Did J&K L-G Manoj Sinha's Visit to Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple Signal a Positive Change?

Srinagar, June 3 (NationPress) The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, visited the Mata Kheer Bhawani temple during the annual festival held in Tullamulla, Ganderbal district. He remarked that this gathering marked the first significant assembly of individuals since the Pahalgam terror incident on April 22, calling it a positive development.

Following his prayers at the temple, attended by numerous Kashmiri Pandits from across the nation, the Lt Governor stated, "The Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela witnessed an impressive turnout, which signifies hope. This is the first occurrence of such a substantial crowd in any area of J&K since April 22. Preparations for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra are underway, with a strong emphasis on safety and comfort," he expressed.

During his visit, he engaged with the attendees, extending his heartfelt wishes and recognizing the day's spiritual importance for the Kashmiri Pandit community and other participants.

"On this auspicious day of Jyeshtha Ashtami, I paid my respects to Mata Kheer Bhawani and prayed for the well-being of everyone, as well as for the peace and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir. I interacted with many pilgrims, especially my brothers and sisters from the Kashmiri Pandit community. The Mata Kheer Bhawani Mela is of profound spiritual significance for devotees nationwide," he later shared on X with images from the temple.

Staying true to their tradition, hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits traveled from various regions to Tullamulla to partake in the annual celebration of their deity.

The Mata Kheer Bhawani temple, also known as the shrine of Goddess Ragnya, is believed to be the reincarnation of Goddess Durga.

According to legend, Ravana, the King of Lanka, was a fervent devotee of Mata Ragnya. However, displeased with his actions, the Goddess commanded Hanuman to relocate her to a distant place.

Thus, the temple was established in Tullamulla. The sanctum sanctorum is situated amidst a sacred spring, regarded as highly auspicious by the Kashmiri Pandit community.

The water's color at the deity's seat is said to predict future events, with pink or milky hues indicating good fortune, while black denotes calamity.

Locals recount that in 1947, during the incursion of Pakistani tribal raiders, the spring's water turned black.

Each year, the annual festival of the Goddess is commemorated on Zyestha Ashtami at the Tullamulla shrine. Devotees prepare and serve Kheer (a pudding made from milk, sugar, and rice), giving the temple its name, Mata Kheer Bhawani.

After the local Pandit community's exodus due to escalating violence, migrant Kashmiri Pandits have settled in various locations across the country. Nonetheless, they return annually to pay homage to their deity.

Throughout the night, devotees engage in prayers at the temple, seeking the blessings of their beloved Goddess.

Authorities have implemented comprehensive arrangements for security, sanitation, healthcare, and public assistance at the shrine.

There is a significant presence of police and security forces along the route taken by devotees to reach Tullamulla.

Expressing their devotion and connection to their homeland, Mahraj Krishen Bhat, aged 65, stated, "Regardless of where a Kashmiri Pandit finds themselves, they belong to Kashmir, and Mata Kheer Bhawani is our guardian and guide."

Sarla Razdan, a 52-year-old devotee, expressed, "We will return to our homeland, whether it is tomorrow or in the near future. Our return does not require political guidance, as we have endured migration and will see our rehabilitation. Being away from our roots is painful, but we are confident that the clouds of darkness will disperse, and the traditional brotherhood that Kashmir is known for will outlast violence and mistrust."