Purmandal can give a new twist to pilgrim tourism in J&K
Jammu, May 20: Jammu and Kashmir is known for its tourist spots that transcend the beauty of any of the tourist destination in India but the Jammu region is mostly known for its world famous pilgrimage of Mata Vaishnodevi Ji that attracts more than a crore of pilgrims every year.
However apart from Mata Vaishnodevi no other religious place in the region has been promoted on a bigger canvas to present Jammu as a complete pilgrim tourism circuit due to the abundance of ancient and famous pilgrimage points in the region.
Jammu which is known as city of temples could have been promoted as a compete tourist package to complement the Kashmir tourism as this region consists of both winter and summer zones, beautiful landscapes, fascinating hill views, magnificent valleys numerous ancient and famous temples that give a complete tourist package for a person visiting the state.
Since the new government has dedicated itself in promotion of tourism of all the three regions equally it is imperative that all the regions are promoted according to their unique selling points so that the state becomes a most sought after complete tourist destination for domestic and international tourists.
Coming to Jammu which has large number of ancient and popular temples pilgrim tourism coupled with leisure tourism can be promoted effectively.
While yesterday we discussed the leisure tourism through artificial lake on river Tawi we devote these columns to specific place like Purmandal to highlight the uniqueness for which it can be promoted as a tourist destination.
Purmandal has a history associated with ancient times and is also known as Chota Kashi and is in close proximity with Mansar and Surinsar besides being at the gateway of Jammu.
Thus if promoted as a pilgrim tourist place Purmandal can complement the pilgrimage of Mata Vaishnodevi to form a new pilgrim tourism circuit that begins from Purmandal and ends at Mata Vaishnodevi.
The magnificent temple of Purmandal on the banks of River Devika has a geographical location and architecture that enchants any visitor visiting the place.
The underground river is another attraction that can be promoted and the old and ancient paintings on the walls of the temple besides the Aap Shambu and other historical facts associated with the temple are worth popularizing through advertisements and internet to evoke interest among the people visiting Mata Vaishnodevi so that they include the place in their itinerary.
Purmandal is one of the first things that come to the mind of many people, while discussing Jammu as it has its own brand of unique charm and countless visitors just can’t stop gushing about the place.
The charismatic Purmandal Temple complex, situated on the banks of an underground river cloaked by sand with water oozing out by a mere touch of the feet is also referred as ‘Chhota Kashi’ which was an ancient center of trade and learning.
It is the most important temples for followers of Lord Shiva in Jammu region. Purmandal Temple has a unique place in the region because of its reputation, purity and provenience. It is considered equal to Kashi in Uttar Pradesh.
This temple is located in a small village by the same name on the bank of Devak River that scrolls down to join a river by name Utterbeni. It is believed that maximum lingams of this temple originated naturally in the nearby areas of Purmandal—Indreshwar, Gyaneshwar, Bhuteshwar and Bikeshwar the different avatars of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Purmandal is a historical temple famous for its stone made structure. The temple is also famed because saint Kabir and Ustad Bismla Khan were born in Purmandal village. It is also said that Veni Dutt ruled here in ancient times when Purmandal Temple was part of his kingdom. He visited this temple between 8th and 9th century. Guru Nanak and Maharaja Ranjit Singh from Punjab also visited Purmandal temple in ancient period.
The devotees of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati gather here for three days in the month of February every year to celebrate the marriage between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Purmandal Mela is an extravagant occasion undertaken every year in Jammu with remarkable passion and interest and is a public holiday in the state.
This festival lasts for three days and Jammu is decorated on all days like a bride. It is said that according to Hindu marriage, to tie a couple in complete marital bonds requires three days.
Since the annual mela is already a regular and most popular feature of the tourism department with regard to Purmandal the destination has all the potential to become the all season pilgrim tourist destination having all the ingredients to serve to the pilgrims as well as the leisure tourists and equally suitable for domestic and foreign tourists seeking historical and ancient places of pilgrimage. (With inputs from various sources)