Golden temple / Harimandir Sahib / Darbar Sahib / Suvaran Mandir, Amritsar, Punjab. India.

The visit to this Golden Temple, a prominent spiritual site in Sikhism at Amritsar in Punjab state was a part of AMARNATH JI yatra on 05^th July 2014. This was a continuation of Yatra to Kailash and Chardham (Yamunothri, Gangotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath), with the same Group, but with a change of Travel agency. The main itinerary in this Amarnath yatra includes Shiv Khori Cave, Shri Vaishno Devi Cave, Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple, Amritsar, Wagah border and Shri Raghunath Temple Jammu.

 Golden temple in the center of Amrit tank

The Harmandir Sahib or the Amritsar Golden Temple is considered the holiest place for Sikhs. The holiest text of Sikhism, the Guru Granth Sahib is always recited in this Harmandir Sahib. On the second floor all the Sikhs used to read the most sacred text of Guru Granth Sahib.

Palanquin for taking Guru Granth Sahib (PC - Web Site)

ARCHITECTURE

The Golden Temple also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib or Sri Darbar Sahib at Amritsar, has a unique architecture. Built at a level lower than the surrounding ground level. The 4 entrances around the Sarovar ( Parikrama ) join at one point from where a path leads to Harmandir Sahib. The Harmandir Sahib was built on a 67 ft square platform, in the center the temple was constructed 40.5 ft square. The door frame of the arch is about 10 ft in height and 8 ft 6 inches in breadth. The door panes are decorated with artistic style. It opens onto the causeway or bridge that leads to the main building. The bridge measures 202 feet in length and 21 feet wide and connects 13 13-foot wide parikrama / pradakshina / Circumambulatory path with the main temple / building Harmandir Sahib. The only gate served as an entrance and exit. It runs around the main shrine and leads to the “Har Ki Paure ( steps of God )”. On the first floor of Har Ki Paure”, there is a continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib.

 The corridor/parikrama / circumambulatory path outside 'Amrit' (அமிர்தம் ) Sarovar

Causeway

The Harmandir building is 3 storeyed.  The front, which faces the bridge, is decorated with repeated cusped arches and the roof of the first floor is at the height of 26 feet and 9 inches. At the top of the first floor, 4 feet high parapet wall rises on all 4 sides which has also four ‘Mamtees’ / a mandapa with a small kalash on the top supported by 4 pillars on the four corners and exactly on the top of the central hall of the main sanctum Sanctorum rises the third story. It is a small square room and has three gates. A regular recitation of Guru Granth Sahib is also held there.

 On the second floor  of the Golden Temple, the central dome 

On the top of this room stands the low-fluted ‘Gumbaz’ / dome,  having a lotus petal motif in relief at the base inverted lotus at the top which supports the "Kalash" having a beautiful "Chhatri" at the end.

The architecture is a combination of Hindu and Muslim construction work and is considered the best Sikh architecture. This created an independent Sikh School of Architecture in the History of architecture world.

 Mural - old paintings on the ceiling - stairway to the second floor

( PC - Web Site )

HISTORY

This Golden temple has a long history since the 16^th Century.  The Golden Temple and Punjab were on the passage of Muslim invaders into India, the Sikhs faced many challenges, which included loss of property and lives, which are etched in the memories of Sikhs, and may continue for centuries. Golden Temple was viewed as a main target by the Mughal rulers and Afghan Sultans. Thanks to Golden Temple and Wikipedia websites for the information and Photographs.  The History goes like this….

The land for the Amritsar or Amrit Sarovar, Sri Harmandir Sahib, and the Township was acquired by the earlier Guru Sahibs on payment or free of cost from Zamindars ( Land Lords ) of native Villages. As advised by Sri Guru Amar Dass, the 3^rd Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Ram Dass Started the excavation of Sarovar ( Holy Tank ) and construction of Harmandir Sahib in 1574 - 1577 CE. The construction of Sarovar and the Town is believed to have started simultaneously in the year 1570 and was completed in 1577 CE. 

Guru Arjan Sahib got its foundation laid by a Muslim saint Hazrat Mian Mir ji of Lahore on the 1^st of Magh month 1645 Bikrmi Samvat ( December 1588 CE ). The construction work was directly supervised by Guru Arjan Sahib himself and he was assisted by prominent Sikh personalities like Baba Budha, Bhai Gurdas, Bhai Sahli, and many other devoted Sikhs.

