Katra, October 1, 2025 – In a mesmerising display of devotion and spiritual fervor, the sacred nine-day-long Shat Chandi Maha Yagya organised by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) reached its grand finale at the holy Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine atop the Trikuta hills in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir. The Mahanavami rituals, marking the ninth and culminating day of the Sharad Navratra, unfolded with the profound Purnahuti ceremony, drawing thousands of devotees who chanted “Jai Mata Di” in unison, invoking the eternal grace of Mata Vaishno Devi.The atmosphere at the Holy Cave Shrine was electric with piety, as the air resonated with the rhythmic chants of Vedic mantras and the fragrance of sacred offerings.
Sh. Sachin Kumar Vaishya, the esteemed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, led the concluding ceremonies alongside a sea of devotees, officials, and pilgrims from across India and abroad. This annual extravaganza of faith not only reaffirmed the shrine’s role as a beacon of spiritual enlightenment but also highlighted the seamless blend of tradition and modern facilitation in one of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites.The Shat Chandi Maha Yagya, a meticulously orchestrated ritual rooted in ancient Hindu scriptures, involves the recitation of the Durga Saptashati (Devi Mahatmya) 100 times over nine days. Performed for universal peace, prosperity, health, and the well-being of humanity, it symbolizes the triumph of good over evil, mirroring Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura. This year’s yagya, commencing on September 23, 2025, with the auspicious Navratra Sthapana, was conducted under the guidance of a revered group of pandits led by the illustrious Padma Shri Prof. Vishwamurti Shastri. The rituals, held daily from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM, were live-streamed on devotional channels, allowing global devotees to participate virtually and amplify the collective prayers for national pride and eternal grace.As the sun rose on Mahanavami, the shrine transformed into a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds. The Purnahuti, the climactic offering where coconuts, fruits, and symbolic items are consigned to the consecrated fire, marked the yagya’s closure. Sh. Sachin Kumar Vaishya, dressed in traditional attire, performed the aarti with unwavering devotion, his face illuminated by the flickering flames of the havan kund. Flanking him were senior Shrine Board officials, including Additional CEOs, SDMs, and medical teams, all bowing in reverence. Devotees, many clad in vibrant Navratri garbs—women in lehengas and men in kurtas—formed a human tapestry around the sacred enclosure, their eyes glistening with tears of fulfillment.Eyewitness accounts from pilgrims painted a vivid picture of the event.
“The energy was palpable; it felt like Mata herself was present among us,” shared Rajesh Kumar, a devotee from Delhi who trekked the 12-km arduous path from Banganga to Bhawan. “Participating in the Purnahuti with the CEO and fellow bhakts was a once-in-a-lifetime blessing.” Over 4 lakh pilgrims flocked to the shrine during the Navratras, a testament to its magnetic pull. The SMVDSB reported a 15% surge in footfall compared to the previous year, attributing it to enhanced digital outreach and improved infrastructure.The Sharad Navratra, spanning from September 23 to October 1, 2025, is a cornerstone of Hindu festivities, celebrating the nine forms of Mata Durga—from Shailaputri on Gudi Padwa to Siddhidatri on Mahanavami. At Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, this period elevates the pilgrimage into a symphony of rituals. The yagya’s inception on Day 1 involved the installation of the Kalash (sacred pot) amid Vedic hymns, setting the tone for daily recitations. Each evening, the Atka Aarti—a mesmerising lamp ceremony—featured bhajans by renowned artists, drawing crowds to the Parvati Bhawan for soul-stirring renditions of “Jai Ambe Gauri” and “Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu.”Delving deeper into the ritual’s essence, the Shat Chandi Path derives its name from “Shat” (hundred) and “Chandi” (a fierce form of Durga). The Durga Saptashati, comprising 700 shlokas, is chanted 100 times, invoking divine intervention for global harmony. Prof. Vishwamurti Shastri, a Padma Shri awardee with decades of expertise in Vedic studies, emphasized during a pre-conclusion discourse, “This yagya is not merely a ceremony; it’s a cosmic dialogue between humanity and the divine, seeking eternal grace for all.”
