JNM Journalist Hardeep Jamwal, Jammu
The Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple, located in Kashmir, has been a major center of devotion for devotees for centuries. Located in Tulmula village in Ganderbal district, this sacred shrine is renowned worldwide not only for its religious significance but also for its mysterious pond. Thousands of devotees visit the Kheer Bhawani Fair held annually on the occasion of Jyeshtha Shukla Ashtami, seeking the blessings of Mata Ragnya Devi and offering milk, kheer, and sugar candy to the pond, praying for happiness and prosperity.
Mata Ragnya, revered by the Kashmiri Pandit community and known as Kheer Bhawani, is an important part of Kashmir’s cultural and religious heritage. It is believed that the tradition of devotees offering kheer to the goddess led to her name Kheer Bhawani. Every year, a large number of devotees from India and abroad visit the temple to offer prayers.
The sacred pond within the temple complex is considered its most prominent feature. According to local beliefs, the water in this pond changes color periodically. Devotees believe that when a major crisis is about to strike Kashmir, the water in the pond appears dark or black. Changes in the pond’s water are also reported before the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in 1990 and the devastating floods of 2014. Although the scientific reasons behind this have not yet been revealed, this mystery remains a subject of public curiosity.
This temple also finds special mention in the pages of history. This sacred site is described in the famous Kashmiri historical text, “Rajtarangini.” The Mughal-era text, “Ain-e-Akbari,” also mentions this religious site located in Tulmula. It is believed that great saints like Swami Vivekananda and Swami Ramtirtha visited here to have darshan of the Mother Goddess.
According to mythology, Mother Ragnya Devi was the family deity of Ravana, the king of Lanka. It is said that Ravana worshipped her, but the goddess left Lanka, saddened by his unrighteous actions. Lord Hanuman brought her to the Tulmula region of Kashmir, where she still resides today. It is also believed that Ravana offered kheer to the goddess, after which she became known as Kheer Bhawani.
After migrating from Kashmir, Kashmiri Pandits who settled in Jammu also established a temple of Mata Ragnya in Bhagwati Nagar. Today, both Jammu and Kashmir see a tremendous amount of devotion. Both temples are thronged during the fair.
The Kheer Bhawani Fair is not just a religious event, but also a symbol of Kashmiri culture, tradition, brotherhood, and a sense of connection to one’s roots. This sacred site, steeped in faith, history, and mystery, remains a center of devotion for millions. Subtitle:
The Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple in Tulmula remains a center of attraction for devotees from all over the world, thanks to its mysterious color-changing pond and centuries-old beliefs.
