jammu, apr 8
Continuing the tradition, the three-day fair on Chatter Chaturdashi commenced on April 7th with traditional reverence at the historic Shrines of Purmandal/Utterbehni. The event will culminate on 1st Navratra, April 9th, 2024.
Representatives of the Management Trust of Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir Gandhi Nagar Jammu, Dharmarth Trust J&K, and Dogra Sadar Sabha J&K conducted the Pooja of the holy Chharis at Shri Ranbhireshwar Temple and Shri Raghunath Ji Mandir. The Holy Maces were then ceremoniously taken to Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Gandhi Nagar Jammu, accompanied by Mahatmas, renowned Pujaris led by Mahant Rashiban ji, and under the guidance of renowned Shastris & Pandits. The Grand Pooja took place in the presence of Th. G.S Charak, Former Minister and President of Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir Management Trust Gandhi Nagar, along with office bearers and members of various organizations, including Shri Laxmi Narayan Mandir Gandhi Nagar, Dogra Sadar Sabha J&K, and Dharmarth Trust J&K, alongside a large number of devotees.
Following the ceremonies, the Holy Chharis were taken to Purmandal in a profusely decorated vehicle, passing through significant landmarks such as Shri Mahadev Mandir Gandhi Nagar, Shiv Mandir Trikuta Nagar, Shiv Mandir Greater Kailash, Data Ranpat Dev Ji, Shri Narsingh Dev Ji Mandirs Birpur, Kharah Madana, en route to the Holy Shrines of Purmandal.
A warm reception was extended by people of all shades along the route. Special receptions were organized at Kharah Madana, Mandal, etc., where a beautiful display of communal harmony was witnessed as Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and prominent Moulvis, including Sh. Haji Bashir Malik and Sh. Khatib Ahmed, received the Holy Maces and offered generous refreshments to the pilgrims accompanying the Yatra.
Gulchain Singh Charak, in his address, highlighted the significance of these historical shrines and the Holy Chhari Yatra, which commenced 29 years ago. He extended his gratitude to all participating organizations for their support in making the event a grand success. He also expressed appreciation to the District Administration Samba, especially Deputy Commissioner Sh. Abhishek Sharma and his team, for their keen interest in the development of these historical Shrines. He urged the Government and Dharamarth Trust to initiate the development of these holy places expeditiously.
Upon arrival at Purmandal, the local public warmly welcomed the yatris. A proper Pooja of the Holy Maces was conducted at the historical Shiva Temple in Purmandal, led by learned Pujaris. The event was attended by President of Dogra Sadar Sabha and Shri Laxmi Narayan Mandir, Sh. G.S Charak, along with office bearers and Sh. Ashok Sharma SSP (Retd.), Secretary Dharmarth Trust. Following the Pooja, the holy Chharis were placed in the Mandir Complex for devotees’ Darshan. A multitude of devotees visited the historical Shrines after taking a Holy bath in Gupt Ganga at Purmandal.
Among others who expressed their views on the occasion and participated in Maha Arti at Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Gandhi Nagar include Mahant Rishban, S.C Rekhi General Secretary, Prem Sharma, Romesh Thakur, Jagjit Singh Jamwal, Kapil Slathia, KB Magotra, Ved Verma, PC Gupta, Sumesh Damral, Vineet Dubey, Parshant Sharma, Krishan P Gupta, Kiran Gupta, Uma Sharma, Ashok Khajuria, Kulbir Singh Chib, Sandeep Singh, Pritam Singh and Indu Bhushan Sharma.
