V.K Magotra
The base camp of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Katra town near Jammu and its 13km trek up to cave is all set with colorful buntings, gates and floral decorations for the ensuing Shardiya Navratri commencing from October 15, 2023. Kudos to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) for magnificent construction of “NAV DURGA PATH” skywalk and remodeled Parvati Bhawan projects which were recently inaugurated by President of India, Droupadi Murmu on her maiden visit to the holy cave at Vaishno Devi recently.
Empowering women has been strongly advocated in our scriptures since time immemorial. The emancipation of women against atrocities across the country including J&K UT continues to be unabated. The poverty, illiteracy, sexual harassment, degraded morale values are the root cause of deprivation and depression among the affected women. The ill effects of female feticide, gender inequality have become cause of the concern of the present society.
Navratra Festival Katra would go a long way in enriching the lofty ideals of Shakti Durga with special reference to reverence, honour and dignity of women. The Union Territory of J&K perhaps is the only among few UTs/States of the country where daughters are held in high esteem even parents don’t allow their daughters to touch their feet as a mark of respect like other youngsters. Thanks to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi who with Her Supreme Powers of energy shows the right path to all of us with no ill will or enmity towards anyone.
A pilgrimage to the holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ji is considered exhilarating and one of the holiest pilgrimages of our time. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi resides in a holy cave located at the foothills of Trikuta Parvat; “NAVRATRA or NAVRATRI” is a combined word which means “Nine Nights”. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is considered an incarnation of three supreme energies- Maha Kali – (Supreme Energy of Dissolution) Maha Lakashmi-(Supreme Energy of Maintenance) and Maha Saraswati (Supreme Energy of Creation). All human beings attribute the three mentioned qualities & their behavior is determined by these to lead a meaningful life, a proper balance among these three is necessary. In other words, nine sacred nights of Navratra are described as “an occasion to bring everything in balance”. Thus, the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is unique in the entire world.
The origin of Vaishno Devi is as mysterious as several other shrines. As per geological investigation &research of the holy cave, approximately since one million years the pilgrimage continues. As per Vedic history of Vaishno Devi there was no presence of THE DIVINE FEMININE in the past while Rigveda found their presence in the mountain Trikuta. It especially focuses upon Shakti Durga worship practice that continues since Puranic era. The history is enriched with many important references regarding the details about traditions & facts related to this shrine which supports its holiness. This pilgrimage is too symbol of ‘Secularism” where people from all walks of life irrespective of caste, colour and creed seek blessings of Mata for their well being..
Vaishno Devi also known as Mata Rani, Trikuta, Vaishnavi is a manifestation of Hindu Mother Goddess Mahalakshmi. The words “Maa & Mata” are commonly used in India for mother-which is held in high reverence. Though “Power” is referred in Vedas-Puranas in many forms. But whole of the Universe is governed through this amazing Power-Shakti. Be Durga, Parvati, Vaishnavi, Laxmi or any so called forms of Power. This Power is pervasive in Trikuta Hills. The life giving energy Goddess Shakti Durga who is in every being as a supreme energy. The divine feminine pervades all space and time as the indestructible energy, taking care of well being of one and all, protecting the world.
The nine day Navratra festival at Katra has attained global prominence. Besides pilgrims a large number of tourists pay their obeisance to the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi during the Sharad Navratra which would culminate on Mahanavmi, on 23rd October, 2023.
Special attractions of the festival would be cultural programs, folk dances, including magic shows/staging of Maa Sherawali musical play, Mushiaras, National Devotional songs competition, rural sports etc. The various Government/ Non-Government agencies including Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board/ NGOs have drawn up special plans to showcase the religious traditions as well as popular culture of the region among the millions of pilgrims during this period. In view of the auspicious festival, the Central Bureau of Communication, Jammu under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is organizing a multimedia exhibition and cultural programmes at Government Higher Secondary School, Katra.
