Dewan Mandir celebrates Narsingh Jayanti with devotional fervour; rejuvenation drive gains momentum

• Nrityanjali’s Classical Devotional Performance Captivates Audience
• We Aim to Reconnect Devotees with the Temple’s Historic, Cultural Roots: Suresh Sharma
• Collective Responsibility Key to Preserve Sanatan Heritage for Future Generations

JAMMU: The historic Dewan Mandir witnessed a spiritually enriching celebration of Narsingh Jayanti today, marked by deep devotion, cultural vibrancy and enthusiastic participation of devotees from across the region.

The occasion also reflected the beginning of a renewed journey for the temple, as the ongoing rejuvenation and restoration drive aims to revive its 160-year-old glorious legacy and re-establish it as a prominent centre of faith and culture in Jammu. Built in 1867 by Dewan Jwala Sahai Ji, the Prime Minister during the reign of Maharaja Gulab Singh, the temple stands as an enduring symbol of the region’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.

The rejuvenation initiative is aimed at restoring the temple to its original grandeur and ancient form, ensuring that the divine blessings of Lord Vishnu and Mata Lakshmi continue to guide and protect future generations. A large number of devotees thronged the temple to offer prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Narsingh. A Community Bhandara was organized, where devotees and visitors partook in the sacred offering with great devotion.

The evening commenced with traditional invocations by the students of Panjvaktra Mahadev Ved Pathshala, who presented Vedic chants (Ved Path). Their disciplined and soulful recitations created an atmosphere of devotion and serenity, gracefully ushering in the celebrations.

The highlight of the evening was a captivating classical devotional presentation by Nrityanjali and choreographed by eminent Classical Dancer Dr. Priya Dutta. The programme commenced with “Leela”, a musical composition on Lord Krishna by Kritika Dutt, presented on a recorded track. This was followed by “Ram Stuti”, performed by young dancers including Saanchi, Priyanka, Akshita, Aradhya, Manikarnika, Aarika, Annie, Urvashi, and Shubra. The evening further unfolded with a traditional Kathak presentation in Teentaal by Mahira, Shine, Amyra Dhar, Yashasvini, Radhika, Adhira, Shradha, Samanvi, Shivanshi, Ankita, Devina, Shriya, Amyra Gupta, Bhavani, Saysha, Shihij, Aadhya, Suhag, Maiyra, Charvee, Sarya, and Aadhvika. This was followed by a Jhaptal presentation by Aaradhya Bhatt, Madhvi Sharma, Aryahi, Agamya, Devanshi, Aarvi, Aaradhya Mahajan, Ridhi, Kangna, Namasya, Anaya, Aadhya, Priyal, Naamya, and Bhavani, performed on live music.

The grand finale, “Narsingh Avatar”, a thematic presentation, depicted the powerful narrative of Lord Narsingh. Dr. Priya Dutta appeared as narrator, Brahma and Prahlad; Kritika Dutt portrayed the common man and Narsingh; while Aanandita Dutt enacted Hiranyakashipu. Supporting performances were rendered by Anaya, Aadhya, Spriha, Priyal, Swara, Naamya, Bhavani, and Agamya, creating a deeply immersive spiritual experience.

The performances were enriched by a distinguished team of musicians, including Rajkumar Behrupia on harmonium, padhant, and vocals; Vijay Kumar on tabla; Guru Purshotam Kumar on pakhawaj; and Deepak Kumar on jhanj-manjira. Speaking on the occasion, Shri Suresh Sharma (Retd. Judge), Commissioner-cum-Receiver of Dewan Mandir, reiterated that the rejuvenation of the temple is a collective effort aimed at reconnecting devotees with its historic and cultural roots.

“Dewan Mandir is not merely a place of worship but a living symbol of Jammu’s artistic and spiritual heritage. The celebration of Narsingh Jayanti marks a humble beginning in our efforts to revive its past glory and bring people closer to its rich legacy,” he said.

The event witnessed the presence of prominent citizens, representatives from various social and cultural organizations, reflecting strong community support for the ongoing revival initiatives. The effort reflects a deep sense of devotion and commitment towards safeguarding the spiritual and cultural legacy of the Duggar region.

The celebrations concluded with prayers for peace, harmony and prosperity. The initiative also carries a larger message of collective responsibility, encouraging the community to come together and preserve the rich Sanatan heritage for generations to come, reinforcing the temple’s role as a beacon of faith and cultural heritage.