J-K: Devotees throng Shri Vaishno Devi temple in Katra on last day of Navratri
Oct 23, 2023
Katra (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], October 23 : As the Navratri festival entered its last day today, devotees thronged the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu and Kashmir's Katra to get a glimpse of Goddess Durga.
Shri Vaishno Devi temple is one of the holiest sites for Hindu pilgrims, dedicated to 'Vaishno Devi', one of the forms of Goddess Durga.
Earlier on the occasion of 'Maha Ashtami' on Sunday, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha paid obeisance at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine and prayed for the peace, prosperity and progress of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Lt Governor launched and dedicated the 'Live Darshan Facility' and bi-lingual chatbot on the website of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, to the devotees and also released a Yatra Guide Book on Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage 'The Bhakti of Shakti' by Rupa Publications, a statement said.
Meanwhile, devotees also gathered at Kamakhya Devi temple in Assam's Guwahati on the occasion of 'Maha Navmi', the last day of Navratri. 
Devotees queued up to take part in the morning 'aarti' performed at Jhandewalan temple in the national capital. 
Morning 'aarti' was also performed at Delhi's Chhatarpur temple on the occasion of 'Maha Navmi'. 
In Maharashtra's Mumbai, an early morning 'aarti' was performed at the Mumba Devi temple. 
Devotees took part in the 'aarti' with enthusiasm.
'Maha Navmi' is one of the most auspicious days of Navratri festival.
It marks the victory of Goddess Durga over 'Mahishasur', the demon.
It is dedicated to Goddess 'Siddhidatri', one of the forms of 'Maa' Durga.
Also, it marks the conclusion of the nine-day-long festival.
The festival of Navratri honours the defeat of the demonic Mahishasura and the triumph of good over evil.
The 10th day of Sharad Navratri is celebrated as Dussehra or Vijaya Dashami.
