Katra/Jammu, Oct 11 (PTI) The nine-day Shat Chandi Maha Yagya commenced at the holy Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine atop Trukuta hills in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday, marking the beginning of Shardiya Navratras amid religious fervour and spiritual devotion, an official said.
The sacred Yagya, organised by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) for universal peace, prosperity, harmony and the well-being of humanity, commenced with traditional vedic rituals and chanting of sacred hymns at the Yagyashala situated at the holy shrine, a spokesman of the board said.
He said the religious ceremony will continue throughout the nine-day Navratra festival and culminate with Purnahuti on Mahanavami.
Devotees can witness the proceedings live on Shraddha MH One channel daily from Noon to 2 pm throughout the Navratras, the spokesman said.
As many as 47,346 pilgrims paid obeisance at the shrine on the first day of the festival.
Chief Executive Officer, Shrine Board, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, who participated in the Yagya, interacted with pilgrims to assess the arrangements and expressed satisfaction with the facilities being provided at both Bhawan and Katra.
As per directions of Lt Governor Manoj Sinha who is also chairman of the Shrine Board, several inclusive and facilitative measures have been implemented to enhance the pilgrimage experience.
These included complimentary pony and battery car services for differently-abled devotees, priority access to darshan at the sanctum sanctorum and the establishment of dedicated help desks at key locations to assist pilgrims at large, the spokesman said.
Besides, he said comprehensive arrangements have been put in place to ensure a safe, smooth and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage experience for devotees arriving from different parts of the country and abroad. PTI TAS NB
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