The Amritsar or Amrit Sarovar was later brick-lined by Sri Guru Arjan Dev, the 5^th Sikh Guru on December 15^th, 1588 CE.

The building work was completed in 1601 CE on Bhandon Sudi 1^st 1661 CE. Bikmi Samvat ( August / September 1604).

Guru Arjan Sahib installed the  Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the holy Text of Sikhs after its compilation at Sri Harmandir Sahib on August 1604 CE. A devout Sikh Baba Budha was appointed as a head priest or Granthi ie the reader of Guru Granth Sahib.  

In 1606 CE, Guru Arjan was arrested and executed under the order of Jahangir, since he refused to convert to Islam. His son Guru Gobind Singh left Harmandir Sahib and moved to Shivalik Hills to avoid prosecution. For about 100 years the temple was not occupied by the actual Sikhs. 18^th Century Guru Gobind Singh and his newly founded Kalsa Sikhs came back and fought to liberate Harmandir Sahib.

In 1709 CE, the Muslim Governor of Lahore sent his army to suppress and prevent Sikhs from gathering for the festivals.

In 1737 CE, the Mughal Governor posted Masse Khan as Police Commissioner and ordered to capture of Mani Singh the custodian of the Harmandir Sahib. Masse Khan converted it for entertainment. Later in 1740 CE, Masse Khan was assassinated by the Sikhs.

In 1746 CE, Lahore Diwan Lakhpat Rai, who was working for Yahiya Khan, filled the Amrit Sarovar with sand, as revenge for the death of his brother. In 1749 CE the Sikhs were restored back when Muin Ul-Malik slackened Mughal operations against Sikhs since He required support for his operations in Multan.

In 1757, Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Durrani also known as Ahmad Shah Abdali attacked Amritsar and the Golden Temple. He filled the tank with entrails of slaughtered Cows, before departing to Afghanistan. The Tank was restored again by the Sikhs.

In 1762, Afghan ruler Ahmad Shah Durrani returned back and the Golden Temple was destroyed with gunpowder. Sikhs returned back and celebrated  Diwali. In 1764, Baba Jassa Singh Ahluwalia rebuilt the temple with the funds collected from the public. A New main gateway ( Darshan Deorhi ), Causeway, and renovation of Sanctum Sanctorum were completed in 1776 CE. The Canal was also excavated to bring fresh water from the river Ravi to Amrit Sarovar.

The ceiling of the Harmandir Sahib is made with gold and precious Stones. In 1830 CE, Maharaja Ranjit Singh covered the temple with 162 Kg of Gold worth Rs 65 lakhs after 200 years of completion of the Temple. 24 Carat Gold was used against 22 Karat Gold was used in making ornaments.  Back in the 90s, the temple was renovated with 500 KG of Gold worth more than 150 crores.

The worst destruction of the temple, property, and lives occurred during Operation Blue Star, in which the Indian military took action against the Sikh Militants and to evacuate the Sikh Militants headed by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale and his followers from the Harmandir Sahib Complex. Indian Government claims that Bhindranwale and his followers used the temple complex as an armory and Militant Headquarters.  When the negotiations failed, the Indian Army moved to the Temple complex on 3^rd June 1984. The fighting started on 05^th June 1984 continued for 3 days and ended on 08^th June 1984, resulting a causality of 83 dead and 249 injured. The actual figures may be much more. 

LEGENDS

The Harmandir Sahib is built at a level lower than the surrounding ground level. The Gurdwara teaches the lesson of egalitarianism and humility. The four entrances of this holy shrine from all four directions, signify that people belonging to every walk of life are equally welcome.

The stairs that enter the temple go downwards. This is designed in this way to symbolize the humble way of living.

( PC - Web Site )

( PC - Web Site )

( PC - Web Site )

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

The Gregorian Calendar Year is divided into 12 Punjabi Calendar Months. The temple activities start around 02.00 to 03.00 hrs early morning and end around 22 to 23 hrs a night, depending on the month and season. Holy reading of Rehras Sahib starts after sunset every day.

Gurpurbs.. these are the days associated with the lives of Gurus such as the first installation of Sri Guru Granth Sahib in the Golden Temple by Guru Arjan Dev, the Birthday of Guru Nanak ( November ), the Birth Day of Guru Gobind Singh, Martyrdom day of Guru Arjan Dev, Martyrdom day of Guru Tegh Bahadur, Martyrdom day of the Sahibzadas, the sons of Guru Gobind Singh.

