Kathua, June 24: A tragic road accident in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday left at least 23 pilgrims injured. According to officials, two of the injured are reported to be in critical condition.
The accident occurred when a minibus, carrying devotees to the renowned Sukrala Mata Temple near Billawar, lost control and plunged into a deep gorge in the Simbali area. At the time of the incident, the bus was en route to the temple.
Officials stated that the driver lost control, leading to the accident. All injured pilgrims were promptly admitted to a nearby hospital for treatment. Medical staff reported that two of the pilgrims sustained serious injuries and are under close observation.
A rescue operation was launched jointly by the police, civil administration, and local residents. Upon receiving news of the accident, rescue teams quickly arrived at the scene to extricate the injured and transport them to the hospital.
The police have initiated an investigation into the incident to determine the actual causes of the accident.
Sukrala Mata Temple is a highly revered Hindu pilgrimage site located near the Billawar area of Kathua district. Dedicated to Goddess Mal Devi, who is considered an incarnation of Sharda Devi, the temple is situated on a hill approximately 3,500 feet high. It attracts thousands of devotees, especially during the Navratri festival.
The deity is worshipped in the form of a sacred stone seated on a brass lion. According to religious beliefs, the goddess is regarded as the elder sister of Mata Vaishno Devi.
Local folklore suggests that the temple was established by the exiled prince Madho Singh from Chamba, Himachal Pradesh. The temple is located about 125 kilometers from Jammu and approximately 75 kilometers from Kathua city. Pilgrims must navigate a long staircase from the base of the hill to reach the temple.
Throughout the year, various religious festivals are celebrated at the temple, with Chaitra Navratri and Ashwin Navratri (Sharadiya Navratri) holding special significance. During these occasions, the temple is beautifully decorated, attracting a large number of devotees who come to worship and seek the goddess’s blessings.
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