Three-day long traditional Sarthal Devi Yatra begins with religious fervor

KISHTWAR, June 26: Three-day long traditional Shri Ashtadash Bhuja Mata Sarthal Devi Ji Yatra commenced with great religious fervor early today morning by performing Hawan at Gori Shankar Mandir, Sarkoot in which number of couples offered Aahuti and Puran Aahutis.

Impressive Shoba Yatra was taken from Gauri Shankar Mandir by Sanjeev Parihar, Vice Chairman, Shri Sarthal Devi Management Council which passes through different locations of Kishtwar town . The locals of various localities accorded warm welcome to Shoba Yatra and served refreshment to the pilgrims.

On the occasion, Sunil Sharma, former Minister, BDC Chairperson Pooja Thakur; Additional District Magistrate Injerjit Singh Parihar; ADDC Sham Lal; ACR Varunjeet Charak, SSP Kishtwar Khalil Poswal, various heads of religious organisations like Surinder Sen President Sanatan Dharam Sabha, Hans Raj Bhutyal President Vishu Hindu Parishad, Sanjay Wazir, President Rajput Sabha, Anju Singh Sen President Hindu Jagran Manch, Aalaya Sen, Dharam Jagran Manch, Oma Devi, Anjali Chouhan, and others  participated in the Yatra.

The Shobha Yatra along with pilgrims proceeded towards Sarthal Devi Ji Bhawan from Bus Stand Kishtwar in buses and other vehicles.  Tomorrow morning a Maha Yajya will be performed at Sarthal Devi Mandir. District administration along with police had made all the necessary arrangements at Sarthal and Kishtwar for the welfare of devotees.

The Yatra was organized by Shri Sarthal Devi Ji Trust under the patronage of Dr Karan Singh, Sole Trustee and Vikarmaditya Singh Chairman Trustee of the Trust.

Vikramaditya Singh, in his message, extended warm greetings to all devotees and people of Kishtwar on this auspicious occasion and prayed for peace, prosperity and well being of all.

The temple of Sarthal Devi Mata is located in Sarthal town of Kishtwar district amidst the mountains of the Pir Panjal range. The devotees believed that Sarthal Devi is the Hindu Kuldevi residing in Kishtwar and have held her in high reverence. The historic religious yatra is organized every year in Kishtwar by Shri Sarthal Devi Ji Management Council with great participation and support of residents of Kishtwar.

Varinder Jamwal, Additional Secretary J&K Dharmarth Trust also participated in this three-day long traditional Yatra.

(NOTE: PRESS RELEASE PUBLISHED AS RECEIVED)