Kheer Bhawani Devi at Tulmul Ganderbal in Kashmir

I kept hearing of Kheer Bhawani at many seminars and conferences. Every time her mention added a force that was pulling me towards her. Given the turbulent times in Kashmir, one is never sure if one can visit the temples in Kashmir. I guess, at some point in time, the pull becomes strong enough to create opportunities that take you to your deity.

Last month, I was in Srinagar for a Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Conclave. This was my opportunity to visit temples in and around Srinagar. Though I visited Kheer Bhawani in the end, she is the first one I am writing about. Maybe it is the aura that I carried back with me. I also think it was the absolute peace I felt at her small temple surrounded by tall trees.

Who is Kheer Bhawani?

Well, her real name and form is Ragnya or Maharagnya Devi. It is the second name of the Devi mentioned in Lalita Sahasranama. Her form is that of an empress that rules the world. In other words, she is the one who sustains the world after it has been created by her in the form of a mother. At some point in time, she would also dissolve this creation back into where it came from. However, this form is sustained by nurturing and growing and providing everything we need to lead a good life.

She is one of the few Satvik Devis in Kashmir, and she loves Kheer. Every morning fresh Kheer is prepared for her, which is first offered to her and then savored by the devotees as Prasad.

It is believed that no one can enter the temple after consuming alcohol or meat. People at the temple told me many stories of how those who tried to come, could never reach the temple of the Devi. I tree branch fell on someone or someone suddenly fainted as they tried reaching the temple inside the premises.

Like all divine mothers, she also fulfills all the wishes of her devotees. Temple board also tells us that she loves to bless scholars and those who are pursuing higher learning. No wonder many appearing for different exams come to take her blessings.

Legends of Kheer Bhawani

It is said that she was the Kuldevi of Asura king Ravana in Sri Lanka. He worshiped her as Maharagnyi Devi and she blessed him with all kinds of prosperity. She was unhappy with Ravana for his adharmic acts during the time of the Ramayan or Ram-Ravan battle. She left Sri Lanka and ordered Hanuman ji to take her to Satisar in the Himalayas.

Satisar is an old name of Kashmir. She…