Sri Kheer Bhawani Durga Temple — Attraction in Jammu and Kashmir

Sri Kheer Bhawani Durga Temple: A Comprehensive Overview

1. Location and Significance The Sri Kheer Bhawani Durga Temple, also known as Ragnya Devi Temple, is located in Tulmulla village, Ganderbal district, approximately 25 km northeast of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Devi (a form of Durga), it is one of the most sacred sites for Kashmiri Pandits, who revere her as their Kuldevi (patron deity). The temple is renowned for its mystical spring, which is central to its spiritual and cultural identity.

2. Historical and Mythological Background Legends: The goddess is believed to have been originally worshipped in Sri Lanka as Shyama. Displeased with Ravana’s actions after Sita’s abduction, she instructed Lord Hanuman to relocate her idol to Kashmir. The idol was first placed in Shadipora and later moved to Tulmulla. Another legend states that during a flood in 4041 Samvat (Hindu lunar calendar), the spring was rediscovered after Yogi Krishna Pandit followed the goddess’s dream-instruction to mark the spot with poles. Historical Mentions: The temple is described in Kalhana’s Rajtarangini (12th century) as Maharagini Kund and in Abu’l-Fazl’s Ain-i-Akbari (16th century). The current marble structure was built in 1912 by Maharaja Pratap Singh and later renovated by Maharaja Hari Singh.

3. Unique Features of the Temple The Sacred Spring: The temple is built around a heptagonal (or hexagonal) spring, known for changing colors—ranging from red, pink, blue, and white to inauspicious black, which locals associate with impending disasters (e.g., during the 1990 exodus and 2014 floods). British official Walter Lawrence noted its violet hue in 1886. Architecture: The white marble shrine sits on an island within the spring, surrounded by ancient chinar trees and smooth stone pavements. A unique feature is the pairing of Ragnya Devi’s idol with a Shiva Linga, symbolizing harmony between Vaishnavite and Shaivite traditions.

4. Festivals and Rituals Mela Kheer Bhawani: Celebrated during Jyeshtha Ashtami (May/June), this festival attracts thousands of devotees. Offerings of kheer (rice pudding) are made, and the spring’s color change is closely observed. Local Muslims set up stalls during the festival, reflecting communal harmony. Daily Practices: Morning aarti and evening rituals are performed. Devotees observe vegetarianism for a week before visiting and avoid non-vegetarian food near the temple.

5. Visitor Information Timings: 5:00 AM – 8:00 PM (varies seasonally). Dress Code: Modest attire (covered shoulders/knees); shoes removed before entry. How to Reach: Air: Srinagar International Airport (25 km away). Road: Taxis/buses from Srinagar. Nearby Attractions: Shankaracharya Temple, Dal Lake, Tulip Garden, and Nishat Bagh.

6. Cultural and Spiritual Impact The temple symbolizes resilience for Kashmiri Pandits, especially after the 1990 exodus. Spiritual leaders like Swami Vivekananda and Swami Rama Tirtha visited the site, with Vivekananda reportedly communing with the goddess. Its blend of natural beauty, mythology, and communal harmony makes it a beacon of Kashmir’s syncretic heritage.

For more details on rituals, festivals, or travel planning, refer to the temple’s official resources or...

Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple, located in the Tulmulla area of Ganderbal district in Jammu and Kashmir, is a significant spiritual and cultural landmark. Here’s an in-depth review of this revered shrine:

Historical and Cultural Significance: Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple is one of the most important Hindu temples in Kashmir, dedicated to the goddess Ragnya Devi, a form of Maa Durga. The temple holds a deep historical and cultural significance for the Kashmiri Pandit community, who consider it a symbol of their spiritual heritage. The name "Kheer Bhawani" is derived from the tradition of offering kheer (a rice pudding) to the goddess.

Location and Accessibility: Situated in the serene and picturesque village of Tulmulla, the temple is easily accessible from Srinagar, approximately 25 kilometers away. The road to the temple is well-maintained, making it convenient for pilgrims and tourists to visit. The surrounding area is lush and tranquil, providing a peaceful atmosphere for worshippers.

