Yagya for ''peace'' commences in Jammu

Jammu, May 8 (UNI) The weeklong 'Raj Rajeshwari Tripur Sundri Maha Aradhna and Shri Shri Ati Maharudra Yagya for ''peace'' with the blessings of Jagad Guru Shankracharya Swami Adokhshyanand Tirath ji commenced at Dushera ground here today.

Hundreds of devotees participated in the yagya while 'puja archana' was also performed in the presence of the Shankracharya.

Union Minister for Textiles Shankar Singh Waghela, MPs and cabinet ministers attended the yagya and offered prayers.

Later, the Shankracharya professed sermons to the devotees and expressed hope that the yagya would bring ''peace'' in the trouble-torn state.

However, the city of temples seemed to be absorbed in deep religious fervour as colourful ''kalash yatra'' was taken out yesterday passing main markets and reached at river Tawi where religious rites were performed.

Hundreds of devotees participated in the procession enchanting devotional songs amidst beats of drums and music of flutes which filled the entire atmosphere with religious vehemence. Nearly two hundred Acharayas from different parts of the country were accompanying the Shankracharya.

Industrialist from Delhi Vinod Ogria along with several other prominent citizens also attended the ceremony while Mr Vinod also announced to donate artificial limbs to the victims who suffered due to mines in border areas.

The week-long 'yagya' is being organised by Ati Maharudra Yagya Simiti, Jammu and Kashmir.

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