GG News Bureau
Jammu, 15th Jan. In accordance with the annual tradition, officials have announced the reopening of the old and natural cave route to the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district.
Usually, the natural route to the cave shrine in the Trikuta hills is reopened during this time of year after a puja ceremony. This is done to accommodate the lower number of devotees visiting the shrine during this period.
Pilgrims were able to undertake the yatra through the old cave route on Sunday, as confirmed by Anshul Garg, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Shrine Board (SMVDSB). Garg also mentioned that the shrine board will make efforts to ensure that more devotees can use the old cave route, taking into account the permitted crowd capacity.
To avoid any inconvenience to the pilgrims, authorities have been instructed to regulate the darshan (sightseeing) through the old cave, considering the rush and congestion. The old cave is only reopened annually during the months of January and February when there is less rush. For the rest of the year, pilgrims must pass through the newly-constructed caves to reach the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.