Architecture and Ambience: The temple's architecture is simple yet elegant, with its main sanctum situated over a sacred spring. The spring water is considered holy, and it is believed to change colors, which devotees interpret as an omen. The temple complex is well-kept, with clean and spacious surroundings that enhance the spiritual ambience. The presence of tall chinar trees adds to the scenic beauty and peaceful environment of the temple grounds.

Festivals and Pilgrimage: The most significant festival celebrated at Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple is the annual mela on Jesht Ashtami, attracting thousands of devotees from across the country. The festival is marked by elaborate rituals, devotional singing, and community gatherings. The influx of pilgrims during this period showcases the deep devotion and cultural connection that people have with this shrine.

Facilities for Pilgrims: The temple management provides various facilities for pilgrims, including accommodations, clean restrooms, and drinking water. The pathways and the temple complex are well-maintained to ensure a comfortable visit for all. During major festivals, additional arrangements are made to manage the large number of visitors.

Spiritual Experience: Visiting Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple is often described as a profoundly spiritual experience. The serene surroundings, combined with the temple’s sacred aura, provide a perfect setting for meditation and prayer. Devotees find solace and spiritual fulfillment in the quiet, contemplative atmosphere of the temple.

Community and Cultural Impact: Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple plays a crucial role in preserving the cultural and religious identity of the Kashmiri Pandit community. It serves as a focal point for cultural activities and rituals that are integral to their heritage. The temple also fosters a sense of unity and continuity among the community members, especially during times of pilgrimage and festivals.

Conclusion: Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple is not just a religious site but a beacon of cultural and spiritual heritage for the Kashmiri Pandit community and other Hindu devotees. Its serene location, historical significance, and spiritual ambiance make it a must-visit destination in the Ganderbal district. Whether you are a pilgrim seeking spiritual solace or a tourist interested in cultural heritage, a visit to Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple is a deeply...

Kheer Bhawani, Ksheer Bhawani or the Ragnya Devi temple is a Hindu temple situated at a distance of 25 kilometres (16 mi) north-east of Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, in the village of Tulmula in Ganderbal. It is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kheer Bhavani constructed over a sacred spring. As is the custom with Hindu deities, the goddess has many names including Ragyna or Rajna, along with variations in honorifics such as devi, mata or bhagavati. The term kheer refers to a milk and rice pudding that is offered to propitiate the goddess. Kheer Bhawani is sometimes translated as 'Milk Goddess'. The worship of Kheer Bhawani is universal among the Hindus of Kashmir, most of them who worship her as their protective patron deity Kuladevi. The temple is one of the most important temples for Kashmiri Hindus in Kashmir. The resident deity, Kheer Bhawani, is a favourite in this region. A septagonal spring at the temple is situated around the goddess. The holy spring is known to change its colour with various hues of red, pink, orange, green, blue, and white. A black shade of the spring water is believed to be inauspicious. Most of the colours do not have any particular significance. In 1886, Walter Lawrence, the-then British settlement commissioner for land, during his visit to the spring, reported the water of the spring to have a violet tinge.place The current form of the spring, temple pond, and temple were built under Maharaja Pratap Singh of Jammu and Kashmir in the 1910s. Maharaja Hari Singh further renovated the temple.The temple area has old-growth chinar trees beneath which the pilgrims sit or sleep on mats of grass. The Kheer Bhawani mela or festival sees the annual congregation of Kashmiri Hindus, and other pilgrims and tourists. The mela is during Jyeshtha Ashtami, also spelt as 'Zyeshta Astami'.

Swami Vivekananda visited Kashmir. During this stay, while ritually worshiping Khir Bhavani, the condition of the temple concerned him. In The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, the goddess tells Vivekananda, "It is My desire that I should live in a dilapidated temple, otherwise, can I not immediately erect a seven - storied temple of gold here if I like? What can you do? Shall I protect you or shall you protect me!" Swami Rama Tirtha also visited here to have...