Kheer Bhavani Temple

Location: Tullamula, Srinagar district Dedicated To: Ragnya Devi, a Hindu Goddess Attractions: An annual festival held in May-June, on the occasion of Jesht Ashtami.

The Kheer Bhavani temple is situated at Tullamula in the Srinagar district. Steams and Chinar trees surround the place where the temple stands. A revered Hindu shrine, the Kheer Bhavani temple is devoted to Ragnya Devi, a Hindu Goddess. Representing the goddess is a sacred hexagonal spring at Tullamula village, which houses a small marble temple. The legend associated with the temple goes that Lord Rama worshipped Ragnya Devi during his exile. After the exile period got over, Rama asked Lord Hanuman to shift the seat of the goddess. The seat of the goddess was brought by Lord Hanuman first to Shadipora and later shifted to the site where the temple now stands.

It is believed that it was the wish of Mother Ragnya that her seat be place at Khir Bhavani Mandir in Kashmir, India. And this wish was conveyed in dream to a pandit, Rugnath Gadroo. The temple of Ragnya Devi is called "Kheer Bhawani" because numerous devotees offer milk and kheer (Indian sweet dish) to the sacred spring. It is believed that milk and kheer turn to black color to warn of any impending disaster. Maharaja Pratap Singh got the temple constructed in 1912. Later, Maharaja Hari Singh undertook the repair and restoration work on the temple.

The eighth day of the full moon in May holds great significance for the devotees of Ragnya Devi. They fast on this particular day and gather at the temple in huge numbers. It is believed that on this day, the goddess changes the color of the spring's waters. The Kheer Bhavani temple serves as the venue for an annual festival held in May-June, on the occasion of Jesht Ashtami. During this festival, a large number of Hindus visit the temple to seek blessings of the goddess. Another occasion on which the Kheer Bhavani temple gains special importance is Shukla Paksh Ashtami. On this day, havans/yagnas are performed to please the goddess.