Three-day annual Sarthal Devi Yatra begins at Kishtwar, Impressive Shoba Yatra taken out

Shri Ashtadash Bhuja Mata’s traditional annual three-day yatra, also known as Sarthal Devi Ji Yatra, kicked off this morning with a hawan at Gori Shankar Mandir in Sarkoot, during which a number of couples performed the “Aahuti & Puran Aahuti (culmination)”.

According to information made available to The Chenab Times, the Shoba yatra of Mata Ashta Dash Bhuja (Goddess with eighteen arms), also known as Sarthal Devi Mata, which commemorates the birth anniversary of the goddess and falls on Harshudi Ashtimi and Navami according to the lunar calendar, began today. A sizable crowd from throughout the Kishtwar district gathered at Ghori Shanker Mandir Sarkoot where Hawan, Bhajan, Kirtan and other religious ceremonies were performed. After offering special prayers at the Ghori Shanker Mandir Sarkoot, the Yatra continues on its trek towards the Sarthal Devi Temple, which is located in Sarthal Village, Kishtwar District, about 25 KM from the District Headquarter Kishtwar. Under the direction of Sanjeev Parihar, Vice Chairman of the Sarthal Devi ji Management Council Kishtwar, the Chari of Sarthal Devi departed the Ghori Shankar Mandir this afternoon. The Chari travelled through several bazaars in the Kishtwar District before arriving at the Bus Stand Kishtwar, where the devotees continued their journey on buses.

In order to seek the blessing of the Goddess, more than 50000 devotees attend the temple every year for three days. However, in the last two years, the Yatra has only been symbolic because to the COVID 19 scenario. This year, however, the Yatra is anticipated to see a significant influx of worshippers.

The Yatra was taken up to bus stand under tight security cover led by DC Kishtwar Ashok Kumar Sharma, ADDC Kishtwar Sham Lal, SSP Kishtwar Shafqat Hussain Butt, ASP Kishtwar Rajinder Singh accompanied by Dy. SP Davinder Singh Bandral, Dy SP Vishal Sharma, SHO Kishtwar Syed Abid Shah Bukhari also remain present and deal with security of the Shoba Yatra.

According to the management of Sarthal Devi, free evening meals and overnight accommodations have been set up at Mandir Bhawan. According to management representatives, the Chandi Hawan, which began three days ago, will end tomorrow. Following Bhajan-Kirtan, the yatries will get Prasad before leaving the temple and beginning their return journey to Kishtwar.