Vaisakhi... Guru Amar Das First institutionalized this as one of the special days to receive Guru’s blessings in the year 1567 CE. This is celebrated on March 14^th.

Bandi Chhor Divasi.. 1619 CE, on this day the Golden Temple will be illuminated with lights to welcome home and celebrate the release of Guru Hargobind from imprisonment in Gwalior Fort.

( PC - Web Site )

( PC - Web Site )

Kirtan on this day to commemorate the martyrdom of the Forty Immortals.

Hola Mohalla... On March 17^th, an annual festival of thousands will be held at Anandpur Sahib.  It was started by Guru Gobind Singh as a gathering of Sikhs for military exercises and mock battles on the day following the Indian festival Holi,

Sangrand.. This is the day when the Sun passes from one sign of the Zodiac to the next. The beginning of the new month is announced by reading a portion of Bara Maha. 

CONTACT DETAILS

Web site: https://www.goldentempleamritsar.org/

HOW TO REACH

Amritsar is the Capital of Punjab, well connected by Road, Rail, and Air. Free bus service is available from the  Railway Station and Central Bus stand for the Devotees.

2 km from Amritsar Bus Stand and 3.6 km from Amritsar Railway Station.

Amritsar is 470 km from New Delhi, 1731 km from Mumbai, 2000 km from Kolkatta, and 2649 km from Chennai.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE:     CLICK HERE

 Front of Golden Temple complex - construction (complete with marble)  in progress

 Amrit Sarovar with guard

Ber tree

( PC - Web Site )

( PC - Web Site )

( PC - Web Site )

Colour fishes in the Amrit Sarovar 

Free Hygiene food ( PC - Web Site )

( PC - Web Site )

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Shiv Khori, Ransoo, Reasi District, Jammu & Kashmir

The visit to this Shiv Khori cave temple at Ransoo Village in Reasi District of Jammu & Kashmir was a part of AMARNATH JI yatra on 05th July 2014. This was a continuation of Yatra to Kailash and Chardham ( Yamunothri, Gangotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath ), with the same Group, but with a change of Travel agency. Our team consists of 20 members. All the arrangements were made by Mr TSR Prabhakaran.  The main itinerary in this Amarnath yatra includes Shiv Khori Cave, Shri Vaishno Devi Cave, Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple, Amritsar, Wagah border and Shri Raghunath Temple Jammu.

 Entrance to the holy cave 

SHIV KHORI

The deities inside the natural cave are Lord Shiva, Ma Parvati, Ganesh, Rishabam, Six Hood Snake Adiseshan, Vishnu, Ram Lakshman, Sita, and munis.

ARCHITECTURE

This temple is a natural cave, where rich mineral water trickles from the roof of the cave from the Deities, Lord Shiva, Ma Parvati, Ganesha, Rishabam, Six hood snake, Vishnu, Ram, Lakshman, Sita and munis. The natural cave Shiv Khori is about 200 meters long separated by a small passage of one meter wide and 1 to 1 ½ meter high.  We have to crawl through this passage to the other part of the cave.

Apart from the entrance to the cave, an exit path was created recently in 2014. The cave extends up to the newly formed existence. It was believed that the cave ended at Sri Amarnath Cave.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The temple is being maintained by the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board (SSKSB), which was formed in the year 2003.

Initially, Baba Rameshwar Giri as a Manager was performing pooja with the consent of Local people. On 31^st May 1991, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board of Katra took over the activities of this Shiv Khori Cave Shrine, as per the order issued by the Deputy Commissioner of Udhampur, vide 535/SQ dated 31-05-1991.  The same order was attested by the Tehsildar of Reasi vide 803 dated 29^th July 1991. However, due to a legal dispute between SMVDSB & Rameshwar Giri, SMVDSB could not establish effective control over the affairs of Shri Shiv Khori Shrine. Later the infrastructure facilities like drinking water, electricity, sanitation, etc, were created for the benefit of Devotees by the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board ( SSKSB), in 1991 and officially formed in 2003.  

LEGENDS

It is believed that 33 crore deities exist in the cave.

As per the legend, the Bhasmasura did penance on Lord Shiva and obtained a boon of burning / killing and made them bashpam, when he touched the head of anybody. After getting the boon, the Asura wants to test Lord Shiva, who has given the boon. Fearing, Bashmasura’s threat, Lord Shiva came to this cave along with Ma Parvati.

