An initiative from some individuals has finally achieved a milestone when monthly Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Trikuta parvat parikrama yatra completed its two years of uninterrupted 24such rituals.

With regular travels by the devotees, the initiative has turned out to be a religious discourse with locals at different places organizing small gatherings to welcome and join them for small prayers at temples and common points.

“Since it was an initiative of some individuals, the idea has been supported by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) with the sanction of nine temples along the Trikuta Parvat parikrama yatra route with four of them already functional,” informed Takan Dass, convener of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Trikuta Parvat Tirth Parikrama Samiti, district Reasi.

The remote villages along the parikrama yatra route were enthusiastic and supportive to the growing trends of the visiting devotees. Held on ‘Sankranti’, usually with around 15persons, the day-long ritual starts from Reasi town with prayers at famous Kali and Granpati temples.

After boarding a bus and passing through Gran Morh Railway Station, the yatra makes a brief halt at Kalika temple overlooking the architectural milestone of ‘Anjani’ Railways bridge for onward journey.

“After covering a distance of 40 kilometers on road, the yatra moves forward for a seven-kilometer on foot journey from Sukhal Ghati to Jangal Gali, passing through mountains and dense forests areas. From Jangal Gali in district Udhampur, again the devotees board a bus to reach village Muttal. The yatra finally culminates at Reasi late in the evening,” disclosed man behind the Parikrama yatra, 79 years old, Takan Dass.

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