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Showa Mata temple: A beacon of faith & devotion
Young Bites. Dated: 7/12/2024 7:39:50 AM
* TEMPLE IS HOME TO THE IDOLS OF FIVE REVERED GODDESSES, MATA VAISHNO, MATA LAKSHMI, MATA SARASWATI, MATA KALI, AND MATA SHIV
POOJA THAKUR JAMMU, JULY 10 Known for its deepseated spirituality and religious fervor, India has long been a beacon for devotees and pilgrims worldwide. One such center of faith that has been attracting increasing attention over the past few years is the Showa Mata temple, located approximately 30 kilometers from Jammu city. Nestled in a serene environment, this sacred site houses a temple and a fascinating cave, both of which draw thousands of pilgrims each year. The temple is home to the idols of five revered goddesses: Mata Vaishno, Mata Lakshmi, Mata Saraswati, Mata Kali, and Mata Shiv. These deities are venerated by visitors from across the country and beyond, each seeking blessings and divine intervention. The idols are beautifully adorned and create a powerful aura of devotion and spirituality. Talking to Young Bites, temple priest Vijay Krishan, said, "Showa Mata has always been a place of deep faith for the local community. In recent years, word has spread, and we now welcome devotees from all over India. It is humbling to see such devotion and to witness the blessings that visitors receive here." The cave, a key attraction stretches about 12 meters long. To access it, devotees must lie down and navigate their way through. Upon reaching the interior, visitors can stand and behold the idols of the goddesses, surrounded by an air of mystique and reverence. In front of these idols stands a natural Shivling, a symbol of Lord Shiva, which adds to the sanctity of the place. “What makes the Shivling unique is the natural occurrence of water that continuously drips onto it from the cave's roof, symbolizing an eternal abhishekam (ritual bathing) performed by nature itself”, said priest. Further adding to the intrigue of Showa Mata is another cave within the complex. According to local lore, this cave once connected to the renowned Shri Mata Vaishno Devi cave. However, for safety reasons, this connection has been sealed off with stones due to the lack of oxygen and the potential dangers involved in traversing it.