Devotees set to gather for Kapal Mochan Yatra as preparations reach final sage

Shopian, Aug 10: Located on the backside of the gurgling Rambiara stream in the sleepy village of south Kashmir’s  Deegam village, a short drive from Shopian town, Tirath Raj Kapal Mochan shrine is coming alive as the preparations for the annual four-day yatra begin.

The shrine management committee with the support of the local Muslim community and district administration is working tirelessly to finalise the arrangements.

The four-day yatra will commence on August 14 and culminate on August 17.

President of the Tirath Raj Kapal Mochan Shrine's Management Committee, Ashok Sathoo told Greater Kashmir that the devotees from across the country would arrive on August 14.

According to Sathoo, Kalash Pooja will be performed on August 15 followed by Puran Aahuti and Shravan Bah on August 16 and 17 respectively.

“This is the sole place where the Shradh for those, who die in accidents or prematurely are performed,” Sathoo said. According to legend, after lord Shiva beheaded Lord Brahma for a wrongful confession, Brahma's skull (Kapal) became attached to Shiva's finger.

Despite visiting numerous sacred places, lord Shiva could not rid himself of the Kapal.

However, when he finally arrived at this site and took a dip in one of the springs, the Kapal detached from his finger, absolving him of Brahm-Hatya (the sin of killing Brahma).

Following this event, a Shivalingam emerged at the spot, which has since been used as a place of absolution.

Sathoo said that devotees from across the country were expected to take part in the yatra.

He said that the members of the Muslim community were supporting them to make arrangements for the yatra.

“Senior officials from the district administration visited the place and ensured full support for the smooth conduct of the yatra,” Sathoo said.

On Thursday, a massive sanitation drive was carried out by the Department of Information in the premises of the shrine.

The employees of the department and the local media persons, who participated in the drive, spruced up the premises and the surroundings to ensure a clean yatra.