Akhnoor is a charming town nestled by the river Chenab, with the Shivalik hills providing a stunning backdrop. It is located 55 kilometers from Jammu and holds historical significance, being noted as the last Harappan city where timber was collected. The Jia Pota Ghat, located along the sacred river Chenab, is particularly important and derives its name from the Jia Pota tree. In 1999, the government established a park here featuring these trees. Historical accounts indicate that a notable event occurred at this site: the Raj tilk of Maharaja Gulab Singh of Jammu was celebrated by the Punjabi ruler on June 17, 1822. A commemorative mural was also erected by the ruler at Jia Pota Ghat to honor this historical event.
Jia Pota Ghat has been a witness to the evolution of civilization since ancient times. This Ghat has seen the rise and fall of the Kushans and the spread of Buddhism. A significant Buddhist monastery and Stupa can be found just one kilometer upstream, making it an important site for research. Just as Akhnoor holds a prominent place in history due to its antiquity and significance, Jia Pota Ghat, located on the right bank of the Chenab River, is a source of pride for this ancient town. Any senior citizen from Akhnoor will tell you that Jia Pota Ghat is one of several ghats along the right bank of the Chenab. Additionally, historians regard Akhnoor as the northernmost point of the Indus Valley Civilization. Known in ancient times as Virat Nagri, Akhnoor boasts a rich history filled with splendor, beauty, and historical importance. The name Jia Pota Ghat comes from the Jai Pota tree, which is believed to have been uprooted by the floods of the Chenab River in 1957 and ultimately washed away. It is also thought that during medieval times, this location served as a significant trading post for the exchange of goods between the plains and the nearby hill regions.
It is believed that the Vedas were composed by the Aryans, and the area around Jia Pota Ghat may have witnessed their arrival and spread. Recognizing the strategic significance of the location, Raja Mian Tej Singh had a fort built entirely of bricks of various sizes, which overlooks the Jia Pota Ghat. This site has become a popular pilgrimage destination, attracting many tourists who come to appreciate its beauty. The park at Jia Pota is particularly appealing to visitors. The Chenab River's fresh water is notably cold, especially during the winter months. Jia Pota Ghat and the Chenab River have gained considerable importance and are regarded as being on par with the Ganga. Following the unfortunate migration of Kashmiri Pandits from Kashmir and their temporary resettlement in various parts of Jammu, Jia Pota Ghat in Akhnoor has taken on even greater significance. The Kashmiri Pandits immerse the ashes of their deceased relatives in the pristine waters of the Chenab at Jia Pota Ghat, making this site especially important and popular among them.
The Kashmiri Pandits carry out the 10th day Shradha ritual at the Jai Pota Ghat, making this site a common destination for them as they observe various death rituals. They view Jai Pota Ghat as an alternative to the Ganga, where they immerse the ashes of their deceased in the Chenab River. Additionally, many Kashmiri Pandits perform the 10th day ceremony at Akhnoor, located along the banks of the Chenab, considering both the river and the Ghat to be highly sacred for conducting ceremonies related to their departed loved ones. In contrast, the local residents of Jammu typically do not engage in the practice of immersing the ashes of their deceased relatives in the Chenab River at Akhnoor.
The people of Jammu traditionally immerse the ashes of their deceased loved ones in the Ganga at Haridwar. However, after their unfortunate migration in the late 1880s, the Kashmiri Pandits were compelled to perform this ritual in the Chenab River at Jai Pota Ghat in Akhnoor. This ghat has since become a sacred pilgrimage site. Many tourists visit Jai Pota Ghat and the nearby fort, appreciating its beauty and historical significance. The Union Territory government should focus on developing this area and promoting it on the tourist map of Jammu and Kashmir, encouraging more visitors to experience the charm of Akhnoor and the temple located there.
Jia Pota Ghat has emerged as a popular tourist destination. This Ghat has long been a significant center of pilgrimage. It features a Devsthan of Baba Kahi, where holy Sonuglas, symbolic chains of the Devta, are displayed on a platform. According to legend, Kahi Devta, a well-known son of Vasuki Nag, brought the waters of the Chandrabhaga River to the barren land of Akhnoor, making it cultivable. Today, it attracts many pilgrims. Devotees bathe in the sacred waters of the Chenab River at Jia Pota Ghat during the month of Magh, seeking to wash away their sins. In summary, Jia Pota Ghat has become a vital pilgrimage center, drawing large crowds throughout the year, especially during the Hindu calendar month of Holy Magh in winter.
(Vivek Koul)
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