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

KISHTWAR, July 14: Three-day long traditional Shri Ashtadash Bhuja Mata Sarthal Devi Ji Yatra commenced with great religious fervor early today morning by organizing Hawan at Gori Shankar Mandir, Sarkoot in which number of couples offered Aahuti and Puran Aahutis.

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

Impressive Shoba Yatra accompanied by Chari Mubarak was taken from Gori Shankar Mandir by Sunil Sharma, former minister and Sanjeev Parihar, Vice Chairman, Shri Sarthal Devi Management Council. The locals of various localities accorded warm welcome to Chari Mubarak and served refreshment to the pilgrims.

Shoba Yatra culminated at Bus Stand Kishtwar from where the devotees boarded buses and other vehicles and left for the historic Sarthal Devi Temple. 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.

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.

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

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.