J&K: Shat Chandi Yagya for ‘world peace’ concludes at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra

Reasi (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], October 23 (ANI): The nine-day-long Shat Chandi Maha Yagya organised by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) during Navratras for world peace, harmony, prosperity and health of humanity concluded on the auspicious occasion of Ramanavami at the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi in Katra.

The Maha Yagya was performed by a group of pandits led by Padma Shri Prof. Vishwamurti Shastri. Chief Executive Officer of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Anshul Garg, other officers, staff of the Shrine Board and pilgrims, participated in the Purna Ahuti and other religious ceremonies performed amidst Vedic Mantras on the occasion.

The special additions to the pilgrimage during these Navratras included Skywalk, remodelled Parvati Bhawan, Virtual Darshan through the Holy Natural Cave and free Langar Sewa at Shri Bhairon Temple Complex, besides the ‘Live Darshan Facility’ and Bi-lingual “Shakti” chatbot on the website of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board for the pilgrims.

An average of 40,000 pilgrims pay their obeisance daily and over 4 Lakh pilgrims have visited the holy shrine since the onset of Navratras. During the nine-day-long Shardiya Navratras last year, about 3.15 Lakh pilgrims visited the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi.

The pilgrimage has been increasing every month as the Shrine Board is encouraging pilgrims by further adding state-of-the-art facilities. These initiatives are aimed at making the pilgrimage more convenient and enjoyable for the devotees.

It is pertinent to mention that the Sky Walk inaugurated by President of India Droupadi Murmu on October 12, played a pivotal role in the yatra management during these Navratras and achieved the desired aim of decongesting the Bhawan area by streamlining the entry and exit routes to the holy cave.

The Board also made impressive and elaborate arrangements for the pilgrims during Navratras.

These included the decoration of the Bhawan of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Atka and the area surrounding it with exquisite flowers, round-the-clock water and power supply all along the tracks leading to the Shrine and in the Bhawan area besides keeping sanitation and sanitisation, availability of special “fast related” food at the Board’s Bhojanalyas.

The illumination of the Bhawan area with attractive and colourful lights was also done for the ease and comfort of pilgrims. Facilities like accommodation, battery-operated vehicles, passenger ropeway and helicopter services were also operated smoothly.

The Shrine Board also made arrangements for free food for the pilgrims at Tarakote Marg and Prasad Kendra at Sanjichatt, besides free Langar Sewa at Bhairon Temple.

Other highlights during these Navratras were bhajan and performances during morning and evening Atka Aarti by renowned artists like Himesh Reshammiya, Mika Singh, Lakhwinder Wadali, Maithili Thakur, Mani Ladla, Kaler Kanth, Kumar vishu besides budding students of SMVD Gurukul.