(Main Entrance gate of Shailputri Gokul Dham Ashram)
Jammu - The city of temples is famous due to number of old and new temples & shrines scattered throughout the length and breadth of city creating an atmosphere of spirituality and divinity. In the heart of Jammu city not far from Tillo Chowk, lies a very peaceful and holy place of worship which has been a favorite of our people and spiritual seekers in the area: Gokul Nath Aashram at Ambika Vihar, Gole Gujral, Jammu (commonly referred to as Bhawani Mandir). Being faithfully dedicated to Mata Shera Wali Ji, this temple and ashram compound has become one of the most restful and spiritually inspiring places in Jammu City. The temple itself provides a sacred vibe, a manmade cave representing Mata Vaishno Devi, and regular satsangs that create devotion through darshan; as a result, it has become a place of faith, devotion, and divine energy.
Regardless of whether you are from Jammu, here as a pilgrim, or passing through for a spiritual experience, you will be blessed and inspired by your visit to Gokul Nath Aashram.
Location and Accessibility
The increasing appeal of Gokul Nath Aashram can be largely attributed to its convenient location. The temple is located at Ambika Vihar, Gole Gujral, Jammu, and is within 2 kilometers of Talab Tillo Chowk and around 6 kilometers from the Jammu Bus Stand. For local worshippers, this temple is easily accessible on regular basis, and for visitors, being close to the main city, and the bus stand makes this temple easy to visit from outside Jammu. The temple's location also provides visitors with a serene retreat from the busy marketplaces and congested roads of the city's crowded streets. The temple complex is immersed in a devotional atmosphere, thereby allowing devotees to reflect and meditate while pray without the fuss of commercial ambience.
The Legacy of Swami Gokul Nath Ji:
(Image of Swami Gokul Nath Pandita Ji)
Mahatma Gokul Nath Ji, a highly regarded saint and devoted follower of Mata Vaishno Devi ji is the founder of the ashram. Swami Gokul Nath Ji was an employee of Agriculture Department, Jammu and Kashmir government and after migration he used to stay at Talab Tillo area of Jammu and then later he purchased land at Gole Gujral area for construction of his house. He also purchased land for construction of Ashram at Ambika Vihar, Gole Gujral Jammu. Gokul Nath Ji's devotion and foresight allowed for the establishment of this ashram, which currently serves as a symbol of sincere faith. Gokul Nath Ji's spiritual insight and deep commitment have influenced innumerable devotees especially Kashmiri Pandits many of whom continue to visit the ashram solely for blessings and peace of mind. Gokul Nath Pandita Ji of Gokuldham Ashram, Ambika Vihar, Gole Gujral, Jammu is a strong devotee and follower of Mata Vaishno Devi. During the holy nine days of Navratri, Swami Ji maintains a complete fast, having no food, for the entire nine days where he engages specifically in prayers and meditations. Every night there is a special puja and a big hawan organized for the full nine days creating an environment full of vibrations. A large number of devotees come to the Ashram during this holy time to pay homage to Mata Vaishno Devi Ji and witness the ever-present discipline and devotion shown by Swami Ji.
In alignment with the age-old practice, Swami Ji also sows barley seeds (jawara) into a sacred earthen pot at the Ashram. These seeds or sacred sprouts are cared for during nine days and, in time, they develop into a green verse of shoots symbolizing the blessings with respect to the Goddess. Visitors to the Ashram witness not only Swami Ji's discipline and devotion but also the spiritual significance of these green barley shoots, which are thought to bestow peace, prosperity, and positive energies in the lives of all bow before them. The green populations of shoots, the puja, and hawan fill the Ashram with divine energy that inspires the devotees to take up the life of devotion and surrender.
Guru Mata, the revered better half of Swami Gokul Nath Ji of Gokuldham Ashram, Ambika Vihar, Jammu, also deliver eligious discourses during these auspicious occasions. She encourages all devotees to follow the righteous path of dharma and to collectively pray for peace, harmony, and prosperity of the nation. The devotees of Jammu not only remember Gokul Nath Ji as the founder of the ashram, but also as a spiritual guide who provided deeper connections between people and the divine energy of Mata Shera Wali Ji.
The Bhawani Mandir and Its Unique Features
The temple of the ashram is known as Bhawani Mandir. It is dedicated to Mata Shera Wali Ji, which is another name for the goddess widely known as Vaishno Devi. The main attraction of the temple is the manmade cave constructed in the same manner as the original holy cave of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji at Katra, which provides all those devotees, who may not be able to travel the sacred journey to Katra, an opportunity to experience the journey of Vaishno Devi within Jammu. The inside of the cave features beautifully decorated idols of Mata Shera Wali Ji, infusing the space with an atmosphere of divine life, whereas the passage throughout the cave will provide devotees with a spiritual journey in a sacred environment, the same as if they were visiting Vaishno Devi herself. Beyond the cave there is also a large hall for satsangs, bhajans, and discourses for devotees. The atmosphere will be filled with unity through devotion, chants, and music that creates a powerful and deeply moving atmosphere for attendees. Inside the Ashram premises, there is small temple of lord Krishna and Radha and shiva Lingams which enhances the beauty of this sacred place. There is also an open hall for Hawan.
