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Cont: 9419101229, 94191-76665 ENTRUST REALTORS & CONSULTANTS SUNDAY, AUGUST 25, 2013 INTERNET EDITION : www.dailyexcelsior.com/magazine www.jammuproperty.com PILGRIMAGE TO MANIMAHESH Kaushal Kotwal dis with a Chuhali topi (pointed cap), which they wear tra- ditionally along with their other dress of chola (coat) and The annual of Manimahesh commences from Lax- dora (a long black cord about 10-15 m long). The Gaddis mi-Narayana Temple in Chamba in the month of August / started calling the land of this mountainous region as 'Shiv September. Also the scared Chhari of Lord is taken Bhumi' (Land of Shiva) and themselves as devotees of Shi- from different holy places of Chenab Valley of Bhadarwah va. The legend further states that before Shiva married Par- tehsil and adjoining areas of the tehsil Bhadarwah of dis- vati at Mansarovar Lake and became the "universal par- trict Doda. In this sacred yatra chelas of Lord Shiva along- ents of the universe", Shiva created the in with many devotees of Lord Shiva proceed to Manimahesh and made it his abode. He made Gad- tirth in Himachal Pradesh. Some accompany the chhari and dis his devotees. The land where Gaddis lived extended some go directly to Himachal Pradesh. The Chhari is tak- from 15 miles (24 km) west of Bharmaur, upstream of the en to the sacred lake of Manimahesh, which is one of the confluence of Budhil and Ravi rivers, up to Manimahesh. chief tirthas in the district. Of late people from north India Maninnahesh was also considered the abode of the three and beyond have started visiting this sacred lake. The lake Lords of the universe namely, Shiva, and . is situated at the height of 13,500 feet above sea level and Manimahesh was reckoned as the heaven (Kaliasa) of Lord at the base of Manimahesh Kailash peak a (18,564 feet), Shiva. The waterfall seen at the Dhancho on the way to 92 km from Chamba, where pligrims take holy dip. Man- Manimahesh Lake, and which emanates from the lake, was imahesh Kailash is a virgin peak. In 1968 an Indo-Japan- considered as the heaven (Vaikunta) of Vishnu. The heav- ese team led by Nandini Patel made an unsuccessful en of Bramha is cited as a mound overlooking the Bhar- attempt to scale the peak. The devout attribute the failure maur city. The Gaddis also believe that Shiva resides in the to the divine prowess of the holy mountain. On the margin Mount Kailash for six months, whereafter he moves to the of the lake is a small marble Shivaling called Chaumukha. netherworld handing over the reigns to Lord Vishnu. The Manimahesh is 27 km from Bharmour. During the mela day he departs to the netherworld is observed by the Gad- days, bus service is available upto Hadsar, 14 km from dis reverentially every year, which is the Janmashtami day, Bharmour. The pilgrimage is generally done in two stages. the eighth day of the month of Bhadon (August), the birth- Between Dhanchho and Manimahesh lake, there are minor day of Lord (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu). Shiva places of pilgrimage known as Bandar Ghati, Gauri Kund, returned from the netherworld to Bharamaur at the end of Shiv Kalotri and Ganesh Ghati. The trek from Dhanchho to February, before the night of his wedding and this day is Manimahesh lake is difficult in patches. Just short of the observed as the Shivratri day; Gaddis observe this also as lake is Gauri Kund where women take a holy dip before a festive day since Shiva and returned to Mount returning to home. The pilgrimage to Manimahesh is con- Kailash in the Gaddi land. sidered sacred like that of Amarnath, Badrinath and Etymology of 'Manimahesh' signifies a "jewel (Mani) Rameshwarm. During the mela days several bhandaras on Lord Shiva's (Mahesh's) crown". According to a local are set-up for the benefit of pilgrims and meals are served legend, the moon-rays reflected from the jewel can be bestowed a boon, which gave powers to Bhasmasur Mahesh peak is seen in reflection in the lake like saffron free of cost. Pack animals are also available for those who seen from Manimahesh Lake on clear full moon night under which Bhasmasur touching any one would reduce tilak. This display in the lake has enhanced the legendary do not want to carry their luggage themselves. (which is a rare occasion). However, it has been inferred that person into ashes. Bhasmasur wanted to try this belief of the Gaddis on the sanctity of Manimahesh Lake at Legend also mentions that Shiva performed penance that such a phenomenon could be the result of reflection boon on Shiva himself. He, therefore, followed Shiva to the base of the Mount Kailash, which they visit on an annu- on the banks of Manimahesh Lake. In the same vein, it is of light from the glacier that embellishes the peak in the touch him and get rid of him. However, Shiva managed al pilgrimage. This event has also contributed to the prac- mentioned that Gaddis, the tribes of this region, adopted form of a serpent around Shiva's neck. to escape and enter into the waterfall at Dhancho and tice of taking bath in the lake on Janmashtami day or Rad- Lord Shiva as their deity. Gaddis are the people who reside A legend in which Lord Shiva himself is tricked is nar- take shelter in a cave behind the rolling waters of the fall. hashtami day, fifteen days after the birth of Lord Krishna. in the Gaddi Valley which is the name of the upper regions rated. According to this narration linked to Dhancho Bhasmasur could not get through the waterfall. Then, Devotees who are blessed with darshan of the light of of where the Mount Chamba Kailash lies. Fur- where pilgrims spend a night on their way to Manima- Lord Vishnu intervened and killed Bhasmasur. Since then sacred mani on the day of Janmashtami chant ther, according to the legend, the Shiva, who lived in Mount hesh Lake, Lord Shiva, pleased with the devotion of one the fall is considered holy. "Sab Kuch Paa Liya Is Sansar Mein In Darshano Ke Kailash, the highest mountain of the state, gifted the Gad- his ardent devotee Bhasmasur (an or demon) A rare event of the first sun's rays falling on the Mani Saath, Jeevan Safal Ho Gaya Bholenath Ki Kripa Ke Sath".

