Jammu and Kashmir: The Sacred Geography of Shakti:
The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is a land of many Gods and Goddesses. Much of the Indian Landscape of Himalayas and sub-Himalayas is represented by this territory. The Shakti Shrines represent the feminine aspect of divinity, e.g. Mata Vaishno Devi (Katra), Mata Chandi (Machail), Mata Sarthal Devi (Kishtwar), Mata Pingla (Ramnagar), Mata Mahakali (Bahu Fort), Mata Chichi (Samba), Mata Chanchlo (Basohli), Mata Sarthal (Bani) and so many more of our Devi Maa Shakti shrines. Among them, the shrine to Mal Mata Sukrala Devi occupies a unique and respected place and is visited by the largest gathering of devotees where thousands come to worship and receive blessings, showing the greatest respect for Devi Maa Sukrala and calling her Jagat Janani and Rajarajeshvari.
The Shrine of Mal Mata Sukrala Devi:
Sukrala or Sukral is located in the Billawar region of the Kathua District of J&K (India). At the intersection of dense Chir Pine forest, as well as a variety of other forest species (Broadleaf tree species), Strals such as Shrubs, Herbs & Shrubs. The village is situated beside river Naaj and has a large stone slab from the historical era, which has a carving of Lord Hanuman. Every Tuesday and Sunday people in the area, as well as tourists who come to visit the shrine, cover the rock slab with Sandoor (Red Powder used in Poojas) on these days. Sukrala Mata Temple is situated approximately 80 km from Jammu by road, or about 30. S This temple is located approximately 40000 feet above Mean Sea Level and offers spectacular views of the mountains and cliffs in the surrounding area of Shakti Shrine. The black-topped roads that people use to travel from Jammu and Kathua to the shrine are well-maintained and have regular bus service. This sacred shrine can be accessed by other routes from Bani Basohli and countless other locations around the country. The historical and legendary accounts tell how Sukrala got its name from Sharikalaya (The Place of Sharika), which is another name associated with the revered goddess known as Mata Sharda.
Mythological Roots and the Name “Sharikalaya":
The story goes that used to live a renowned saint at Basohli who had received his education in Kashmir and Kashi there he visited many shrines including those of Shri Amarnath, Sharda, Hari Partvati etc. He was a strong devotee of Gods and Goddesses. During, his arduous penance and devotion, the Mother Goddess was very pleased and so he had holy dream. When asked by Mata ji as to what he wanted. The devotee prayed that he wants that she should be at his place so that with locals can be relieved of the pains and agony and are blessed by her Shakti. Mataji granted him the boon that she will appear at the time of his grandson and so the devotee disclosed to the locals. The devoted Brahmin had number of sons amongst whom two most pious and learned were by name Amolak Ram and Mahadev Shiv Nandan. They preferred and adopted Billawar and Basohli as their residence. At the time of Mahadev (Shiv Nandan), people started believing in prophecy saying that a stone slab should come out of a spring at Sukrala. The area was not known for any religious significance until then, so when people in the area were told about the prophecy, they accepted it as true and began worshiping. Over time, a prince named Madho Singh, from Chamba, was expelled by his older brother and was wandering unhappily until he found his way to Sukral. Sukrala, at that time, was very wooded and had many wild animals and birds. The prince began hunting these and eventually became very ill. No matter how much treatment was applied, he continued to suffer in illness.
Conclusion:
In the end, as suggested by some locals, he sought out Shiv Nandan, who was known for his strong Spiritual Reputation. He also asked a devotee of the Goddess named, Hira Thakur to dance (in local parlance known as Chauki). While the devotee was in a state of Trance (or Shakti Dance), he was asked to tell the prince Madho Singh's malady. He explained that the Goddess was very angry because he had killed so many animals and birds in the forest. Additionally, the disciple told the prince that the prince would never get well until a temple to the goddess was constructed using materials from Chamba. The exiled prince was confused about how he would accomplish building the goddess Mata temple because, not only was he sick, he was also at least 300 miles away from Chamba, his hometown, and told both Shiv Nandan and Hira Thakur about his dilemma. But in reply, the dancing devotee (disciple) told the exiled prince that he should go to Chamba without delay because once he arrived, he would be given all the assistance and direction necessary, through the blessings of the Mal Mata's Shakti.
(Vivek Koul)
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