Pilgrims – Kathua Gorge Mishap Leaves Over Twenty Devotees Injured
Pilgrims – A road accident involving devotees travelling to a prominent hilltop shrine in Jammu and Kashmir left several people injured, prompting an immediate rescue and medical response from authorities.
At least 23 pilgrims suffered injuries after a passenger minibus met with an accident in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kathua district on Wednesday. According to officials, two of the injured remain in critical condition and are receiving medical care.
Accident Occurred on Route to Shrine
The incident took place in the Simbli area near Billawar when the vehicle carrying devotees was heading toward the well-known Sukrala Mata Shrine. Preliminary information suggests that the driver lost control of the minibus, causing it to veer off the road and plunge into a nearby gorge.
Authorities said the vehicle was transporting pilgrims who were travelling to offer prayers at the revered temple when the accident occurred. The exact circumstances leading to the loss of control are being examined by investigators.
Injured Shifted to Hospital
Emergency teams and local residents quickly reached the accident site and began rescue efforts. The injured passengers were evacuated from the damaged vehicle and transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Doctors attending to the victims confirmed that while most injuries were not life-threatening, two pilgrims sustained serious injuries and remain under close observation. Hospital authorities continue to monitor their condition.
Rescue Teams Respond Swiftly
Officials stated that the rescue operation involved coordinated efforts by the police, district administration, emergency responders, and local volunteers. Their rapid response helped ensure that injured passengers received timely medical assistance.
Police have registered the incident and initiated an investigation to determine the precise cause of the accident. Authorities are expected to examine factors such as road conditions, vehicle status, and driver-related circumstances as part of the inquiry.
Importance of Sukrala Mata Shrine
The Sukrala Mata Shrine is one of the most respected religious destinations in the Kathua region. Dedicated to Goddess Mal Devi, who is regarded as an incarnation of Sharda Devi, the temple holds significant spiritual importance among Hindu devotees.
Located atop a hill approximately 3,500 feet above sea level near Billawar town, the shrine is recognized by its distinctive white-domed structure. Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple throughout the year, with attendance rising sharply during major religious festivals.
Religious Significance and Local Beliefs
Devotees worship the deity in the form of a sacred stone representation placed on a brass lion. According to local traditions, the goddess is considered the elder sister of Mata Vaishno Devi, making the shrine a prominent destination for spiritual seekers from different parts of the country.
Historical accounts associated with local folklore suggest that the temple was established by Madho Singh, a prince from Chamba in present-day Himachal Pradesh who is believed to have spent time in exile in the region.
Festival Seasons Draw Large Crowds
Situated around 125 kilometres from Jammu and nearly 75 kilometres from Kathua town, the temple is accessed through a series of steps leading up from the base of the hill.
The shrine witnesses a particularly large influx of devotees during Chaitra Navratri and Ashwin Navratri, also known as Sharad Navratri. During these festival periods, the temple premises are decorated extensively, and worshippers gather in large numbers to seek blessings and participate in religious ceremonies.