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JAMMU: The 23rd Chhari Mubarak Yatra to the sacred shrine of Shri Mata Chamunda Devi, Sharvadhar Pogal Paristan, District Ramban, will commence on 4th July 2025 from Rameshwar Temple, Pacca Talab, Bahu Fort, Jammu and return on 6th July 2025 after the darshan (holy viewing) of the deity. In preparation for the yatra, a delegation led by Rajeev Charak, chief patron of Chamunda Mata Temple, called upon the BJP State President Sat Sharma to discuss the preparations regarding the Yatra.
Dr. Tirath Singh, Chairman of the Yatra / Mandir Management Committee, Sharvadhar Ramban, Thakur Gandharv Singh, former president, Udham Singh, former Sarpanch, Surender Singh, Mahendra Singh, Anand Singh and other dignitaries were part of the delegation. The delegation also submitted a memorandum to Sharma, urging the declaration of the Pogal Paristan region as a Religious Tourism Destination.
Sat Sharma, patiently listening to the issues put forth by the delegation, assured that he would speak to the concerned authorities to ensure all necessary arrangements are made for the safety and convenience of the pilgrims. Laying stress on the economic and cultural benefits of developing religious sites, he said that the Modi government has put special thrust on the development of the religious circuits for the promotion of local tourism in the regions. He said that many projects are already being taken on the war-footing in the whole of Jammu and Kashmir to improve the roads and other infrastructure required to promote the influx of pilgrims. He also emphasized on the relevant infrastructure being developed to boost the pilgrims and hence religious tourism in those areas.
While further assuring the delegation on the commitment of Bharatiya Janata Party in the conservation, promotion, and development of the religious tourism sites, mentioning ‘Shri Mata Chamunda Devi Shrine’ in particular, captivating its full religious tourism potential keeping its sanctity, Sat Sharma further stated, “Shri Mata Chamunda Devi, located at Sharvadhar Pogal Paristan in District Ramban, is a major pilgrimage site in the Jammu region. Development of religious sites helps in economic development, infrastructure improvement, and cultural preservation in the area.”
Rajeev Charak said, “Devotees eagerly await the darshan of Maa Chamunda throughout the year. The temple, located at the peak of Sharvadhar mountain, remains snow-covered for eight months, and reaching there requires a 13-kilometer-long difficult trek through forest terrain.” He added that locals affectionately refer to Maa Chamunda as "Chaund Maa." Despite challenges such as rain, cold weather, and rugged paths, thousands of devotees visit the shrine every year with great enthusiasm. Hence, it is necessary to ensure the holistic development of the area so that devotees do not suffer due to lack of basic infrastructure.
Charak emphasized the need for coordination with the administration, police, and traffic departments to ensure smooth management of the yatra. He stressed the importance of robust traffic and security arrangements for the Chhari Mubarak Yatra starting from Jammu, so that the month-and-a-half-long pilgrimage can proceed without any obstacles.
