New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the Kheer Bhawani Temple in Ganderbal on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The temple is situated 25 km northeast of Srinagar. It is dedicated to Maa Kheer Bhavani and is constructed over a sacred spring. Let us look at this spiritual gem’s history, importance, and more.
Kheer Bhawani Temple: From History to Mela, learn about the temple
Name
Kheer Bhawani Temple, also called Ksheer Bhawani or the Ragnya Devi Temple, is dedicated to the goddess Kheer Bhavani, who is associated with a sacred spring. The goddess has many names, including Ragnya or Rajna, and can be called Devi, Mata, or Bhagavati.
“Kheer” refers to a rice pudding made with milk, which people offer to the goddess. Kheer Bhawani can be translated as ‘Milk Goddess.’ Many Kashmiri Hindus worship her as their protector or Kuladevi.
Colour changing spring
Other temples to Kheer Bhawani can be found in the region, including one in Tikker, Kupwara. This temple is significant for Kashmiri Hindus. The main feature is a heptagonal spring, which is believed to change colours, showing red, pink, orange, green, blue and white.
Black colour in the spring is seen as a bad sign. According to many reports, the water turned black during the Kashmiri Pandit Exodus and before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Most colour changes do not have specific meanings. In 1886, a British official noted that the spring’s water appeared violet.
Maharaja Ranbir Singh first built a guesthouse here, while Maharaja Pratap Singh constructed the current temple and pond in the 1910s, and Maharaja Hari Singh made further renovations. The area is shaded by old chinar trees, where pilgrims often rest on grass mats.
History and Architecture
The temple’s architecture is simple but reflects spiritual beauty. It sits among chinar trees, contributing to a peaceful atmosphere. The spring is the temple’s centrepiece, surrounded by a hexagonal marble ritual platform.
The temple was built and renovated with support from Maharaja Pratap Singh and Maharaja Hari Singh.
The Kheer Bhawani Temple is mentioned in Kalhana’s historical text, Rajtarangini, which notes that the spring is in a marshy area. Legend says that a local yogi had a dream where the goddess directed him to the spring’s location. It is also referred to in the Bhrigu Samhita. Abu’l-Fazl ibn Mubarak wrote in Aini-Akbari that Tula Mula covers around a hundred bighas of land, which becomes marshy in summer.
The temple is built on a platform in the spring area. It has a small sanctum that holds the idol of Goddess Ragnya Devi, depicted in a meditative position. The design features traditional Kashmiri elements like wooden ceilings and sloping roofs, showcasing regional craftsmanship. While not ornate, its serene surroundings make it a place of devotion.
Kheer Bhawani mela
The sacred spring here holds special meaning. An annual festival, called mela, takes place at the temple and attracts large numbers of Hindus, second only to the Amarnath pilgrimage.
The Kheer Bhawani mela, or festival, gathers Kashmiri Hindus and other visitors yearly during Jyeshtha Ashtami, also called Zyeshta Astami. The event faced challenges during the violence in 1990 but was revived with the help of the Indian Army. A contingent of 115 BN CRPF is present to ensure its smooth conduct.
Kheer Bhawani mela 2025
The Mela Kheer Bhawani will likely be celebrated this year in the first week of June. In this Mela, Kashmiri Pandits from all over the country gather at the temple of Ragnya Devi.
The Kheer Bhawani Temple in Ganderbal is a significant site for Hindus. It is dedicated to Goddess Kheer Bhavani. Its sacred spring is believed to change colours. The temple’s history is rich, mentioned in Rajtarangini, and it boasts stunning architecture. The annual Kheer Bhawani Mela draws thousands of pilgrims. The temple’s history, significance, and the annual festival are explored in detail. Spirituality Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
