Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, Apr, 08
The three-day fair that began on Chaitra-Chaturdashi from 4th April, 2019 concluded on Saturday the 6th of April, 2019 which was organized in connection with 25th Annual Chhari Yatra by Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir Management Trust, Dogra Sadar Sabha J&K and Purmandal/Utterbehni Shrines Development Committee headed by former Minister Th. Gulchain Singh Charak. Addressing the media persons, today the 8th April Th. Gulchain Singh Charak threw light on the significance of Duggar pilgrimages and the start of Chhari Yatra. Highlighting the importance of Purmandal, Charak said it is located on the banks of the river Devika which is prominently known as the Gupt Ganga.
“This pious place is also popularly known as “Chhota Kashi” as a large number of Hindus perform last rites and rituals here for the peace to departed souls. Hence in a way it is the sacred Ganga of the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. “Seeing the deplorable condition of these historical shrines of Duggar Pradesh, because of the indifferent attitude of the successive state Governments Dogra Sadar Sabha in collaboration with Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir Management Trust Gandhi Nagar formed the Purmandal/Utterbehni Shrines Development Committee involving the prominent persons of the erstwhile- Jammu district took the initiative and decided to start Chhari Yatra with a view to promote the ancient historical religious place, and ensure development of the area,” Charak said.
He told that, in 1995, with the help of the then Governor the Chhari Yatra was started to the holy shrines for highlighting their importance, After that, with the efforts of these organizations, things started improving resulting proper approach roads.
He expressed dismay and concern that despite having sanctity and sacredness the twin shrines have been ignored by the successive governments till date, despite the fact that both shrines are historical Hindu pilgrimage centres in Jammu and Kashmir like Mata Vaishno Devi Ji and Baba Amarnath Ji despite repeated pleas by these organizations.
Mr. Charak also expressed resentment and concern over the non-cooperation of the Surinsar-Mansar Tourism Development Authority due to which people visiting these Shrines are facing numerous difficulties especially, the women pilgrims face severe problems while taking bath in open areas. He said that there is no dearth of funds with the government, but due to the callous attitude of the administration, the pilgrims have to face tremendous problems. He appealed to the government to immediately construct Bathing Ghats and public conveniences near the banks of Holy Devika so that lacs of devotees visiting these Shrines whose number is increasing day by day may not face these hardships.
Others who were present in the conference are:- Sh. S.C Rekhi Gen. Secy. and Sh. Deepak Gupta, Treasurer S.L.N.M Trust, Sh. Prem Sagar Gupta, Gen. Secy. D.S.S, , Brig. M.S Jamwal (Retd.), Member Purmandal/Utterbehni Shrines Development Committee and Sh. Gambhir Dev Singh Charak, Incharge Youth Wing D.S.S.
Besides, Annual Calendar for the year Bikrami Samvat 2076 prepared Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir Management Trust Gandhi Nagar, Jammu was also released during the press conference.
