DODA, Sep 16: The three-day annual Chotta Manimahesh Yatra, also known locally as the Shri Ram Rachna Yatra, commenced today in the upper reaches of the Marmat area of Doda district. The pilgrimage will continue from September 16 to 18, with thousands of devotees expected to participate in the annual religious gathering.
The sacred Chotta Manimahesh shrine is situated in the upper reaches of Latti in Behota Panchayat of Marmat Block, near the Doda-Udhampur district border and around 55 kilometres from Doda district headquarters. The pilgrimage is traditionally undertaken by devotees from Doda, Udhampur and adjoining areas.
As per the traditional schedule, pilgrims will reach Behota village on September 17, from where the yatra will proceed at around 2 PM towards Minesa, a high-altitude area of the Marmat hills. The devotees will stay overnight at Minesa before resuming the pilgrimage on the morning of September 18 towards the sacred Chotta Manimahesh site at Ram Rachna.
At the shrine, traditional religious rituals, including the Dhal Fort ritual, will be performed. According to local tradition, Shiv Pujaris from both Doda and Udhampur districts participate in the rituals, including the traditional crossing of the water of the sacred lake.
The pilgrimage holds deep religious significance for devotees from both districts. A prominent feature of the sacred site is an ancient stone-carved representation associated with Ram Rachna, depicting Lord Ram, Mata Sita, Lakshman and Lord Hanuman.
According to the organisers, nearly 40,000 devotees are expected to participate in or visit the pilgrimage during the annual religious occasion. Langar facilities have also been arranged at various points along the route to provide food and refreshments to pilgrims.
Yatra Committee Chairman Suresh Sharma appealed to devotees to remain prepared for high-altitude conditions and carry essential items such as umbrellas, warm clothes, blankets, suitable footwear and other necessary belongings. He also urged pilgrims to exercise caution in view of changing weather conditions in the mountainous region.
After completing the pilgrimage and traditional rituals, the yatra will return to Behota village on the evening of September 18, where a Jagru will subsequently be organised, marking the conclusion of the three-day annual pilgrimage.
The Chotta Manimahesh Yatra continues to remain an important traditional religious gathering, bringing together devotees from Doda, Udhampur and adjoining areas for prayers, religious rituals, devotion and community service.