Three-Day Chotta Manimahesh (Ram Rachna) Yatra Begins in Marmat Doda; Thousands of Devotees Set to Participate
Vikas Manhas/VoM News
Doda, Sept 16: The three-day annual Chotta Manimahesh Yatra, also known locally as the Shri Ram Rachna Yatra, began today and will continue from September 16 to 18 in the upper reaches of the Marmat area of District Doda, near the Doda-Udhampur district border.
The sacred Chotta Manimahesh shrine is located in the upper reaches of Latti in Behota Panchayat of Marmat Block, around 55 kilometres from the Doda district headquarters. The pilgrimage is traditionally undertaken by devotees from Doda, Udhampur and adjoining areas.
As per the traditional schedule, the pilgrims will reach Behota village on September 17. From there, the yatra will proceed at around 2:00 PM towards Minesa, a high-altitude area of the Marmat hills, where devotees will stay overnight.
On the morning of September 18, the yatra will resume towards the sacred Chotta Manimahesh site at Ram Rachna, where traditional religious rituals, including the Dhal Fort ritual, will be performed.
According to local tradition, the Shiv Pujaris from both Doda and Udhampur districts participate in the rituals, including the traditional crossing of the water of the sacred lake.
The pilgrimage holds deep religious significance for people from both Doda and Udhampur districts. A prominent feature of the site is the ancient stone-carved representation associated with Ram Rachna, depicting Lord Ram, Mata Sita, Lakshman and Lord Hanuman.
Devotees from both districts visit the sacred site to pay obeisance and participate in the traditional religious rituals.
According to the organisers, nearly 40,000 devotees are expected to participate in or visit the Chotta Manimahesh pilgrimage during the annual religious occasion. Langar facilities are also arranged along the route to provide food and refreshments to pilgrims.
Yatra Committee Chairman Suresh Sharma appealed to devotees to remain prepared for the high-altitude conditions and carry essential items, including umbrellas, warm clothes, blankets, suitable footwear and other necessary belongings.
He also urged pilgrims to take necessary precautions in view of changing weather conditions in the mountainous area. After completing the pilgrimage and religious rituals at Chotta Manimahesh, the yatra will return to Behota village on the evening of September 18.
A Jagru will subsequently be organised at Behota village, marking the conclusion of the three-day annual pilgrimage.
The Chotta Manimahesh Yatra continues to remain an important traditional religious gathering for devotees from Doda, Udhampur and adjoining areas, bringing people together for prayers, religious rituals, devotion and community service.
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