Muslim Community of Mandi Town Accorded grand Reception; Chants of ‘Bam Bam Bhole’ Echo in Mandi as Yatris Arrive Safely
JJ Toseef R Ganai
Poonch, Mandi :- The inaugural batch of pilgrims undertaking the revered Shri Budha Amarnath Ji Yatra reached the sacred shrine nestled in Mandi town, located approximately 22 kilometres from Poonch, in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. These devotees, who had arrived from Jammu the previous evening, commenced their onward journey early in the morning from Dashnami Akhara in Poonch. Upon reaching the shrine, they performed the solemn ‘Darshan’ rituals in an atmosphere charged with religious devotion.
On this auspicious day, more than 1,100 pilgrims arrived at the shrine in Mandi, travelling in a convoy of around 40 vehicles, including both light transport and buses. These movements were conducted under stringent security protocols meticulously orchestrated by the concerned authorities to ensure the safety and sanctity of the pilgrimage.
Upon their arrival, the pilgrims were warmly received by the local administration of Tehsil Mandi, members of the Budha Amarnath Mandir Committee, and notably, by esteemed members of the local Muslim community, reflecting a spirit of communal harmony and mutual respect.
Following the completion of the Darshan, the pilgrims partook in a traditional meal served at the Langar within the temple premises, embodying the Sikh and Hindu spirit of free communal service and hospitality. Subsequently, the group commenced their return journey towards Jammu.
Meanwhile, the second batch of the Yatra, comprising 677 pilgrims, set forth from the Jammu base camp in the morning. This contingent travelled in a fleet of 21 buses and reached Poonch town by approximately 5:00 PM. These pilgrims are scheduled to offer their Darshan at the holy shrine on Wednesday.
During their journey, the pilgrims were provided with breakfast in the scenic town of Sunderbani and later enjoyed lunch at Rajouri. They were hosted for the night in Poonch, where arrangements had been made for their dinner and comfortable lodging.
The district administration of Poonch, in collaboration with prominent religious and social organisations such as the Sanatan Dharm Sabha, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), and the Bajrang Dal, played a pivotal role in ensuring the convenience and well-being of the visiting pilgrims. Their collective efforts were complemented by comprehensive security arrangements made by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and other security agencies to guarantee the smooth and safe conduct of the pilgrimage in this sensitive border district.
The Budha Amarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and located in the village of Rajpura in Poonch, stands as one of the most ancient and venerated shrines in the Jammu region. This sacred site has, for generations, drawn multitudes of devotees who undertake the arduous journey with unwavering faith.
According to age-old local legend, the revered sage Pulastya Rishi grandfather of the legendary King Ravana of Lanka is believed to have meditated and worshipped at this holy location for thousands of years. The river that originates from Mandi and flows through the heart of Poonch city is locally known as the Pulast River, named in honour of this ancient sage and signifying the region’s profound mythological and spiritual heritage.
