Devotees gather at Bhaderwah’s hilltop temple for harvest festivities, ancient rituals

Bhaderwah, Oct 12: To celebrate the birth anniversary of the Ashth Bhuja goddess also known as Sheetla Mata, hundreds of Nag devotees converged at the ancient hilltop temple in Bhaderwah on 'Ashtami', the eighth day of Navratri.

Ashtami, a prelude to Dussehra, is an important religious symbol of the Nagas here.

To mark the festivities, about 18,000 people, mostly Nagas, gathered at the 9000-feet-high Ashth Bhuja Temple also known as the temple of goddess Sheetla at Rehoshra Dhar.

Rehoshra Dhar is devoid of people in a radius of about 8 km due to ice formation around and its lower reaches host the ancient Naga cult that comes alive during Navratri, especially on Ashtami.

Located on a mountain pass, 43 km away from Bhaderwah town, the temple is believed to have its origins in the Mughal emperor Babar’s era.

According to local belief, the goddess is the sister of the main deity of Bhaderwah lord Vasuki Nag and her birthday falls on the 8th day of Navratra.

Ashtsmi considered the last festival during the harvest season, marks the beginning of autumn.

The season is followed by harsh winters here.

The traditional celebrations started early morning with the opening of kewaars (doors) of the temple and the Nagas sacrificed dozens of sheep to the deity according to their ancient custom, the officials said.

Sonika, a young devotee, said, “It is difficult to reach here. We trekked 11 km of hilly terrain and later waited in serpentine queues for 2 hours for our turn to pay obeisance. However, at the end of the day, it is a serene feeling. All our wishes are fulfilled by Rehoshra Mata.”

Tanvi, 18, a devotee from Chirala said, “This festival not only rejuvenates us but also gives us a chance to meet our relatives and friends ahead of the four months of dull life in winters during which we mostly remain indoors.”

‘Charri Mubarak’ (the holy mace) from Chinta, Shourara, Nalthi, Chirala, Sunarthawa, Atalgarh, Rainda, Puneja, Billawar, and Baniand Dalain reached the temple at 12 noon after which devotees began celebrating Ashtami with the traditional Dekhu dance.

“The volunteers of Chinchora and Chinta village served langar to devotees while the administration had made adequate security arrangements for their safety,” the officials said.