Security is tight for the Brajmandal Yatra in Nooh, where there was violence last year.
A Braj Mandal Yatra is going to be held today in Haryana’s Nooh on the occasion of the first Monday of Sawan. This religious pilgrimage starts from Noah’s Nalhad Temple, the pilgrimage will pass through Zirkeshwar Mahadev Temple in Ferozpur Zirka and reach Singar Sringeshwar Mahadev Temple in Punana. This Yatra is being organized under the guidance of various Hindu organizations and religious leaders.
According to a report, Brajmandal Yatra was organized in Noah for the first time in the year 2020, after which it became an annual religious pilgrimage. However, after the violence that took place last year, this Yatra is in much discussion. It is said that the area, which has a Muslim population of around 79 percent, has many ancient temples, which are suffering from lack of maintenance due to the small population of Hindus. The purpose of the Brajmandal Yatra is for people to connect with these temples and protect them.
Why does the journey to the Brajmandal take place in Noah?
In Haryana’s Nooh district, a pilgrimage to the Braj Mandal takes place on a single day a year. It is said that Hindu organizations started this Jalabhishek a few years ago to save the ancient Hindu temples located at Nooh. According to the Indian Express report, there are also three Shivlingas from the Mahabharata period. A few years ago, Hindu organizations started the Mewat Darshan Yatra, also called the Brajmandal Yatra, to connect people with these temples. Water is brought from Haridwar for the Yatra which starts from the Nalhad Shiva temple and Jalabhishek is performed in the temple.
The procession of Braj Mandal starts from Nalhad Mahadev Shiva Temple. In this yatra, many Hindu organizations like Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal and Sant Samaj reach the Nalhad Shiva temple and start the yatra by anointing water. After Jalabhishekam at Nalhad Temple all others along with Sant Samaj will also perform Jalabhishekam at Ferozepur Zhirka Shiva Temple and the Yatra will conclude at Seegar village.
Brajmandal Yatra, Shiva Temple and connection of Lord Krishna
The word ‘Braj’ means ‘Land of Krishna’. Hence it is associated with religious places associated with Lord Krishna. In fact, the history of Nalhar Shiva temple is believed to be from the Mahabharata period. It is said that Lord Krishna chose this Shiva temple located on the Aravali mountain near Nuh to mediate between the Kauravas and the Pandavas. This is the reason why this temple is considered to be related to Lord Krishna.
What happened a year ago?
Braj Mandal Yatra was performed on 31st July last year. After the procession reached a few kilometers away, the commotion broke out after stones were pelted. From Noah, the violence spread to Gurugram and surrounding areas. 7 people lost their lives in this violence while many people were also injured. During the violence, miscreants torched hundreds of vehicles and also attacked the cyber police station in the district. Not only this, the rioters also carried out incidents like vandalism, looting and arson in many shops.
The Noah police registered more than 60 FIRs in the entire case and arrested several accused, including Monu Manesar and Bittu Bajrangi. However, Bittu Bajrangi and Monu Manesar were later granted bail in the case. The name of Congress MLA Maman Khan from Ferozepur Zirka seat has also come up in this violence. Police accused Maman Khan of being in touch with suspects involved in inciting violence and sharing inflammatory posts on social media. Maman Khan was arrested last year in the Noah violence case and was later granted bail by the court.