His team of 27 pandits, clad in saffron robes, maintained an unbroken chain of recitations, even as intermittent rains added a mystical veil to the proceedings.The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, perched at 5,200 feet amid the lush Trikuta range, is more than a physical destination—it’s a spiritual odyssey. Legend has it that Mata Vaishno Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga, meditated here in a cave to evade the demon Bhairon, ultimately slaying him and granting him eternal guardianship. The 13-km trek from Katra base camp passes through iconic stops: Banganga (where Mata washed her feet), Charan Paduka (her footprint), Adhkuwari (eternal womb cave), and finally Bhawan (the sanctum). During Navratras, the paths teem with energy—ponies clip-clop alongside battery cars, and helipads buzz with chopper services for the elderly.This year’s celebrations were amplified by the SMVDSB’s meticulous planning. Under Sh. Sachin Kumar Vaishya’s leadership, the board introduced innovative facilities to ensure a seamless yatra. Resting and holding areas at Banganga and Adhkuwari provided respite for weary trekkers, while the dining space at Indraprastha Bhojanalaya was expanded to accommodate surging crowds. The langar (community kitchen) services, a hallmark of selfless sewa, were extended to Shubhra Bhawan, offering fast-related food options like sabudana khichdi, fruits, and satvik meals for those observing vrat. “Our langars served over 2 lakh meals daily, embodying Mata’s principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’—the world is one family,” noted Vaishya in a post-event briefing.Sanitation and sustainability took centre stage, with intensified cleanliness drives along the tracks. Round-the-clock water and power supply prevented any discomfort, and medical camps equipped with ambulances stood vigilant. For differently-abled devotees, complimentary pony rides and priority darshan slots were a game-changer. Digital enhancements included the bilingual “Shakti” chatbot on the shrine’s website for real-time queries, virtual darshan via live cams, and a new Skywalk at Parvati Bhawan offering panoramic views. Floral decorations—sourced from Delhi, Mumbai, and even international florists—adorned the Bhawan, with exotic orchids and marigolds creating Instagram-worthy selfie points. “These touches make the pilgrimage memorable, blending devotion with delight,” said Vikas Anand, SDM Bhawan.The influx of devotees was diverse: families from Punjab’s golden fields, tech professionals from Bengaluru, NRIs from the US, and locals from Jammu’s valleys. Stories of miracles abound— a cancer survivor from Haryana attributing her recovery to Mata’s darshan, a young couple from Kolkata finding solace amid personal trials. The shrine’s economic ripple effect is profound; Katra’s markets brimmed with terracotta idols, phulkari dupattas, and dry fruits, boosting local livelihoods. Hotels reported 95% occupancy, with homestays offering Navratra specials like garba nights.Historically, the Shat Chandi Maha Yagya has been a fixture since the shrine’s formal organization in 1986, evolving from modest gatherings to grand spectacles. Past iterations, like the 2024 Chaitra Navratra edition, saw over 3.5 lakh visitors despite monsoons. In 2025’s Sharad edition, the board’s proactive measures— including drone surveillance for crowd management—ensured zero incidents. Vaishya, a seasoned administrator with a background in public service, has spearheaded initiatives like eco-friendly LED lighting and waste segregation, aligning the shrine with sustainable tourism goals.As the Purnahuti flames subsided, the crowd erupted in a final chorus of Jai Mata Di, the echoes reverberating through the hills.
Post-ceremony, prasadam distribution—sweet jaggery laddoos and holy tulsi leaves—fostered a sense of communal bond. Officials, including board members Dr. Neelam Sareen and Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, interacted with pilgrims, gathering feedback for future enhancements.Reflecting on the event, Sh. Sachin Kumar Vaishya stated, “The successful culmination of this Shat Chandi Maha Yagya underscores our commitment to preserving Indian heritage while embracing modernity. Over 4 lakh souls connected with Mata’s divine energy, praying for national pride and global harmony. We are grateful for their trust and vows to elevate the yatra experience further.”The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)’s centenary celebrations, coinciding this year, added another layer of nationalistic fervor, with many swayamsevaks joining the throng, viewing the yagya as a symbol of cultural continuity.
As Dussehra approaches on October 2, the shrine gears up for Ravan Dahan, promising more spectacles.In the heart of the Himalayas, where faith meets the divine, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine once again proved why it’s called the “Saptsring Wali Maa”—the Mother of Seven Peaks. The eternal grace of Bharat Matalingers, inspiring generations to tread the path of righteousness.
