With immense historic significance, the Jia Pota Ghat on the right bank of River Chenab at Akhnoor in Jammu is the place where ‘Raj Tilak’ of Maharaja Gulab Singh of Jammu region was done on June 17, 1822. It is one of the most preferred pilgrimages due to its historical grandeur.
Akhnoor, popularly known as ‘Virat Nagri’ in the ancient times, also finds a place in the history for its splendor, antiquity and historical importance, whereas, the Jia Pota Ghat on the right bank of river Chandrabhaga is the crowning glory of this beautiful ancient town.
The Jia Pota Ghat derived its name from the Jia Pota tree with botanical name Putranjiva Roxburghii belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. The Raj Tilak ceremony of Maharaja Gulab Singh was held under shades of this tree.
According to historians, the Raj Tilak of Maharaja Gulab Singh at the Jio Pota Ghat was the first concrete step towards the foundation of the modern State of Jammu and Kashmir.
To celebrate the coronation day of Maharaja Gulab Singh, a commemorative mural has also been installed by the then ruler at Jia Pota Ghat, depicting the historic scene of Raj Tilak.
Archaeological excavations carried out at various places in and around Akhnoor reveal that it was the last Harappan City from where the Harappans used to collect timber.
The mighty river Chenab is one of the five rivers of the Punjab where historians believe that Vedas were composed by the Aryans.
As per the historians, the importance of this place lies in the fact that Jia Pota Ghat is probably an eyewitness to the march of civilization since the existence of the early man.
Moreover, according to the Archeological Survey of India (ASI), many historians consider Akhnoor as the northernmost point of Indus Valley civilization.
It is also assumed that in medieval times this old Jio Pota Ghat and its neighboring settlement may have seen the coming and spread of the Aryans. The Ghat in all likelihood is a witness to rise and fall of Kushans and Buddhism, according to historians.
Just one kilometer upstream of the Ghat, there are remains of a Buddhist monastery and Stupa at a site called Ambaran dating back to 1st century A.D to 7th century A.D, which has currently become the spotlight of great historians in general and followers of Buddhism in particular.
Recognizing the strategic significance of this place, it was Raja Mian Tej Singh who started the construction of the fort made exclusively of bricks of different sizes overlooking the Jia Pota ghat.
Later on, the ghat also became an authentication to the ascendance of Dogras in the region. The ghat has remained a foremost centre of pilgrimage.
It has a Devsthan of Baba Kahi where holy Soungals i.e. symbolic chains of the Devta are placed. According to a legend, Kahi Devta, one of the most renowned son of Vasuki Nag brought the waters of river Chanderbhaga to the barren region of Akhnoor and was crowned as its king for his achievement.
There is also a belief that the day river water swollen by snow-melt of the scorching summers touched the holy Soungals of Kahi Devta, the monsoons would land on the arid lands of Jammu region.
During the holy month of Magh, the devotees take a holy dip in the river Chenab at the Jio Pota Ghat to purify themselves of their sins. The holy dip taken before dawn under starlit sky is considered as most auspicious.
It is believed that in 1957, the original Jia Pota tree got uprooted due to floods in the Chenab River and ultimately got washed away in strong water currents.
However, a few specimens of healthy Jia Pota trees are still flourishing in the adjoining Jia Pota Park developed by the government.
Sankranti of every month of the Hindu calendar also witnesses a huge rush at this place. Devotees, especially women hailing from different parts of Jammu region gather at the ghat to take holy dip.
Inspired by Ganga Arti at Haridwar, evening Arti is organised at Jia Pota Ghat on every Sankranti which is generally attended by a huge number of devotees.
The Department of Tourism has also started organizing cultural events during Baisakhi Mela at Jia Pota Ghat which is a step forward to encourage religious and cultural tourism in this area.