Maha Vishnu came to his rescue, in the form of Mohini, and called Bhasmasura to dance with him. Following Maha Vishnu’s steps, at one stage,  Bhasmasura touched his own head and became bashpam / ash. Since then, Lord Shiva, Ma Parvati, and Maha Vishnu stayed in this Shiv Khori Cave Shrine and blessed the devotees.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular poojas, 3 days of special poojas are conducted on Maha Shivaratri day.

CONTACT DETAILS

Official website: http://www.shivkhori.in/

e-mail address: shivkhori2008@gmail.com

Suresh Chandra Asst Manager SSKSB, Ransoo +917889697910, Sh Madan Lam Asst Manager ( P) SSKSB+91 7889484465

HOW TO REACH

A beautiful 3.5 Km trek road was formed from the village to the cave shared by pedestrians,  ponies, and dollywalas. 

Bus service is available from Katra ( 80 km), Udhampur ( 120 km), and Jammu ( 140 km ) on the north side.

LOCATION OF THE CAVE SHRINE: CLICK HERE

 Pony is ready to take you to the cave shrine 

 View of the valley

 A small shrine on the way.

 Sri Ram mandir under construction 

 The neatly paved path to holy cave 

 Another view of the valley

 A bridge - still we have to go further.

 Entrance of the holy cave 

Entrance to the holy cave

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA --- 

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine / Cave Temple, Katra, Reasi District, Jammu & Kashmir.

The visit to this Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine at Trikuta mountains (three peaks), Katra in Jammu & Kashmir was a part of the AMARNATH JI yatra on 05^th July 2014. This was a continuation of Yatra to Kailash and Chardham ( Yamunothri, Gangotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath ), with the same Group, but with a change of Travel agency. The main itinerary in this Amarnath yatra includes Shiv Khori Cave, Shri Vaishno Devi Cave, Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple, Amritsar, Wagah border and Shri Raghunath Temple Jammu.

 Holy cave complex looks like a multistory building 

Presiding deity : Mata Vaishno Devi

Mata Shri Vaishno Devi is in the form of 3 heads / pindies on a natural rock about 5.5 feet tall inside the cave. The three pindies have a common base at the bottom. The three heads are called the holy pindies. The entire rock body is immersed in the water and a marble platform was constructed later. The three Pindies each are distinctively different from the other two in color and texture. The three Pindies represent Maha Kali (Right), Maha Lakshmi (Middle), and Maha Saraswathi (Left). There are no statues, Pictures, or Idols.  Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is considered to be an incarnation of the above supreme energies.

PC. website

ARCHITECTURE

All along the trek and at Bhawan there are many Photographs explaining the nature of darshan inside the holy cave are displayed. The inlet and outlet to the caves are constructed with marble. Two additional tunnels are created, to enable the devotee's quick darshan. The entrance to the cave is 98 feet.  There are about 6 Q complexes with priority for darshans.

There is a Shiva shrine in a cave, a level below Shri Mata Vaishno Devi’s Cave. Ram, Lakshman, and Sita temple with Sri Anjaneya in front was constructed at a later stage.

Looking from the trek path we could see the temple complex like a multi-storey building.

 Footpath is covered for shade

PC Website

HISTORY

The cave was discovered about 700 years ago by Pandit Shridhar. One day, Mata Vaishno Devi came in Sridhar’s dream and told him, where she was on the hill. Sridhar followed her instructions and identified her. Mata Vaishno Devi gave darshan to her 4 sons and blessed them. Even today, his descendants take care of Mata Vaishno Devi.

The temple activities are being maintained by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board ( SMSVDB ), established in 1986.

A Rope car way to reach 5200 feet altitude, a 12 km stretch from Katra was established at a cost of 55.77 lakhs, and started functioning on 24^th, December  2018, for the benefit of pilgrims ( Rs 100 was charged initially ). The ropeway will transport 1000 Devotees per hour. This will cover the Bhairon Mandir also.

A stampede occurred on January 1^st, 2022, resulting in 12 people lost their lives and 16 others injured. This was due to a scuffle between the two groups. It was said that suffocation was the main reason for the death.

LEGENDS

It is believed that unless Mata Shri Vaishno Devi calls, we cannot have the Darshan at this Holy cave. This is the place where Mata’s skull was fallen, hence it is believed that this is one of the Sakthi Peedams.

