The Khir Bhawani Temple is a famous sacred temple dedicated to the Goddess Bhawani (also known as Ragnya Devi) located in Tullamula, in the Ganderbal district of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is highly revered by the local Kashmiri Pandit community.
The Khir Bhawani Temple is situated at Tullamula in the Ganderbal district near Srinagar in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is approximately 25 kilometers (about 15.5 miles) from Srinagar.
For the Kashmiri Pandit community, Khir Bhawani Temple is an important religious and cultural site. It holds immense historical and emotional significance, as it has been a place of worship and a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity in Kashmir with the local Muslim population often paying their respect.
The best time to visit the Khir Bhawani Temple is during the annual festival of Jesht Ashtami, which occurs in May or June when a grand fair and congregation is held. The weather is also pleasant in these months which makes it a favourable time for tourists to visit Kashmir.
Devotees offer 'kheer' (a sweet rice pudding) to Goddess Bhawani and also perform 'taher-charvan' (pudding mixed with turmeric) during worship. An interesting ritual observed is the change in the color of the spring water on certain occasions, which is believed to forecast the well-being of the valley.
Tourists can reach Khir Bhawani temple by road. Srinagar, the nearest major city, is the usual starting point and can be accessed by local buses, taxis or private vehicles. The route offers picturesque views of Kashmir's landscapes.
Facilities for tourists at Khir Bhawani Temple include small eateries offering local food, shops selling religious paraphernalia, and basic accommodation options. It is advisable for tourists to plan ahead for more comfortable lodging as the facilities near the temple might be limited.
No, there is no entry fee to visit the Khir Bhawani Temple. Visitors and pilgrims are welcome to enter and worship without any charge.
While there is no strict dress code enforced at Khir Bhawani Temple, it is recommended to dress modestly out of respect for the religious site. Visitors should ideally cover their shoulders and knees and remove their footwear before entering the temple premises.
Tourists are welcome to observe the religious ceremonies, and if interested, they can participate with the help of local priests who can guide them through the rituals. It is important to approach these ceremonies with respect and follow the local customs.
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