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Indian Express
08-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Jyeshtha Ashtami and the Kheer Bhawani temple: A sacred spring's significance in Kashmiri Pandit heritage
Zyeth Atham (Jyeshtha Ashtami), observed on the eighth day of Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha (May–June), which fell on June 3, holds profound importance for the Kashmiri Pandit community. On this day, devotees honour Goddess Ragnya Devi, also known as Kheer Bhawani, at her temple in Tulmulla, in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. This year, visitors to the temple at the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela included PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, National Conference's Farooq Abdulla, and the Union Territory's L-G Manoj Sinha. The temple derives its distinctive name from kheer—a rice and milk pudding—which is offered to the goddess as the principal prasad. The Kashmiri Pandit community reveres Goddess Kheer Bhawani, an incarnation of Mata Durga, as their Kuldevi (family deity). Tulmulla is approximately 25 kilometers northeast of Srinagar. The temple, nestled amidst chinar trees and built over a sacred spring, finds mention in numerous ancient texts, including Kashmiri historian Kalhana's 12th-century chronicle Rajatarangini. 'Mention of this place is made in the last chapter of the Ragnya Pradurbhava which is a section of the Bhringish Samhita,' writes Kashmiri educationist and ornithologist Samsar Chand Kaul in his book 'The Mysterious Spring of Khir Bhawani'. The shrine features a hexagonal spring surrounding a marble temple that houses the idol of the presiding deity. The current marble structure was constructed by Dogra ruler Maharaja Pratap Singh in the early 20th century and was later renovated by Maharaja Hari Singh. Of guarding serpents and a Lanka connection According to a legend, Ragnya Devi was once worshipped in Lanka by King Ravana. Displeased with his tyranny, she left Lanka and, with the assistance of Lord Hanuman, relocated to Kashmir, choosing Tulmulla as her abode. '…the goddess, wrathful at Ravana's misdeeds, cursed him and ordered Hanuman to take her to Sad Sar (Kashmir) on her vehicle along with 360 Nags. Hanuman selected a spot in the northern side of the Valley within the space surrounded by the villages of Borus (Bhawanish), Ahatung (Tungish), Ladwun (Labdawan), Wokur (Bhageh). Here he installed the goddess with all her satellites. She was called Khirbhawani or Raji Ragyni, exclusively preferring milk, sugar, rice and all vegetarian forms of offerings,' Kaul writes. Sharing details about another legend attached with Goddess Ragnya Devi in his book, Kaul further states: '… Another version which is said to have brought the spring to light states that a Brahman Krishna Pandit saw a vision in which he was informed by a Deva (an angel) that the spring of Khir Bhawani lay among the swamps of Tulamulla. 'How shall I be able to find out the spring? He asked. 'Engage a boat as far as Shadipor (village in Kashmir), and from there a serpent will guide you. When you reach near the spring, the serpent will jump into it. That is the spring.' The spring: Changing colours and fortunes Waters of the sacred spring, known as 'Nag' in Kashmir, are known to change colour, and according to local belief, reflect the fortunes of the Valley. Light hues such as blue and green are considered auspicious, while darker shades, particularly black or red, are viewed as forewarnings of turmoil. 'For generations, locals have looked to the spring's waters as a mirror of the Valley's fate — when the water runs clear, it is taken as a sign of harmony, when it darkens, it is considered inauspicious,' says Jammu resident Girja Bhat, who has been attending the mela regularly and was 'happy' when she found that 'Nag pooyin ous saaf (spring water was clear)' this year. Kashmiri Pandits narrate that in 1990, around the time of their mass exodus, the spring reportedly turned black, a phenomenon that has since been etched into the community's collective memory. Quoting the then British Land Settlement Commissioner to Kashmir Walter Lawrence, in the research paper 'Manifestation of Goddess Kheer Bhavani: A Psychological Exploration', University of Delhi scholar Swati Tickoo states: 'In 1888, Lawrence wrote the following report about the temple of Mata Kheer Bhavani; '…perhaps the most sacred place in Kashmir is the Kheer Bhawani; spring of Kheer Bhawani at the mouth of the Sind valley… When I saw the great spring of Kheer Bhawani at Tula Mula, the water had a violet tinge, but when famine or cholera is imminent the water assumes a black hue.' 'Reaffirmation of faith' The mela at Kheer Bhawani Temple, managed by Jammu and Kashmir Dharmarth Trust, continues to draw thousands of devotees annually. 'To mark the Ashtami, devotees perform hawan in reverence to Mata Ragnya, accompanied by rituals such as offering milk and dropping Kaand (sugar cones) into the sacred spring, scattering flowers and aromatic leaves known as Vyna Patar. The festival serves as a reunion for the Kashmiri Pandit diaspora, a reaffirmation of faith, and a symbol of resilience,' says retired IFS officer Poshkar Nath Pandit.