It is believed that Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Shrine existed before the epic Mahabharat period. As per the legend, Krishna advised Arjuna to worship Devi before going to the Kurukshetra war.  Devi appeared before him in the form of Mata Vaishno Devi and blessed him. Arjuna praised Mata Vaishno Devi as the highest Yogin, immortal, mother of all Vedas, the science of Vedandhas, the Giver of Victory, and this place as Jambhu. It is believed that the name Jambhu has been corrupted to the present name of Jammu. It is believed that Pancha Pandavas constructed temples for Vaishno Devi opposite to the hill and 5 rocks opposite to the cave are believed to be of Pancha Pandavas.

In another legend, The tantric Bhairon Natha happened to the Young Vaishno Devi, who fell in love and chased her. Mata Vaishno Devi assumed the form of Durga and cut off the head of Bhairon Nath, in this cave. In another version of the same legend, Mata Vaishno Devi, asked Sridhar to arrange a feast for the Locals near Bhumika stream. In that, Bhairon Nath also joined and demanded meat and liquor. Mata Vaishno Devi told him that the feast was for the Brahmins and only vegetarian food would be served. On seeing young Mata Vaishno Devi, Bhairon Nath lusted on her and chased her. To escape from him, Mata Vaishno Devi, came to this cave after stopping at Banganaga, Charan Paduka, Ardh Kunwari, and finally Bhawan in the Trikuta hills. It is believed that Mata Vaishno Devi stayed for about 9 months in this cave and finally killed Bhairon Nath by cutting off his head. Bhairon Nath prayed to Mata to pardon him. Mata Vaishno Devi granted him salvation and a temple was constructed midway to this Cave for him. It is believed that the Vaishno Devi yatra will be fulfilled only after the darshan of Bhairon Nath.       

DARSHAN PROCEDURES AND FACILITIES

Dharshan, poojan, accommodation, and Helicopter travel from the base of the Hill have to be reserved through the official website of the Shree Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board ( SMVDSB ). The final stretch of 3 KM from the helipad to Holy Cave, has to be walked or a dolly is available. A Ropeway was established in 2021 from the base of the Hill to transport 1000 devotees per hour.

A locker facility is available to lock the valuables on showing the Id card free of charge. Camera and Mobile are not allowed inside the Holy cave. Each person is checked for security before entering the holy cave. Even the prasad is being distributed by the security personnel.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular daily poojas, special poojas are conducted during Navratri days ( September – October ), Deepavali,  etc. On all Navratri nights, all leading artists from our country will perform at Vaishno Devi Darbar.  Devotees used to offer traditional mangal materials like Chunri ( red color drape), Sarees, Dry fruits, Silver and Gold ornaments, Cholas, and flowers.

CONTACT DETAILS

Official Web site: https://www.maavaishnodevi.org/index.aspx

Phone number 01991 234 053

HOW TO REACH

Mata Vaishno Devi Cave is about 13 KM from Katra Town.

The nearest Railway station is Katra and the nearest airport is Jammu (63 km).

LOCATION OF THE CAVE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

Helipad at the top of the hill - from here 3.5 KM to holy cave 

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---

Shri Kheer Bhawani Temple / Kheer Bhavani Mandir / Kshir Bhawani, Tulmulla / Tullamulla, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India.

The visit to this Shri Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple at Tulmulla/Tulmulla before Sambal on Pahalgam to Baltal road in Jammu & Kashmir was a part of AMARNATH JI yatra on 05^th July 2014. This was a continuation of Yatra to Kailash and Chardham (Yamunothri, Gangotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath), with the same Group, but with a change of Travel agency. The main itinerary in this Amarnath yatra includes Shiv Khori Cave, Shri Vaishno Devi Cave, Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple, Amritsar, Wagah border and Shri Raghunath Temple Jammu.

The name Kheer is obtained from the Indian dessert Kheer (A mixture of rice and milk), offered to the Goddess. This Hindu temple is surrounded by mosques. Hence there will be a communal tension that exists always, especially during the annual festival all the Kashmir Pandits will assemble in this village.

The main entrance is guarded by Military personnel.

The presiding deity:  Goddess Ragnya Devi

She is also called different names like Ragniya Devi, Maharagya Devi, Ragnya Devi, Rajni Devi, Ragnya Bhagwati etc,.  

Some of the salient features of this temple are...

The abode/sanctum Sanctorum of Mata Maha Ragnya is surrounded by a mystic spring called Amrit Kund. Mata Maha Ragnya is seated on this Anantnagraj on the one-thousand-petaled rose. Hanuman, Shri. Ganpati, Bhimraj, and Kumar are in the praharam. In the middle of the Amrit kund towards the east resides AsthNag  Devas namely Vasuki nag, Neel Nagaraj, Taksheq Nagaraj, Takshek Nagaraj, Padbnagaraj, Maha Padam Nagaraj, etc,.

