Amarnath Yatra commencement decided

Pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath cave in the Himalayas has a long history, one that could be called a model of tolerance and coexistence among the people of various faiths. Three years ago, the issue of pilgrimage to the holy cave was politicized by stakeholders taking recourse to very small and not too serious matters connected with the pilgrimage. The miscreants wanted to create a wedge between two communities by inducing them to adopt confrontational stances. However, fortunately, this did not happen, and after some intervention by saner elements in civil society and the government, the irritants were removed and normal course of pilgrimage was restored. An understanding of sorts was arrived at and stakeholders were happy that an atmosphere of peace and amity was restored. But perhaps this attitude of understanding and mutual respect did not suit the elements with vested interest and each year on the occasion of the beginning of the pilgrimage, some issues are stoked and over-exaggerated just to recreate the atmosphere of controversies and misunderstandings. This time, the controversy was raised about the duration of the pilgrimage and when should it commence. The government and the Shrine Board looked at the entire issue from security point of view and also the feasibility of the track leading to the holy cave, while the organizers of the pilgrimage (NIYAS) wanted that the pilgrimage begins on a date of their choosing and much in advance of the Shravana Purnima, the day on which the lingam in the cave comes of full size and the pilgrims want a darshan of the same. It appeared that postures were getting hardened on either side and the fear was of repetition of earlier stalemate.

But the good news has come in just when we were waiting in wings to advise both sides not to lose their cool. The state government on Monday, in its last-ditch effort, finally succeeded in settling the controversy over the duration of the annual Amarnath yatra. Three senior functionaries of the government flew into Jammu to facilitate talks between the Shrine Board and the contesting groups. During their meeting with the representatives of Baba Amarnath Yatri Niyas (BAYN)--- - an amalgam of several political, religious, social and trade organizations---the government functionaries successfully brought a consensus over the start of annual Amarnath pilgrimage. Talking to the media persons soon after the meeting, the Niyas president Surinder Mohan Aggarwal claimed, "We have reached an agreement with the government that two members of the NIYAS and as many from the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) will perform pratham (first) darshan pooja (pay obeisance) at cave shrine on Jyeshta Purnima that falls on June 15. We were in favour of start of Yatra from Jyeshta Purnima so that pratham darshan are performed. The government agreed to perform pooja on June 15, marking the start of the Yatra." As per the agreement, also approved by the Governor in his capacity as the Chairman of Shrine Board, two members of the NIYAS and as many from the Board would pay symbolic obeisance at cave shrine on June 15, marking the start of pilgrimage.

The news of an agreement on the controversy about the commencement and duration of the pilgrimage has come at proper time to the relief of everybody concerned. This shows that if handled properly and justifiably any ticklish issue can be resolved without causing irritation. It is also a matter of relief to know that the negotiating teams agreed to decide the date of commencement and duration of next year's pilgrimage also so that nothing is left to speculation.

Though an amicable resolution of the matter has been arrived at through the intervention of the government but the fact remains that in a secular democracy, governments normally avoid interfering in religious matters and their dispensation is left to the discretion of accredited religious leaders only. We hope that in future, the Shrine Board will exercise its powers and skills judiciously to resolve any issue relating to the Amarnath Pilgrimage or any other religious function. That is usually safe for the government. We do understand the inevitability of the state government intervening in the issue owing to the awkward history of the Amarnath yatra during past three summers and the disturbed conditions of the State. But as soon as normalcy returns to the valley, we hope the government will have no need to supervene in controversies of religious nature.

Poshmot a Spiritual Pragmatist

Geeta Ji says, Brahmin is much more than a learned scholar. He is the seer of the community through whom the contact with the life of the spirit is attained. Such a reverend personality was Mahatma Shree Poshker Nath Koul (Poshmot) fondly called “Dady Ji Maharaj”. Mahatma Ji attained Nirvan on 18th of February 2009. Though he is not physically with us but shall ever remain in our thoughts an unforgettable personality for his selflessness and visionary guidance. His untimely passing away was a bolt from blue for his family and as well as for the entire community.

Born at Srinagar (J&K) at Kanyakadal on 5.11.1937 to Late Smt. Leelawati and Shri Ram Chand Koul, he dedicated his precious life to spiritual endeavors and was a source of inspiration to individuals in particular and community in general.A ‘Grahasti’ saint of par excellence, Mahatmaji was gifted with unique and unparalleled surrender both in spiritual dealings and ‘Grahast’ management. He was indeed the father image who showered divine love on every one, whosoever came in contact with him. He was the Karam Yogi who put every word that flowed from his blessed mouth into action. ( Sudh Mahadev Temple )

Mahatma Ji has firm faith in the dictum, “ the service of mankind is service of God”. He worked ceaselessly for the social and economic upliftment of the downtrodden sections of our community. He often said “ a little help to the needy does not make the donor poor in any way, instead it lifts him in his own estimation , it is our duty”. He spent his precious years of his life in renovating the shrine of Tirath Raj Lok-Bhawan, Anantnag Kashmir, to make the place a centre of spiritual enlightenment. He established, Shri Pushkara Swami Sewa Ashram at (Govry-Shanker) temple Kanyakadal, Srinagar, at Laxmipuram-Chinor Bantalab, Jammu and at Najafgrah west Delhi.  ( Lal Vakh )

The spiritual pragmatist of the highest stature, Mahatma Ji is the author of numerous publications like “ Posh-Diel” a collection of devotional Bajans, Ramayana and Mahimnapar in Kashmiri language, ‘Mukhta Maal’ the (Vakas) and Devi-Ank”, which are the reflection of his matured pen, powerful intellect and his relentless quest for spiritual awakening. The service rendered by him to the community in reviving the Kashmiri Pandits tradition and culture- a rich heritage, can hardly be effaced by the passage of time. Ramayana and Mahabarta in our mother tongue has revived the tradition of its recitation in every household- A great contribution to the community. ( Shastri Jee )

Mahatma Ji, a man of spiritual attainments, benevolent and kind, followed, from the beginning to the end, the path he had traced for himself with, devotion extreme and profound sinerity. He often in his discourses warned to his devotees to refrain from the attachments to material body, which are contrary to spiritual advancement. Devotees would listen to him with rapt attention when he would highlight the message of Absolute world, the abode of God, where everything revolves round the Absolute Truth. He insisted that the devotees should come out of the shakles of egoist me and there is no doubt that they will come out of the darkness of ignorance and will realise the light supreme.He was an eye opener, our eternal father , preceptor, and our guide. His seperation has created a void which can hardly be fullfilled.