The Independent
04-06-2025
- General
- The Independent
India-Pakistan violence casts dark shadow over Kashmir pilgrimage
Kheer Bhawani mela, a historic event attended by thousands of people every year in Kashmir, is a different sight in 2025. This year, the Hindu fair celebrated in Tulmullah, in the Ganderbal region, was overshadowed by security concerns after a terror attack on Hindu tourists killed 26 people and a brief but fierce military clash between India and Pakistan. Attendance this year was lower due to the tensions across the region, which lies between India and Pakistan and is claimed by both. For residents, this fair represents not just the faith of one single community but also different religions in the region co-existing. Kashmiri Pandits, who were displaced in 1990, attend every year. Muslim residents, once neighbours of the Pandits, hosted pilgrims who came from different parts of the region and other Indian states.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
J&K: Kashmiri Pandits troop to Valley temple fair, revive return hopes
SRINAGAR: Farooq Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and J&K LG Manoj Sinha joined hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits Tuesday at Mela Kheer Bhawani, an annual fair at an eponymous shrine in Ganderbal's Tulmulla, marking the largest gathering since the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and raising hopes of the displaced community's return to the Valley. LG Sinha interacted with people and extended warm greetings on the occasion. The shrine is known as Kheer Bhawani as devotees offer milk and kheer (milk pudding) to a sacred spring there which, the legend has it, changes colour. Pandits from across the country travel to the temple fair, around 35km from Srinagar, each year. 'Devotees in large numbers is a good sign. I think after the heinous (Pahalgam) terror attack on April 22, it is the first time that people in such large numbers have assembled at one place in Kashmir. May Mata Kheer Bhawani keep showering her blessings on J&K people,' Sinha said, vowing to make the pilgrimage safe and hassle-free. Sinha also announced that preparations were in full swing for the annual Amarnath Yatra this year from July 3 to Aug 9. 'We have made all arrangements for the security of yatris. I request pilgrims from across the country to come for the yatra,' Sinha said. PDP president Mehbooba cited the large Pandit throngs at Kheer Bhawani temple to reiterate her belief that guns were not the solution to Kashmir's issues. 'Kashmir issue cannot be resolved through military force or militants' guns. Political solution is the only way forward. There should be a political process. That process cannot be completed until our Kashmiri Pandit brothers and sisters return with due respect and settle in the Valley,' Mehbooba said. Farooq, president of J&K's governing National Conference (NC), echoed the views as he was greeted warmly at the fair. He stressed the 'urgent' need for return and resettlement of Pandits in the Valley, calling for land as well as proper housing facilities. He recalled that NC had during its past stints in office attempted such rehabilitation and expressed hope the situation would improve enough for Pandits to live in Kashmir as they once did. Kheer Bhawani temple was built by then monarch Pratap Singh in 1912. The spring there has held religious sanctity for Pandits over centuries, with many claiming its origin to Lord Rama's times.
