Ancient History of Trikuta Hills | Vaishno Devi | Prof. Shiv Nirmohi | Ramayana | Mahabharata

Mata Vaishno Devi Temple situated in the Trikuta Hills in Katra, Jammu & Kashmir, is one of the most visited Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. Devotees from all over the world come to visit this temple and take the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi. It is also considered as one of the most important Shaktipeeths, as it is believed that the skull of Goddess Sati fell here. Like most old shrines, it is difficult to mention as to when exactly the pilgrimage to this holy shrine started. A geological study of this holy cave has indicated that it is almost a million years old. The first mention of this holy cave is noted in the epic Mahabharata. It was the time when the Pandavas and Kauravas were facing each other in the battlefield of Kurukshetra; upon the advice of Shri Krishna, Arjun meditated there to seek blessings for victory. This is when Arjun addresses the mother goddess as ‘Jambookatak Chityaishu Nityam Sannihitalaye’, which means ‘you who always dwell in the temple on the slope of the mountain in Jamboo’ (it is believed to be referred to as present day Jammu). It is also believed that the Pandavas were the first to build Kol Kandoli Temple and the main Bhawan as their gratitude to the mother Goddess. Perhaps another reference to this Holy Cave is by Guru Gobind Singh, who is said to have gone there via Purmandal. Although there are various versions of the origin of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, it is generally agreed that the discovery of this shrine dates back to almost 700 years. This is according to a widely believed Pandit Shridhar’s story. The story runs as Mata Vaishno Devi herself had helped to organise a Bhandaara at Pandit Shridhar’s house. As the story progresses, it is believed that Mata left amidst the Bhandara to escape Bhairon Nath. The goddess took a halt at Banganga, Charan Paduka, and Adhkwari, and finally reached the cave and Bhairon Nath continuously followed her throughout the journey. Three Hills "Trikoot Parvat". Each peak representing a Goddess (Mahalaxmi, MahaKali, Mahasaraswati) Dr Pankaj Sharma interviewed Padamshree Sh Shiv Nirmohi Ji on behalf of Ambal Hills. Tribute Hills or Vishno Devi story comes back to Pandit Shridhar, where he fell into unbearable grief and stopped taking food and water and continuously prayed to Mata Vaishno Devi to reappear. It is believed that he had a dream where Mata Vaishnavi specifically told him to search for her at the Holy Cave situated in the middle of Trikuta Mountain and also showed him the way. She also insisted that he break his fast. Following that dream, Pandit Shridhar went on to search for the Holy Cave in the mountains and finally found it. Inside the cave, he noticed that there were three rock forms with heads on top of it. The verse says at that moment Mata Vaishnavi appeared in front of him in her full glory and also introduced him to those rock structures. These structures are now known as the “Pindies”. At the cave, the goddess is present in the form of a five and a half feet tall rock which has three heads or the Pindies. In the year 1986, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board was formed for the management and yatra regulation, SInce then, the Board has implemented a lot of developmental activities to make the Yatra comfortable for the Yatris. The Board continuously focuses on reinvesting the donations in carrying out various improvements and facilities for Yatris. Trikuta Hills one of the most magnificent mountains dates back to Ancient Indian. The mention of the Hills can be traced in Rig Ved. Devi, in a respectable family at village Panthal,near Katra Vaishno Devi.He is the only brother to six sisters two of whom died at an early age.His childhood name was Shiv Dutt and he received his early education (upto standard7) at Panthal,Justice G D Sharma (Retd) being his class fellow.Bodh Raj was the Headmaster of the Middle School,which had five teachers in all.Shiv Dutt was greatly impressed by Krishan Dutt who was Sanskrit teacher.Shiv Dutt took keen interest in the co-curricular activities and was famous as a child artist in the village.He composed his first poem when he was just 4. The third chapter is titled ‘Sevanivriti se Shodhvriti (from Retirement to Research). After retirement, Prof.Nirmohi devoted himself wholeheartedly to research. From 1995 to 2023, he wrote continuously with two – three books being published every year.He settled at Udhampur in 2010 and has been conducting and writing his books from Udhampur since then.The fourth chapter titled ‘Yaatrayein’ ( Journey/ Travels) escribes the travels that Nirmohi performed across the length and breadth of India. The fifth chapter titled ‘Nav Alankaran, Nav Samman’ ( Felicitations/ Honours) contains the rewards / honours conferred on Prof.Shiv Nirmohi.The list is long including State Award, Life Time Achievement Award and Padma Shri Award in 2020.