Jammu, July 06: Senior BJP leader and MLA East Constituency, Yudhvir Sethi today flagged off the revered Rudra Ganga Yatra from the historic Ram Mandir in Purani Mandi, Jammu.In a statement issued here, the Yatra was flagged off in the august presence of prominent saints and community leaders, marking the commencement of the spiritual pilgrimage to the sacred Chandi Mata shrine in Dessa, Doda.
The flag-off ceremony was graced by the presence of Mahant Rameshwar Dass, Mahant Rajesh Bittu, Dr Dara Singh ,Satish Wazir (President of the Organizing Committee), Sunit Singh Thakur (Chairman Advisory Board), Hari Singh Thakur (Chief Organiser), Mahant Balkrishan Nath, Yatra Pradhan Hari Dutt Singh
Speaking on the occasion, Yudhvir Sethi lauded the spiritual and cultural importance of the Rudra Ganga Yatra and said such Yatras strengthen the centuries-old traditions of devotion, faith, and communal harmony in the region. He appreciated the efforts of the organizing committee and volunteers for keeping this rich heritage alive and ensuring seamless arrangements for thousands of pilgrims.
The senior BJP leader added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, the Government of India has revitalized the spirit of Sanatan culture across Jammu and Kashmir, and the Rudra Ganga Yatra stands as a testament to this revival. “The unflinching faith of devotees in Chandi Mata and the pious Rudra Ganga is what keeps this spiritual movement thriving year after year,” he said.
Giving details about the yatra, Satish Wazir informed that the yatra commenced from Panch Narayan Mandir, Kathua and will travel through multiple holy sites including Geeta Bhawan, Udhampur, Batote, Doda, and Brahma Ghat. The sacred journey culminates on Guru Purnima after Havan, Snan, and Yagya at Rudra Ganga Bhawan. Devotees from across Jammu and Kashmir and outside join this yatra to pay homage and seek blessings of Maa Chandi, revered as the eternal form of Mata Parvati.
Wazir added that as per scriptures and tradition, Rudra Ganga is considered as the origin of purity and salvation, where pilgrims perform Pind Daan and rituals for their ancestors, similar to Gaya. “It is believed that a holy dip in Rudra Ganga washes away all sins and fulfills devotees’ wishes,” he said.
The event concluded with the chanting of mantras and slogans in praise of Maa Chandi and Lord Shiva, filling the atmosphere with divine energy and devotion.
