Devotees throng Kangra temple during ‘Panch Bisham’ festival

Kangra, November 3

Thousands of pilgrims thronged Jayanti Mata temple here today on the fourth day of the five-day Panch Bisham festival. The fair celebrates the marriage of Tulsi with Saligram.

The temple, which is located on a hillock overlooking the Kangra valley, is a major attraction for devotees and tourists. Jaynati Mata is also the ‘kul devi’ of the Gorkha community. The festival — Panch Bisham — is associated with the Mahabharata and is celebrated to commemorate the great warrior Bhishma. It is believed that he laid on a bed of arrows during these five days.

Pilgrims from West Bengal paid obeisance at the temple in large numbers today. Free langars have also been organised en route the temple. Tulsi and Saligram are also worshipped during the festival. — OC