every body as well as Government of India, Doda called them and people demanded set- which was instrumental in their constitution in ting up of a police picket in the area, which he 1995 to start political and peace process in the rejected saying that the Government does not state by installing a political Government. have the manpower. ``It was he (SSP) who He said infiltration has again started in bor- asked us to constitute VDCs and fight terror- der belt and dreaded militant outfit Lashkar-e- ists by themselves''. ``We agreed this and eight Toiba (LeT) wants to spread its net work again. VDCs were constituted and given eight guns- The appearance of posters in various areas of four to and four to Muslims. Since then Kishtwar recently and appealing youth to join people are living in complete peace and with- militants ranks is an indication in this regard. out any threat he added. VDCs ON VIGIL Accusing the Government of its failure in tak- He said once the VDCs are disbanded the ing a tough stance against terrorism and elim- Government should make arrangements of inating the terrorists, he said the people who providing quarters to all villagers at safer have been part of anti militancy operations in places so that they don't become the targets this hilly belt feel demoralized at present. of militants again. Whosoever fought against the terrorism has Rubbishing the separatist Hurriyat propa- been demoralized by the Government and ganda and its demand on disbanding VDCs, against some people false charges have been a local Sarpanch in a remote area of Bhadar- leveled, he added. wah said that Hurriyat leaders including Syed The SOG has been closed and those locals Ali Shah Geelani has no locus standi in who were working with it and who had played demanding disbanding of VDCs as it is for the a leading role in elimination of dreaded terror- Government to take a decision. Since the ists have been transferred to far of areas, he threat is still there and situation has not said. This way the Government was also try- become conducive, it will not be advisable to ing to create fear psychosis among the mass- es and further the game plan of separatists, disband VDCs who have done a commend- he added. able job in elimination of militants from hilly Highlighting the exemplary courage and reaches of Jammu region, he added. valor displayed by VDC members in the hilly He said VDCs provide security to people belt of erstwhile Doda district, he said many of and they are a threat to anti national and anti them laid down their lives in fighting terrorism social elements and not to the peace loving and in Dachan area of Kishtwar a group of people. The Hurriyat is misleading the people VDCs was eliminated in 2001 by terrorists but in this regard by raking up the issue of disband- still they did not give up and continued their ing VDCs which should be rejected lock stock fight against terror. Seeing that their game plan and barrel, he added. of forcing the migration of nationalist people Justifying the role of VDCs BJP state from erstwhile Doda district will not work in spokesperson and National Executive mem- presence of VDCs, the separatists have start- ber, Dr Jitendra Singh said that they were con- Avtar Bhat the region whose back had been broken by many people from both the communities lost ed throwing feelers against VDCs by defam- stituted in desperation by then Union Govern- VDCs as the militants and their harbourers their lives in militants' attacks prior constitution ing them and leveling wild allegations against ment led by P V Narsimha Rao in 1995 which Since their constitution in 1995 when mili- were more scared of VDCs at present than of VDCs in 1995, he added. its members, he added. wanted to start political process in the state tancy was on peak in the state of J&K and peo- security forces because they (VDCs) man- He said soon after the constitution of VDCs Mohammed Rafiq, a youth from Kishtwar and install the people Government there. The ple in the hilly belts of Jammu region were also aged to keep the terrorist at bay and did not they not only protected their hamlets, main- maximum benefit of constituting VDCs went to looking for mass migration in view of increas- while defending the VDCs said that in case they let them enter those areas after 1995 where tained peace and communal amity but also are disbanded the situation will again deterio- NC as smooth conduct of elections after over ing massacres and terrorist attacks on them, the VDCs were constituted by the Govern- kept the terrorists at bay as they did not dare the Village Defence Committees (VDCs) did a rate in this hilly belt and become worst than six years of Governor's rule became possible ment. to enter those hamlets where the VDCs exist- 1995 when they were constituted to instill in the State and Dr Farooq Abdullah was commendable job in weeding out terrorism Not only the VDC members and their SPOs ed. from their areas and restored peace and peo- sense of security among the people who were installed the Chief Minister. belonging to minority community in erstwhile The VDCs are still needed in this hilly belt scared of militants and trying to migrate to oth- He said the malicious propaganda ple's confidence. as the terrorism has not been completely elim- Doda district or in twin border districts of er areas for their safety and security. Let the launched against the BJP