JAMMU: In a mesmerizing night of devotion and spiritual fervor, the Ved Mandir in Jammu came alive with the echoes of bhajans and chants during the Shree Chandi Jagran held last evening.
Organized meticulously by the Shree Chandi Mata Sewa Samiti, the all-night vigil drew hundreds of devotees who gathered to seek the blessings of Goddess Chandi Mata, the fierce embodiment of divine power and protection in Hindu lore.
The event, which unfolded under a canopy of twinkling stars and vibrant temple lights, commenced around dusk with traditional rituals, including the lighting of the sacred lamp and recitations from the Durga Saptashati.
As the clock struck midnight, the atmosphere thickened with anticipation, setting the stage for soul-stirring performances by a constellation of eminent singers. The lineup, a harmonious blend of classical devotion and contemporary flair, left the audience spellbound, their voices weaving tales of faith, valor, and surrender to the Divine Mother.
Head Pujari of Shri Maa Vaishno Devi Durbar, Sudarshan pujar ji alos presented on the occasion and address the devotees along with other Mahants, Acharyaras and religious heads including of brother of Thakur Kulbir Singh Jamwal, Sole Trustee Sarv Shakti Shree Chandi Mata Ji Temple Chinote Trust, Bhaderwah and founder of Machail Mata Yatra also presented .
Leading the celestial chorus was Bandna Dutta, whose ethereal renditions of Chandi Mata's glory evoked waves of emotion, with many devotees visibly moved to tears. Her powerful vocals, infused with the depth of Dogri and Bhadarwahi folk traditions, resonated through the mandir's hallowed halls, drawing the crowd into a trance-like communion.
Following her was Shiva Sagar from Delhi, known for his thunderous baritone; his interpretation of age-old jagran staples like "Jai Ambe Gauri" ignited fervent claps and synchronized handclaps, transforming the gathering into a unified symphony of praise.
The energy soared further with Darjeet Singh Rathor, whose rhythmic compositions blended Paddari influences with Dogri fervor, captivating younger attendees who swayed in rhythmic devotion.
Suresh Chouhan and Kumar Ravi’s high-octane bhajans—marked by intricate taans and improvisations—culminated in a collective aarti that echoed till the break of dawn.
Organizers from the Shree Chandi Mata Sewa Samiti, a dedicated group of local philanthropists and spiritual enthusiasts, expressed profound gratitude for the overwhelming response.
"This jagran is more than a ritual; it's a call to rediscover our inner strength through Mata's grace," said Samiti Chairman Suneet Raina during a brief address. The event also featured langar services, offering prasad to all attendees, underscoring the samiti's commitment to community service and inclusivity.
Held annually to commemorate the triumph of good over evil, the Shree Chandi Jagran at Ved Mandir has become a cornerstone of Jammu's cultural calendar, fostering unity amid the region's diverse tapestry. As the first light of November 2 bathed the temple in golden hues, devotees dispersed with renewed vigor, carrying the night's divine vibrations into their daily lives.


