JAMMU, Oct 10: In an effort to preserve and promote the rich spiritual heritage and ancient traditions of the Kashmiri Pandit community, Swami Ram Shaiv (Trik) Ashram performed the annual Pitre Paksh Kanyargatki Shraad of Swami Ram Ji Maharaj at the Shaiv Darshan centre in Naseeb Nagar, Janipur, Jammu.
The ceremony was organised with traditional devotion and featured collective recitations of sacred scriptures associated with Kashmir Shaivism, including Tantre Shastra and Agama Shastra. Preparations for the annual event began a fortnight in advance, drawing a large gathering of devotees of Swami Ram Ji Maharaj and followers of Kashmir Shaiv Darshan. Hundreds of devotees visited the Shaiv Darshan and Customs and Rituals Learning Centre between 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM to participate in the religious observance.
In keeping with Sanatan Dharma traditions, devotees and Ashram residents observed a strict fast. The spiritual proceedings included collective recitations of Bahurupgarb, Bhairav Stotre, Samb Panchshika and Panchastavi, creating an atmosphere of devotion and spiritual reflection. The ceremony concluded with the recitation of the complete Ashram Aarti, a tradition that has been carefully preserved and performed across the Ashrams of Swami Ram Ji Maharaj for the past 100 years. Prashad was distributed among the devotees following the prayers.
As part of its charitable activities, the Ashram also extended donations and assistance to Ved Mandir, Jammu, an institution dedicated to imparting Vedic education to students. The sacred rituals were conducted by noted Shaivite scholar Shri Sanjay Raina Ji, while Shri K.K. Dhar performed the duties of the Yajman.
Addressing the gathering, J.K. Khar, General Secretary of Swami Ram Shaiv Trik Ashram, announced that the nine-day special Navratra Pooja would commence on October 11, 2026, at the Janipur Ashram. The daily prayers will be conducted in two shifts, from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM in the morning and from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM in the evening, to facilitate the participation of devotees.
Khar further announced that essential religious books would be distributed among devotees at the Ashram throughout the festival. He invited devotees to participate in the Navratra prayers and associated religious activities, emphasising the importance of preserving sacred traditions and encouraging spiritual learning among younger generations.
The annual Shraad ceremony and forthcoming Navratra celebrations reflect the Ashram’s continued efforts to sustain the religious traditions, sacred literature and ritual practices of Kashmir Shaivism. Through these observances, the Ashram seeks to strengthen community participation and preserve the spiritual and cultural heritage of the Kashmiri Pandit community.