Devotees Sway to the Rhythms of Bhajans and Jagars at the Ancient Maa Ambika Devi Temple in Rajpur
• During the *Bhakti Sandhya* (Evening of Devotion), folk singer Manglesh Dangwal led chants of victory (*Jaikaaras*) that resonated to the beat of *Dhol* and *Damaun* drums.
• On the auspicious occasion of Navratri, a river of devotion flowed through Rajpur; alongside chants hailing the Mother Goddess, slogans praising Shri Guru Ram Rai Ji Maharaj also rang out.
• Shri Mahant Devendra Das Ji Maharaj extended his greetings for Ram Navami to the residents of the state and the nation.
• The *Jagar Sandhya* witnessed an overwhelming surge of devotion to the Goddess; devotees were deeply moved and emotionally overwhelmed as the devotional festivities continued throughout the night, leaving the worshippers swaying in spiritual ecstasy.
• Glimpses of the Nanda Rajjat pilgrimage and hymns in praise of the Goddess created a captivating atmosphere, inspiring devotees to perform expressive devotional dances.
Dehradun: On Thursday night, a magnificent confluence of devotion was witnessed at the ancient *Siddh Peeth* (sacred shrine) of Maa Ambika Devi, nestled within the tranquil valleys of Rajpur. This temple is administered by the Shri Guru Ram Rai Ji Maharaj, Shri Jhanda Sahib Darbar. During the grand *Jagar Sandhya* organized on the auspicious occasion of Navratri, folk singer Manglesh Dangwal—accompanied by the resounding beats of *Dhol* and *Damaun* drums—created such a spiritually charged atmosphere that the entire valley became immersed in devotion. Hymns in praise of Maa Bhagwati (the Mother Goddess), evocative glimpses of the Nanda Rajjat pilgrimage, and songs glorifying the nine divine forms of the Goddess left the devotees deeply moved and emotionally overwhelmed. The overwhelming surge of devotion witnessed during this grand event, which continued throughout the night, served as a testament to the fact that the faith of *Devbhoomi* (the Land of Gods) remains as deep and vibrant today as ever. Thousands of devotees participated in the *Jagran* (all-night vigil) and *Bhandara* (community feast), thereby earning spiritual merit.
On this occasion, Shri Mahant Devendra Das Ji Maharaj—the Honorable Chairman of Shri Guru Ram Rai University and Patron of the ancient Maa Ambika Devi Temple—extended his heartfelt greetings and best wishes for Ram Navami to all the residents of the state and the nation.
The program was jointly inaugurated by lighting the ceremonial lamp by Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi, Cabinet Minister Khazan Das, Minister of State Pratap Panwar, and the National Vice President of the BJP Yuva Morcha (Youth Wing), Neha Joshi. On this occasion, Agriculture Minister Ganesh Joshi stated, “It is solely through the grace of Mother Bhagwati that we have been blessed with this auspicious occasion. Navratri is a festival dedicated to self-purification and the worship of divine power. May Mother Ambika bestow happiness, prosperity, and strength upon the lives of all devotees.”
Cabinet Minister Khajan Das remarked, “The tradition of *Jagar* constitutes an invaluable heritage of our faith and culture. This land has been sanctified and infused with vibrant energy by the resounding chants of ‘Jai’ (victory) to the Mother Goddess. It is my earnest prayer that the Mother’s blessings remain upon everyone.” State Minister Pratap Panwar observed:
“During Navratri, contemplating the various divine forms of the Mother Goddess grants us strength and courage. Through the medium of *Jagar*, one experiences a palpable, direct connection with the Goddess. May the Mother’s grace foster increased harmony and prosperity within society.”
Folk singer Manglesh Dangwal inaugurated the program with a soulful invocation to Mother Ganga, thereby enveloping the atmosphere in a spirit of deep devotion. Subsequently, he presented a musical rendition weaving together the narrative of Uttarakhand’s renowned Nanda Rajjat pilgrimage—a performance that left the devotees deeply moved and overwhelmed with emotion. *Jagar* songs, based on the various manifestations of Mother Durga, sustained a magnificent atmosphere of devotion throughout the night. Swaying to the rhythmic resonance of the *Dhol* and *Damaun* drums, devotees danced with unbridled enthusiasm and offered their humble obeisance at the feet of the Mother Goddess. The entire valley reverberated with spirited chants of “Jai Mata Di” and invocations to Shri Guru Ram Rai Ji Maharaj echoing across the temple premises. In the folk culture of Uttarakhand, *Jagar* is not merely a musical form; rather, it serves as a profound medium for invoking deities and attaining a spiritual experience. Through these songs, the local folk deities and the divine feminine power (*Shakti*) are invoked, enabling devotees to connect with a transcendental, divine presence. It is for this very reason that a *Jagar Sandhya* (evening of *Jagar* performances) is accorded such special significance during festivals like Navratri.