Regular Satsang and Devotional Gatherings
A fundamental aspect of the Gokul Nath Aashram is the weekly satsang that happens here. Each Tuesday, devotees come to the temple site for a joyous, heartwarming time of singing bhajans, doing kirtans, and reciting in praise of Mata Shera Wali Ji. Tuesdays have special significance in Mata Shera Wali Ji's worship and, as such, the temple attracts a good number of devotees on this day. In addition to Tuesdays, Saturdays are also auspicious, and many devotees also spend time at the ashram on Saturdays. Ultimately, the satsang is not merely a religious event, but a spiritual experience that brings individuals of all ages and backgrounds together in sung devotion to the Goddess. Many devotees describe feeling spiritually deeper and emotionally higher as a result of the divine energy present in the gatherings.
Spiritual Importance of Mata Vaishno Devi ji
Mata Shera Wali Ji, known as Mata Vaishno Devi, has great value in Hinduism, worshipped as the Goddess of Shakti (energy), bravery, and protection. Many devotees believe that Mata Shera Wali Ji would accomplish the wishes of one as long as they worshiped her with true devotion.
Visiting Bhawani Mandir at Gokul Nath Aashram provides devotees with the chance to offer their prayers for health, prosperity, and peace. The temple's vibrations can create a divine connection with God. Many devotees describe it as a life-changing connection.
Why You Should Visit Gokul Nath Aashram
A calm environment: The ashram provides the benefit of being peacefully relaxing as opposed to many temples which can be busy and crowded.
A special manmade cave: The cave built after Mata Vaishno Devi Ji shrine is a unique and spiritually rewarding experience.
Regular Satsangs: Tuesday and Saturday satsangs provide opportunities for collective devotion.
Conveniently located: The temple is conveniently located for locals and tourists alike to reach it from Talab Tillo and Jammu bus stand.
Spiritual experience: Mahatma Gokul Nath Ji's legacy lives on at the ashram to inspire and guide others. Swami ji used to give religious discourses on certain occasions like during Navratri celebrations.
Tips for Guests and Devotees:-
1. Most Active Days – Tuesdays and Saturdays will be the most active and hence the most colorful. Satsang is a popular activity at the temple, and so are the gatherings that often occur.
2. Shoes – As is the case at all temples, shoes must be removed before entering.
3. Satsang – Attending the satsang (a congregational service) gives your visit a bonus special significance and spirituality.
4. Offering – Be sure to bring an offering of some kind (flowers, prasad, chadar for Mata Shera Wali Ji).
5. Photos – While respecting the sacred and spiritual nature of the temple, generally if you wish to take photographs it is appropriate to ask permission of the management committee or any concerned Pujari.
How to Reach
From Jammu bus stand, this Ashram is about 6-7 kms and one who wishes to visit this temple can take battery rickshaw or auto from outside the bus stand. There is also matador services available in Jammu. From famous jewal chowk one can take matador heading towards camp Gole Gujral to visit the ashram. The journey would take hardly 20-30 minutes from jewal to reach there. From Jammu railway station, it is approximately 9 kms and one can take auto to reach the temple.
Conclusion:-
The Ambika Vihar Gokul Nath Aashram at Gole Gujral, Jammu is popularly known as Bhawani Mandir or Shailputri Gokul Dham. This Ashram is not only a temple, but a spiritual center that exudes divine energy and tranquility. The temple is dedicated to Mata Shera Wali Ji, a local Goddess, while the ashram provides the rare opportunity for devotees in Jammu to experience the sacredness of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji's cave.
With a rich spiritual history founded by Swami Gokul Nath Pandita Ji, the ashram has regular satsangs (spiritual assemblies) and is accessible. If one is looking to receive blessings, peace of mind, and a deeper connection to the divine, then the Gokul Nath Aashram is a place for individuals to visit. The ashram will be worth the visit for devotees and pilgrims as well as any person looking for inner peace. A visit to Gokul Nath Aashram will result in a transformative spiritual experience.
Therefore, while you are in Jammu next, you should plan to visit the holy abode. Enter the serene cave of Mata Shera Wali Ji and take her blessings, which will bring in your life with positivity and spiritual blessings.
(Writer: Vivek Koul)
Well articulated and keep it up
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