramnavami.
Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Dr. Neelam Sareen, Board Member, Vikas Anand, SDM Bhawan,other officers and staff of the Shrine Board, besides pilgrims participated in Purna Ahuti and other religious ceremonies performed amidst Vedic mantras on the occasion. A group of Pandits led by Padma Shri Prof. Vishwamurti Shastri, performed the Maha Yagya.
More than three lakh devout pilgrims made their journey to the revered Shrine during the auspicious Chaitra Navratri. To ensure accessibility and inclusivity for all devotees visiting the Vaishno Devi Shrine regardless of their physical abilities, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has been continuing providing free pony, battery car service and assistance in Darshans to Divyang pilgrims during Navratri as per directions of Manoj Sinha, Lt.Governor, JK-UT who is also Chairman, SMVDSB.
Elaborate decorations with exquisite fresh flowers of varied varieties brought from various parts of the country and abroad, traditional motifs and ornate lighting captivated the hearts of devotees who thronged to seek the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi during these Navratras. Artistically designed huge reception doors were also installed in the Bhawan area.
Besides, the Board had also made impressive arrangements for the pilgrims visiting the Holy Shrine including round the clock water and power supply all along the tracks and in the Bhawan Area, Sanitation and Sanitisation , Medicare and availability of special “fast related” food at the catering outlets of the Board. The Board also made arrangements for free food for the pilgrims at Tarakote Marg, Prasad Kendra at Sanjichhat, and Bhairon Ji. For the ease and comfort of pilgrims, facilities like battery operated vehicles, passenger ropeway and helicopter services were available through both online and offline modes.
Other special features were Bhajan and Bhaint performances by the renowned artists such as Hansraj Raghuwanshi, Lakhwinder Wadali, Kapil Sharma, Akriti Kakkar, Sagar Bhatia, Roshan Prince besides budding students of SMVD Gurukul during morning and evening Atka Aarti during these Navratras. The live telecast of Atka Arti witnessed an unprecedented engagement from pilgrims worldwide who partake in the divine rituals from the comfort of their homes. As a special feature, Bhajan Sandhya was also organised by the Board twice a day for the pilgrims at the newly constructed Sheetla Bhawan at Adhkuwari and the same shall be a regular feature henceforth.