ANANTNAG/JAMMU, OCT 20: Religious fervour and spiritual devotion marked the auspicious occasion of Maha Navami, as Shri Martand Tirath Trust, Mattan–Anantnag, organised the sacred Maha Yagya at Shri Martand Tirath, Mattan, in Anantnag district, and Surya Bhawan, Paloura, Jammu, enabling devotees at both locations to participate in the holy rituals and seek the divine blessings of Isht Devi Bhargshikha Bhagwati.
The religious ceremonies were conducted as part of the sacred observances of Ashwin Shukla Paksha Maha Navami, an important occasion during Navratri dedicated to the worship of the Divine Mother. The Maha Yagya reflected the enduring faith of devotees in the age-old religious traditions associated with Shri Martand Tirath and reaffirmed the community’s commitment to preserving its spiritual heritage and ancestral religious practices.
The programme was organised under the aegis of Shri Martand Tirath Trust, Mattan–Anantnag, which operates its camp office at Surya Bhawan, Paloura, Jammu. The Trust is headed by President Ashok Kumar Sidha, with Tej Krishan Tickoo serving as General Secretary and Hari Krishan Sidha as Publicity Secretary.
The sacred rituals commenced with Yagya Aarambh, followed by the performance of Puran Ahuti, symbolising the culmination of the holy sacrificial ceremony. The religious observances concluded with the distribution of Prasad among devotees, who participated in the programme with devotion and reverence.
At Shri Martand Tirath, Mattan, the Maha Navami observance carried particular spiritual and cultural significance in view of the shrine’s longstanding place in the religious traditions of the region. The revered Tirath continues to serve as an important centre of faith, devotion and cultural identity, drawing upon a rich legacy of worship and religious practices. The Maha Yagya provided an opportunity for devotees to assemble at the sacred shrine, offer prayers and renew their spiritual connection with their revered Isht Devi.
The simultaneous religious observance at Surya Bhawan, Paloura, Jammu, highlighted the Trust’s efforts to sustain traditional religious practices and facilitate the participation of devotees residing in Jammu. The programme also reflected the enduring spiritual and cultural connection of the community with Shri Martand Tirath, Mattan, and its ancestral places of worship.
As per the programme announced by the Trust, the Yagya Aarambh at Surya Bhawan commenced on October 19, while the ceremony at Shri Martand Tirath, Mattan, began on October 20. The Puran Ahuti was scheduled for 1 PM on October 20, followed by Prasad distribution from 1:30 PM onwards at both venues.
The observance of Maha Navami through the sacred Maha Yagya underscored the continuing importance of religious traditions in strengthening spiritual bonds and preserving the community’s cultural legacy. Through such religious programmes, Shri Martand Tirath Trust continues its efforts to keep the region’s time-honoured traditions alive and pass its spiritual heritage on to future generations.
