Temples of Kashmir

Kheer, Chinar and a Holy Spring

Zyeshtha Ashtami, observed on the eighth day in the month of Zyeshtha (June-July), holds special significance for Kashmiri Pandits. The day is dedicated to Goddess Ragnya Bhagwati, also known as Mata Kheer Bhawani.

The deity sits in a temple surrounded by a holy spring. It is believed that the colour of the spring water keeps changing — a clear blue or white colour indicates peace while a murkier or darker shade indicates unrest/violence that is happening or is about to happen.

The sactum sanctorum of Ragnya Bhagwati is surrounded by a holy spring. Clear or white water in the spring is believed to denote peace or good times ahead.

I visited the Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulla Mulla village in Kashmir with my husband in July 2019. We had timed our visit to coincide with Zyeth Atham, as Kashmiris call it. During that time, the colour of the spring was milky white, which we took as a good omen.

At the Kheer Bhawani temple on Zyeshtha Ashtami in July 2019.

On this day, an annual festival is held at the temple. Kashmiri Pandits from all over the region visit the temple to pay their obeisance to the Mother Goddess.

Devotees from all over Jammu and Kashmir and even from other parts of India visit the Kheer Bhawani temple on Jyestha Ashthami as it is considered an auspicious day for all Kashmiri Pandits.

The name Kheer Bhawani is derived from the special offering made to the goddess — rice pudding, or kheer — as it is believed to be her favourite. Many devotees also offer milk.

Rice pudding, or kheer, is offered to the goddess and is considered her favourite.

After performing puja and lighting diyas, families usually stay on at the temple premises to soak in the festivities. Tents are erected and food (prasad) is distributed, mainly comprising poori, halwa, kheer and crispy nadru (lotus stem) chips. While children run about in the temple complex, adults, especially women, sit together under the shade of the chinar and sing devotional songs.

The tall chinar trees, a symbol of Kashmir’s timeless beauty, dot the entire compound. Together with a sanctum sanctorum surrounded by water and people young and old chanting prayers and pouring in offerings, they create an aura that fills the heart and soul with peace and joy. This sense of calm is infused every now and then with the fragrance of incense lingering in the air.

The aura of the temple cleanses the body and mind of all anxieties. The fragrance of incense lingering in the air adds to the spiritual and festive atmosphere.

As a non-Kashmiri, I perhaps cannot do justice to the happiness and reverence that Kashmiri Pandits feel on this day. But from what my in-laws tell me, it won’t be wrong to compare their excitement of this day to what the Bengalis and Assamese feel during Durga Puja.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. So I am going to let my pictures take you to the Kheer Bhawani temple in Tulla Mulla, in the hope that you are able to partake in the festive spirit (virtually!) as I did two years ago.

May Ragnya Bhagwati lift us all from the challenging times we are in and bless us and our loved ones with good health, happiness, wisdom and prosperity. On that note,

Zyeth Atham Mubarak!

The Kheer Bhawani temple holds special significance for Kashmiri Pandits. I am fortunate to have have been able to visit the temple on an auspicious day.

I did a small puja at our rented flat here in Brighton and made kheer, just like I would at home. I think it’s important to stay rooted to your culture, no matter which part of the globe you live in. In doing so, you not only preserve your tradition and heritage but also share it with the people in different parts of the world.