Account of Our Visit
(from L to R)
(Standing) Capt. M.V. Biradar Major Neeraj Sharma, Major Jai Chanda, Sonam Kapadia, Geeta Kapadia, Col. P. P. Singh, Major Murthy, (Sitting) Major Abhay Sinh, Major Anil Yadav, Capt. Raman, Capt. Mridul Verma
The visit of my mother and I to participate in the Dussara festivities of the battalion started on September 30, 2003. We landed at Jammu and were met by Abhay from the battalion who would also be our liaison during the course of the visit.
The Rajouri town around a 6 hour drive from Jammu across quite hilly roads. In spite of the ever present terrorist threat, we were traveling in army vehicles and without any stealth or hiding. This was a superb display of the army of their complete control and faith in their abilities to provide continued protection to all civilians in the area and dominate the area in spite of the continued terrorism. On the way to Rajouri, we passed Akhnoor cantonment area where just a few months ago there was a terrorist attack on the families staying there (yet another example of the terrorists attacking innocent civilians, ladies and children). It was peaceful when we were there but seeing the place that had become so familiar on our television screen was a chilling experience.
We reached Rajouri in the evening and were warmly received by the GOC. That evening, we participated in the Raising day celebrations of the Army Nursing Corp at the nearby Hospital.
The next day was busy with a visit scheduled to the Pir Bhadreshwas temple
which is maintained by the army Company stationed there. It
is also known as Pir Bhadreshwar in popular parlance. The legend of the temple goes
back to the days of Lord Shiva and Sati. The temple was built about 2500 year
ago, by King Kanishka, to commemorate the victory of Vir Bhadreshwar, Lord
Shiva’s son, over his rivals. As
the legend goes, during ancient time King Daksha, organized a ‘Yaga’. For
this celebration he did not invite Lord Shiva and Sati, but Sati attended the
‘Yaga’ uninvited. During the
‘Yaga’ Lord Shiva and Sati were insulted by King Daksha.
Sati could not bear it, and ended her life by immolating herself in the
fire of ‘Yaga’. When Lord Shiva
learnt about it, his anger knew no bounds. He threw his jata (lock of hair) on
the ground, out of which Vir Bhadreshwar emerged and vowed to take revenge for
the death of his mother. After destroying King Daksha who had insulted Sati, Vir
Bhadreshwar came and rested at the place, where the temple now stands.
During 1947-48 J & K operation, the temple was completely desecrated by the hordes of invaders from Pakistan. The temple and the area around was freed by Indian Army in the year 1948 and is maintained by them since. We also got a chance to see the army bunkers there and have the superb lunch organised by the young Captain Dubey in charge of the post.
Next day on our way to see the 4/3 Gorkha Rifles, we also saw Dhanidhar Fort.
Dhanidhar Fort is situated near Dhanidhar village
overlooking Rajouri. Before the
advent of the Muslims, Rajouri was ruled by Hindu Kings belonging to the
‘PAL’ dynasty who claimed to be descendants of the Pandavas. Dhanidhar Fort
is believed to have been built by one of the kings of this dynasty.
The fort commands a complete view of the Rajouri town. The name Dhanidhar
was given to this highest elevation of land portion overlooking Rajouri town.
The reaching the unit, we straight went for family lunch organised by them at mess. The families of all the officers were present as well to celebrate Dussera. It was wonderful as always to meet with the unit and renew the bonds.
On the dinner before we were leaving in a very touching gesture all the officers and wives of the unit attended the dinner wearing the Khukri of Honour Badge. The unit never forgets the sacrifice of their fellow soldiers. They have truly been like our family.