Shri Kheer Bhawani  

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS 

As late as 1844 people used the cross the marshes by walking our reeds growing in the sump. The legend has it that the curiosity about the spring spread further from the learned Brahman Shri. Govindjoo Gadoo had a vision of the Goddess who manifested herself as a serpent. The devotee Brahman carried a vessel of milk arranged a boat rowed through the marshes of Tulmul and upon reaching the sacred spot to which the serpent spring Goddess had led him slowly poured out the milk.

Later on, the same place historic temple of Kheer Bhawani was built by Maharaja Pratap Singh of Jammu & Kashmir in 1912 and later renovated by Maharaja Hari Singh surrounded by streams / holy springs. The temple complex is in the midst of Chinar trees and the main deity Goddess Ragnya is in a hexagonal marble Sanctum sanctorum surrounded by a spring, called amrit kund.

LEGENDS 

The legend goes that worshiped mother Ragnya as Shayama, who showered her blessings on his kingdom of Ravana. The goddess thus resided in Sri Lanka. Later on, due to Ravana’s misdeeds, the Goddess cursed him and ordered Hanuman Ji to take her to the “Satisar” (Kashmir), a place out from the outside world by snow-clad mountains. The mother on her vehicle along with 360 Nagas was installed at Tullamulla. The mother is worshiped by the name Mata Ragnya. The mata in Srinagar is as Tirupurasundari and Vaishnav.

In another legend, Rama worshiped Mata Ragnya during his exile. After the exile, Mata Ragnya was shifted to Shadipora, from where shifted to this present place as per Mata Ragnya’s wish. It is further believed that Sita was the incarnation of mata Ragniya.

The mystic is only one-fourth of the world, where numerous Nagraj and their Ashtkul-Nag Devas reside. It is believed that, at the centre of the Amrit kund Anant Nagraj resides which is surrounded by one thousand core Nagas having two thousand eyes and two thousand tongues. The temple in Amrit Kund is a divine invitation to all the devotees to see how Para-Prakriti functions. It is clear that the color of the spring changes serving as an oblique omen about what is going to happen in the near future. The pink, milky, and light green color of the spring suggests the auspicious omen, and the black and dark red indicate the wrong auspicious signals. It was said that during the 2014 flood in Kashmir, the color changed to black.

Tullamulla Nag where the mata Rangya resides in the form of Jal-rupi having the form of water or serpent has allegorical meanings. The surrounding water of the island is the ocean of infinite life energy full of dormant potentialities which spread unfold expand and transport in the precious stone that grants all desires.

Shree Bhawani is praised as the Goddess of learning and knowledge on the main level and the Goddess of wisdom & enlightenment on the spiritual level. She values education and grants blessings for various examinations to all her devotees. It is believed that all leading saints like Swami Vivekananda, Prasad Joo Parimoo, Swami Rama Tirtha, Bhagwan Gopinath Bhan, etc, did penance / meditated in Kheer Bhawani Temple Complex and got spiritual enlightenment.

Shree Bhawani is being praised as...

"I make obeisance to that one Goddess, who having taken the position of the supreme God is the Queen in reality, whose form is made of light and is adorned by the luster of 12 suns who cannot be observed through senses, who is seated on a throne and is wrapped with serpents."

The Presiding deity Goddess Ragnya Devi with Amrit Kund

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

An annual festival/mela (on the 8^th day of the full moon in May) is held here on Jesht Ashtami (May – June) when Hindus visit this place in large numbers. Pilgrims also throng on every shukla paksha Ashtami around the year and perform poojas to please the mother. Navratri also celebrated in a grand manner.

 

Milk, Sugar, and Vegetarian food offerings are done at this temple.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept open between 05.30 hrs to 21.00 hrs during summer and 06.30 hrs to 20.00 hrs during winter.

HOW TO REACH 

Kheer Bhavani Temple is about 22 km from Srinagar,

The nearest Railway station and Airport are at Srinagar. 

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE

Second entrance

Sri Ganpati and Hanuman Shrine 

A small shrine under a chinar tree

A duck is swimming in a nallah outside the temple. Above water, it seems to be calm but to move and keep balance the legs will be struggling always. This applies to human beings, which means - that outside they may look calm but they will be struggling with worries.

--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---