Mangla Mata village Wachi

 

Village Vachi (Wachi), lies nestled in the southern region of Kashmir, merely three kilometers westward from the bustling highway connecting Bijbehara to Awantipora and Srinagar. This quaint settlement spans across a distance of approximately 2 kilometers, with its boundaries extending to touch both the Bijbehara Pulwama road and the Bijbehara Shopian road. Surrounded by picturesque landscapes, Vachi boasts a serene ambiance, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the natural beauty of Kashmir’s countryside. Within the confines of this village, the shrine of Sri Mangla Mata and the sacred spring devoted to Vatukeshwar Nath Bhairava stand as enduring symbols of sanctity, revered since antiquity. These revered sites have been integral to the spiritual fabric of the Kashmiri Pandit community, drawing pilgrims and devotees seeking blessings and solace from far and wide. The shrine of Sri Mangla Mata exudes an aura of divine grace, while the holy spring dedicated to Vatukeshwar Nath Bhairava is offering spiritual rejuvenation to all who partake of its waters. As embodiments of timeless devotion and reverence, these ancient sites continue to inspire awe and reverence among generations, preserving the spiritual heritage of Vachi village through the ages. Vachi village, referred to as Vashchika in Kalhana’s Rajatarangini, holds a significant place in history as an agrahara, or land endowment, established by King Gopaditya for the resettlement of Brahmins he brought to the region in search of fertile lands. Kalhana’s descriptions portray Vachi as a sanctuary for these Brahmins, offering them a haven in pure lands. This historical account highlights the village’s enduring legacy as a hub of cultural, rooted in the rich tapestry of Kashmiri heritage. It may be recalled that Gopaditya shifted garlic-eating Brahmins to Buchhwara and maintained non-garlic eating Brahmins at Gupkarin Srinagar. In 1891, Pandit Kashi Ram’s discovery of broken sculptures within village Vachi, as reported by M. A. Stein, shed light on the antiquity of the settlement. These findings suggest that Vachi’s historical roots extend far beyond recent times, hinting at a past rich in cultural expression. The presence of these sculptures unveils a narrative of continuity and longevity, reinforcing the notion that Vachi has been a site of human habitation and cultural activity for centuries. This archaeological insight provides valuable clues to understanding the village’s historical trajectory and its place within the broader context of regional history and heritage. Mangala means “who is auspiciousness and felicity incarnate”. Mangala literally means a faithful woman. She is a good omen for all and conveys the spirit of well-being. Cosmologically, the supreme Mother Sakti as the faithful spouse of the supreme Shiva takes form simply to bless the created beings for the realization of the ultimate Truth. She does anything and everything tending to an auspicious issue. Mangala is the supreme deity in Krama system of Kashmir Shaivism as elaborated in ‘Bhavani Nama Sahasra Stutih’ (The Thousand Names of Bhavani). On the path leading to the shrine, nestled upon a lofty alluvial plateau, lies a spring shrouded in legend, serving as a revered site of pilgrimage and worship. According to ancient lore, during a time of yagna, or sacred ritual, at this very location, devotees were astounded to witness a miraculous phenomenon unfold. As the Vatukeshwara Bhairava received worship amidst the chanting of sacred mantras, ritual utensils and objects required for the yagna began to materialize, floating gracefully upon the surface of the spring. With divine providence guiding them, the devotees conducted the yagna rituals using these ethereal utensils, marveling at the mystical manifestation before them. Upon completion, the ritual objects were ceremoniously cleansed and returned to the spring, where they vanished as mysteriously as they had appeared, leaving an indelible mark of divine intervention upon the waters of the spring. This enchanting legend epitomizes the sacred significance of the spring, weaving together faith, devotion, and the enduring power of the divine within the fabric of Vachi village’s spiritual heritage. The practice of performing annual yagna on the banks of this Holy Spring under the mighty Chinar tree continued from the ancient times to the year 1990 when Kashmiri Pandits of this village and from neighbouring villages were forced to leave Kashmir due to continued terrorist attacks. This Holy Spring, adorned with its shimmering azure waters, transcends mere beauty to embody a truly divine presence. Its pristine blue hues captivate the senses, inviting reverence and awe from all who behold it. Beyond its aesthetic allure, the spring exudes a palpable sense of sanctity, evoking a profound spiritual resonance in those who approach its sacred shores. As sunlight dances upon its surface, casting ethereal reflections, the spring becomes a tangible manifestation of the divine, a source of solace and inspiration for pilgrims and seekers alike. Its tranquil waters seem to whisper ancient truths, carrying with them the whispers of prayers and the echoes of devotion, affirming its status as a cherished sanctuary of the soul within the heart of Vachi village. At the upper edge of the Holy Spring, a striking icon of Vatukeshwar Nath Bhairava stands, partially submerged in its sacred waters, a visual testament to the divine presence that permeates the site. Each year, as part of the annual yagna ritual, the elders of Vachi and neighbouring villages engage in a time honored tradition of tending to the spring’s sanctity. Days before the commencement of the yagna, they gather to meticulously clean the spring, diligently removing any