Develop ‘Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ancient Pilgrimage Corridor’: Sahni
JAMMU, Oct 2: Welcoming the administrative approval of ₹15 crore by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for the restoration of the traditional Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage route, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) J&K Pradesh President Manish Sahni said the government’s initiative is welcome, but the effort should go beyond restoration of a particular stretch and focus on reviving the complete ancient and traditional pilgrimage route of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi.
Sahni said that, according to traditional beliefs and available historical accounts, the pilgrimage route beginning with the first darshan at Kol Kandoli, followed by Deva Mai, Banganga and Charan Paduka, leading up to the Holy Bhawan, should be developed and presented to devotees as an integrated traditional pilgrimage experience. He demanded that a ‘Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ancient Pilgrimage Corridor’ be developed along this route.
He said the initiative would not only preserve the region’s ancient religious traditions and pilgrimage heritage but also give a boost to tourism, local trade and employment in Jammu.
Sahni said that carrying forward its religious and pilgrimage heritage, Shiv Sena’s 44th Holy Chhari Yatra will depart for Katra from the historic Shri Raghunath Ji Temple on October 10. After Chhari Poojan at 12 noon, the Shobha Yatra will proceed through City Chowk, Purani Mandi and Parade Ground before reaching Katra.
On October 11, the first day of Sharadiya Navratri, special prayers and darshan will be performed at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan with the Holy Chhari.
Sahni said devotees from across the country will participate in the sacred yatra. Senior party leader and North India in-charge Ashok Tiwari, Vinod Singh, senior youth leader Dharmendra Mishra, along with dozens of Shiv Sainiks from Maharashtra, will also participate in the yatra.
He extended an open invitation to devotees of Mata Vaishno Devi and religiously inclined citizens to join the Holy Chhari Yatra, describing it as an initiative to carry forward the region’s faith, traditions and ancient pilgrimage heritage.
Sanjeev Kohli and Sanjay Bhatt, among others, were present on the occasion.