STATE TIMES NEWS
KATHUA: On the eve of New Year, the devotees started pouring in at Jakhole village near Rajbagh Kathua in large numbers, from where they started their journey on foot to the Ancient Shiva Caves located at Mahanal. The devotees paid obeisance to the Natural Shiva Lingam located inside the Cave and chanted Bhajans in the praise of Lord Shiva. They stood in queues for hours together to have Darshan of the natural Shiva Lingan inside the Cave due to heavy rush.
It is pertinent to mention here that Mahanal Shiv Caves Management Committee had made elaborate arrangements for Darshan of the devotees, and also drinking water facilities. Free community Langars were also organised by the Mahanal Shiva Caves Management Committee.
Prominent among those who performed the pilgrimage included Dr. Pathania, Director Health Services, Jammu , Dr. Bharat Bhushan,Chief Executive Officer, Lakhanpur Sarthal Developemnt Authority, District Officers, Sarpanchs and Panchs.
The Management Committee informed that devotees visit this place throughout the year but during New Year and on Shivratri festival the rush of pilgrims increases manifold. Dewan Singh Chairman , Bharat Bhushan Sharma Sarpanch, Bijesher Singh (INDU) Sarpanch, Balkar Singh , Capt. Krishan Singh, Madan Lal, Rashpaul Singh also paid obeisance.