debris such as weeds, fallen leaves from the nearby Chinar trees, and other debris that might impede its continuous flow. This act of reverence not only ensures the spring’s purity but also reaffirms the community’s commitment to preserving the sanctity of this cherished spiritual oasis. About 100 meters away from the Holy Spring, nestled on the slope of the alluvial plateau known as khrewa, lies the shrine of Sri Mangla Mata, the revered deity of the village. The shrine resides within a deep cave, accessible via 18 steps descending into a circular chamber approximately 16 feet in diameter. Within this sacred space, a niche measuring 3 by 4 feet once held the revered icon of Sri Mangla Mata until it was tragically stolen by unknown perpetrators in 1972, never to be recovered. Despite the absence of the original icon, the presence of the goddess remained palpable, evidenced by various mystical signs observed by devotees. A new icon was procured and enshrined in its place, maintaining the spiritual sanctity of the site. Until 1990, elderly members of the village faithfully visited the shrine each morning to perform puja rituals. However, following the forced exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Kashmir valley in 1990, the shrine has remained untended, its halls echoing with the silence of abandonment, a poignant reminder of the upheaval that shattered the fabric of Kashmiri Pandit community’s life. Legend tells of a mysterious occurrence within the depths of the cave behind the icon of Mother Mangla Mata, where a group of Sadhus ventured but never returned. Astonishingly, these same Sadhus were discovered practicing spiritual disciplines in Haridwar, far from the confines of the cave. This enigmatic tale whispers of hidden passages and mystical realms concealed within the depths of the cave, where time itself seems to warp and bend, offering a glimpse into the ineffable mysteries of the divine. The legend of the lost Sadhus adds another layer of intrigue to the sacred site of Sri Mangla Mata’s shrine, shrouding it in an aura of mysticism and wonder that continues to captivate the imagination of believers and seekers alike. Another legend recounts a chilling tale of an incident within the shrine complex, where a tree growing within its confines was allegedly felled by locals, only to evoke a startling response. As the axe struck the tree, it is said to have bled profusely, leaving the witnesses gripped with fear. Fearing the supernatural, the local swiftly departed, keeping the encounter secret until the morning when he disclosed the same to his father. Together, they returned to the scene, only to find the tree standing tall and unharmed, devoid of any traces of blood or axe wounds. This mysterious event left an indelible impression, shrouded in mystery and serving as a testament to the enigmatic aura surrounding the sacred grounds of the shrine complex. Mangla Mata holds a revered status as the ‘Isht Devi’ of numerous Kashmiri Pandit families, particularly those residing in the Anantnag, Pulwama, and Shopian regions. For generations, these families have harbored a profound faith in the presence of the Mata within the Holy Cave, prompting them to undertake pilgrimages with fervent devotion, especially on auspicious occasions like ‘Ram Navami’ and ‘Maha Navmi’. During these sacred days, devotees flock in great numbers to pay homage to the Mother, creating an atmosphere of spiritual fervor. A traditional fair springs to life near the shrine, serving as a vibrant celebration of faith and community. Central to the rituals is the offering of Tchot, a dish of rice cooked with turmeric, symbolizing devotion and gratitude to the divine. This cherished tradition not only strengthens the bond between devotees and the Mata but also perpetuates a rich cultural heritage deeply rooted in reverence and devotion. Another poignant expression of devotion that underscored the sanctity of this sacred site was the tradition of tying threads onto the branches of a Brayee Kul (Jujube tree) positioned outside the shrine, symbolizing the supplicants’ heartfelt desires. Those who sought fulfilment of their wishes would tie threads with hope and reverence, entrusting their aspirations to the benevolence of the Mother. Remarkably, individuals whose prayers were answered would return to the shrine repeatedly, expressing their gratitude through acts of worship, including individual yagna and offerings of Tchot to the Goddess. This ritual of tying threads not only served as a tangible representation of faith but also fostered a deep spiritual connection between devotees and the divine, affirming the enduring power of belief and devotion within the sacred precincts of Sri Mangla Mata’s abode. On a sombre Sunday, the 14th of June in 1998, I ventured to the revered shrine, only to find my heart weighed down by what I be held. The once sturdy and formidable cave, a bastion of spiritual solace, now stood in a state of disrepair, its walls weathered and crumbling, obscured by encroaching shrubs and wild plants that choked the entrance. Nearby, the Vatukeshwar Spring, once a radiant pool of shimmering azure waters, now languished in a state of partial desiccation, its once vibrant flow reduced to a mere trickle. The sight filled me with sorrow, a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the fragility of sacred spaces, urging a call to action to restore the sanctity and reverence befitting such hallowed grounds. In dark nights, under the shade of the Chinar, the sacred place present an atmosphere where one becomes one with God and in moonlit nights, devotees experienced something mystic all over in the shrine of Mangla Mata.

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Courtesy: CHANDER M. BHA and Spade A Spade-October,2025