Over 4 lakh pilgrims pay obeisance at Vaishno Devi shrine
“An average of 40,000 pilgrims are paying obeisance daily at the shrine and over four lakh pilgrims have visited the it since the onset of Navratri,” a board spokesperson said
The nine-day “Shat Chandi Maha Yagya” organised by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board during Navratri festival for world peace, harmony, prosperity and health of humanity concluded on the occasion of “Mahanavmi” at the shrine in Reasi’s Katra.
“An average of 40,000 pilgrims are paying obeisance daily at the shrine and over four lakh pilgrims have visited the it since the onset of Navratri,” a board spokesperson said.
“During Navratri last year, about 3.15 lakh pilgrims had visited the holy shrine,” the spokesperson added.
Anshul Garg, chief executive officer of the board, along with officers, staff and pilgrims, participated in religious ceremonies performed on the last day.
A group of priests led by Padma Shri Vishwamurti Shastri performed the rituals.
“The special additions to the pilgrimage this year included skywalk, remodelled Parvati Bhawan, virtual ‘darshan’ through the holy natural cave and free community kitchen at Shri Bhairon Ji temple complex, besides the ‘live darshan’ facility and bi-lingual chatbot “Shakti” on the board’s website. These initiatives made the pilgrimage convenient and enjoyable ,” the spokesperson added.
The three-peaked shrine nestled in Trikuta Hills in Katra is revered by the Hindus.