is quite wrong as if Perturbed over increasing terrorist vio- Poonch and Rajouri, but VDC members inated from there, said Ramzan Wani (name Government restore peace fully in the State the VDCs were only its brain child, Dr Singh lence and massacres after the militants spread belonging to majority community are tooth and changed) from a remote village in Doda dis- said had they been not there the restoration their tentacles in Jammu region, as well, the nail opposed to the demand of disbanding the trict. In view of fresh infiltration from across and break the back of terrorists as well as their then Union Government led by P V Narsimha VDCs in the hilly reaches and term it as a part the border and terrorist attacks on army and harborers and then talk of disbanding militan- of political process would have been a distant Rao was left with no alternative but to consti- of big conspiracy to give militancy a new lease police personnel at border and within the State cy. dream at that time. He alleged that both Con- tute VDCs in the State for restoration of dem- of life in this belt which otherwise has no as well as the killing of ex-Director of SKIMS Situation is not conducive for disbanding gress and NC were exploiting the issue of ocratic and political process. The VDCs did a chance of its revival in presence of VDCs. which are not isolated incidents, the Govern- VDCs said Ramesh, a VDC SPO as after sur- VDCs from time to time for political gains. In yeoman's service to the militancy ravaged Once VDCs are disbanded in militancy ment has to remain vigilant and proactive. This rendering their guns, the VDC members will 1990 both the parties used VDCs as a break- people since their constitution in not only pro- affected areas of erstwhile Doda district and shows militants are neither out nor down and become the safe targets of militants who are through against paralyzing terrorism, now viding security to the people in their respective twin border districts of Rajouri and Poonch, the in view of the recent intelligence reports, the still active in hilly reaches like Galadhar in when the elections are approaching both the hamlets in remote and secluded areas of the militants will re-group again, said Mohammed Government should revive its pro-active strat- Doda etc. `` Justifying continuance of VDCs parties have joined the separatist bandwagon State but also assisted the security forces in Asgar (name changed) a VDC member from a egy to thwart their designs as militants are try- and appreciating their role, he said we saved in demanding winding up of VDCs. anti terror operations. remote village of Bhadarwah. After the ing to regroup again by making appeals to our villages, protected people and assisted He said to fight terrorism and protect peo- However, recently a controversy dogged increased infiltration across the border the youth through pamphlets and posters to join the VDCs with separatists as well as their sym- its ranks, he added. security forces in anti militancy operations.'' ple in remote villages, constitution of VDCs by dreaded Lashkar-e-Toiba is trying to re-group He said prior to the constitution of VDCs in arming villagers themselves to tackle militants pathizers launching a vicious campaign its cadres in this belt and start operations, he Disbanding of VDCs is a game plan of sep- against them and demanding their disband- aratists who at the behest of Pakistan and ISI 1995 militants attacked twice our hamlet Kund- was thought to be more feasible option. Recall- added. ing that both State and Central Governments ing which is seen as a big game plan by nation- He, while counting the role of VDCs said it want to revive the sagging morale of militants, sarrow in Doda and after the VDCs were con- at that time had backed the move to set up alist people to force their mass exodus from was because of their hard efforts and vigil that said Manjit Razdhan a BJP leader from stituted we eliminated three militants and since the hilly belt of Jammu on the pattern of mass Hindus and Muslims live in complete peace Bhadarwah. They (separatists) and their men- then no one dared to attack the village. VDCs as it was also considered to be a major exodus of minorities from the Valley which and harmony in the erstwhile Doda district tors across the border want to create the Same have been the views of Ali (changed money saver since each member of the VDC took place in 1989-90. where the militants tried to create a commu- nineties type situation in the hilly reaches of name) from a remote village in Bhadarwah was to be paid a humble sum of Rs 500 per Defending the role of VDCs, the militancy nal divide earlier by making selective killings. Jammu again to force the migration of nation- who said seven people were killed in his vil- moth for his services, thus saving the Govern- affected people of Jammu region said that the When Muslim majority at various places resis- alist people from there and militants get a free lage by militants prior to constitution of VDCs ment crores of rupees that it would otherwise move was aimed at reviving the militancy in ted against this they targeted them also and deal in ruling the roost. Maintaining that the in 1995 and forcing the people of both the com- had to spend on stationing troops in remote VDCs role in anti militancy operations is before munities to flee from the village. Then SSP and secluded villages.