STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: The sacred Bawe Mata Temple in Jammu witnessed a massive rush of devotees on the first day of Navratra, marking the beginning of the nine-day-long festival dedicated to Goddess Durga. Thousands of devotees thronged the temple premises to offer prayers and seek blessings from Mata Mahakali, also known as Bawe Wali Mata, a revered deity in the region.
From the early hours of the morning, devotees lined up outside the temple, chanting bhajans and hymns in praise of the Goddess. The temple authorities and local administration had made elaborate arrangements to ensure the smooth conduct of Darshan and Puja rituals. Special security and crowd management measures were put in place to handle the heavy influx of visitors.
The temple was beautifully decorated with flowers, lights, and religious banners, creating a divine and festive atmosphere. Devotees, dressed in traditional attire, carried Prasad and coconuts to offer to the Goddess. The air was filled with the sounds of “Jai Mata Di” as people expressed their devotion with great enthusiasm.
As part of the Navratra celebrations, a special havan and aarti were performed by the temple priests, invoking the blessings of the Goddess for peace, prosperity, and well-being. Many devotees observed fasts and participated in Kirtans and spiritual discourses held within the temple premises.
Local vendors and stalls selling religious items, Prasad, and decorative materials saw brisk business as devotees shopped for puja essentials.
Several Langars (community kitchens) were also organized by religious and social organizations to provide free meals to devotees.
Many prominent religious and political figures also visited the temple to offer prayers.
Speaking to the State Time reporter, some devotees expressed their joy and spiritual fulfillment in being part of the celebrations.
“It is a divine experience to visit Bawe Mata Temple on Navratri. The energy, the devotion, and the blessings of Mata Rani fill us with positivity,” said a devotee.
The Jammu administration, along with temple authorities, ensured proper arrangements for security, cleanliness, and medical assistance. Traffic police were deployed to regulate vehicular movement near the temple, as roads leading to the shrine witnessed heavy congestion.
With the grand beginning of Navratra, the City of Temples is set to witness continuous religious fervor and celebrations over the next eight days, culminating in Ram Navami.
