Kheer Bhavani temple, located in the village of Tulla Mulla, is located at a distance of 27 kmfrom Srinagar. Devoted to Ragnya Devi, the temple is one of the revered Hindu shrines. Surrounded by steams and Chinar trees, the temple is constructed with marble. The goddess is represented by a sacred hexagonal spring, which also houses this temple.
According to legend, it is said that during exile, Lord Rama used to worship goddess Ragnya. However, after the completion of exile period, Lord Hanuman was asked to shift the seat of the goddess by Lord Rama. It was believed that the seat of the goddess was brought to Shadipora, which was later shifted to the site where now the temple stands erect.
In addition, it is also believed that Mother Ragnya wanted her seat be placed at this temple, which was conveyed to a Pandit Rugnath Gadroo in his dream. The temple has derived its name, owing to the fact that several devotees offer milk and kheer to the sacred spring.
According to one of the popular beliefs, it is said that milk and kheer turn black in case of any warning of impending disaster. The temple was constructed in 1912 by Maharaja Pratap Singh. However, it was later repaired and restored by Maharaja Hari Singh.
This temple is thronged by devotees on the eighth day of the full moon in the month of May, as it is considered auspicious. Most of the devotees fast on this particular day and also assemble at the temple in large numbers. This is because, it is believed that on this particular day, the colour of the water in spring is changed by the goddess.
In addition, the temple plays a host for an annual festival, on the occasion of Jesht Ashtami, which is held in between the months of May and June. During this festival, tourists from all across the country make a visit to this temple so as to seek blessings of the goddess. Another festival, which is celebrated on a large scale in this temple is Shukla Paksh Ashtami. On this day, havans and yagnas are performed in the temple so as to please the goddess.
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