United News of India
03-06-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Amid tight security, Kashmiri Pandits gather at Tulmulla Ganderbal
Srinagar, June 3 (UNI) A large number of Kashmiri Pandits gathered at Tulmulla in Jammu and Kashmir's Ganderbal district on Tuesday to participate in the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela, officials said. This year's celebration comes in the aftermath of the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local. The attack has cast a shadow over the turnout at the festival, held at the revered Kheer Bhawani temple located around 27 km from Srinagar. The mela is among the most significant religious events for the Kashmiri Pandit community. Last year, over 25,000 devotees visited the temple to pay their respects. While this year's participation has been affected by security concerns, a considerable number of devotees still made their way to the shrine, with the air resonating with the chanting of hymns and the ringing of temple bells. To ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the festival, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has put in place elaborate arrangements. Officials said a heavy deployment of Jammu and Kashmir Police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel has been made in and around the temple premises. All approach roads to the shrine have been fully sanitised, officials said. Several political leaders have greeted the people on Mela Kheer Bhawani. UNI MJR PRS
India Gazette
01-06-2025
- India Gazette
J-K: Undeterred by terror, pilgrims flock to Kheer Bhawani shrine in Kashmir
Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], June 1 (ANI): Despite prevailing fear in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, Operation Sindoor following that, devotees in large numbers are visiting the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani temple in Kashmir. Pilgrims, including many Kashmiri Pandits, expressed unwavering faith and said such attacks cannot deter their devotion. The annual Kheer Bhawani Mela will begin on June 3, 2025, at the revered Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmulla, located in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir valley. Authorities assured that elaborate security and logistical arrangements have been made for the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage. Rajesh Jyotsi, a devotee, said, 'Mata Kheer Bhawani is our Kul Devi, and it's our sacred duty to visit her. We don't fear anything--this is our land. Attacks like these keep happening, but the arrangements here are excellent. I urge everyone to come and seek blessings.' A first-time visitor, Saroj, also echoed a similar sentiment. 'This is my first visit. I had heard a great deal about this place. We are not afraid; these attacks are only meant to instill fear, and we must stand strong. I am not scared. There is no fear in visiting Mata. The Pahalgam attack was unfortunate, but tourists should go. So, we should not be afraid.' Arvind Karwani, Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner, stated that the government has ensured all necessary facilities are provided to the pilgrims. 'We've made arrangements for food, medical assistance, sanitation, and accommodation. There is also a halt facility at Ramban, where arrangements have been made. Over 60 buses have been deployed for the pilgrimage, and more are being added.' Jammu SSP Joginder Singh said that security and other arrangements were in place to ensure a peaceful and smooth yatra. 'I extend best wishes to all pilgrims on this sacred occasion,' he said. Rakesh Kaul, another devotee, highlighted the emotional bond of the Kashmiri Pandit community with the shrine. 'Our connection with Mata Kheer Bhawani is age-old. We wait the entire year for this visit. People from across India are coming despite the prevailing fear of the last 36 years. The situation remains tough, but our faith in God is stronger. Those who are spiritually inclined should come and experience this.' The Mata Kheer Bhawani annual mela takes place at the famous Ragnya Devi temple in village Tulmulla, 25 kilometres off Srinagar. 'Kheer', a milk and rice pudding, is offered to propitiate the goddess. Kheer Bhawani is sometimes translated as 'Milk Goddess'. The worship of Kheer Bhawani is universal among the Hindus of Kashmir; most of them worship her as their protective patron deity, Kuladevi. This event follows the attack in Pahalgam that occurred on April 22 at Baisaran meadow, where terrorists targeted tourists, killing 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese citizen, and leaving several others injured. The victims were picked on based on their religion. It was one of the deadliest attacks in the region since the 2019 Pulwama strike, which claimed the lives of 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. In response, India carried out precision strikes through Operation Sindoor on May 7 on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and PoJK in response to the Pahalgam terror attack last month, in which 26 people were killed. India also effectively responded to subsequent Pakistani aggression and pounded its airbases. (ANI)
