Amidst the expanse of Uttarakhand’s Char Dham, there lies another sacred abode that has garnered the reverence of an unprecedented multitude. This sanctum is none other than the revered Kainchi Dham of Neeb Karori Baba. Reports unveil that a staggering 1.5 million faithful have embarked on a pilgrimage here since the ides of March. What astounds further is the absence of any untoward incidents amidst the congregation, traversing a narrow path, with lodging provisions for a mere 700 souls.
In the realm of Uttarakhand’s Char Dham Yatra, the governmental endeavors persist in novel innovations, striving to alleviate any inconveniences for the devotees. Since the commencement on the 10th of May, the Char Dham has been abuzz with an unprecedented surge of pilgrims. Eminent personalities, too, have graced these hallowed grounds, with the Vice President of the nation, Jagdeep Dhankhar, and his kin making a pilgrimage to Kainchi Dham on the 30th of May.
The tally of devotees flocking to the Char Dham surpasses 1.3 million, an extraordinary figure from the 10th of May onwards. Contemplations ensue among governmental bodies and administrative entities on managing this deluge of devotees. Despite the regulation through registration, an obscure Dham in Uttarakhand has carved its place in the annals, eclipsing the Char Dham in crowd influx.
A staggering multitude inundates Kainchi Dham
15 million devout souls embarked on a pilgrimage to Kainchi Dham, the sanctum of Lord Hanuman, nestled in the Kumaon region, miles away from Char Dham, spanning from the 15th of March to the 28th of May. The remarkable facet lies in the absence of chaos or casualties amidst this surge of devotees. The efficacy of travel management and the Nainital police administration in orchestrating this serene pilgrimage is a testament to their prowess. The throng of pilgrims at Kainchi Dham escalates daily, attracting both the ordinary and the distinguished, each yearning to pay obeisance.
A serene darshan for 1.5 million
Over the past decade, the influx of devotees at Kainchi Dham has been on an incessant ascent. This diminutive sanctuary, nestled along the Almora-Nainital route in Kumaon, burgeons into a colossal bastion of devotion. Many luminary figures have graced this sanctum, offering their respects. Thousands throng this temple of Neeb Karori Baba, nestled amidst scenic hills, where an ancient idol of Hanuman ji and a statue of Baba Neeb Karori adorn the sanctum for adoration.
Each devotee immersed in devotion
The throng navigating to this temple finds solace in their devotion. How do the congregants obtain a serene darshan amidst the tumult, especially when the temple courtyard accommodates a mere 500 to 700 devotees at a time? Yet, each devotee patiently queues, ensconced in tranquility, awaiting their turn for darshan. Witnessing such an inundation of devotees, the state government endeavors to metamorphose the environs surrounding this sacred abode entirely. Furthermore, diverse schemes are being instituted to facilitate more pilgrims’ access to Kainchi Dham.
Facilitating Kainchi Dham through shuttle services
The state government’s blueprint for Kainchi Dham encompasses not only the construction of a two-lane road but also entails a comprehensive DPR, approximating Rs 60 crore. This blueprint envisions the establishment of a verdant corridor, a culinary plaza, a yoga enclave, lodgings, and parking facilities around Kainchi Dham imminently. Concurrently, the Chief Minister, Pushkar Singh Dhami, has directed officials to initiate novel schemes at Kainchi Dham, alongside completing ongoing initiatives.
In the offing is the launch of shuttle services for Kainchi Dham from all corners of Uttarakhand, as well as neighboring states like Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, and Punjab. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami underscores expeditious execution to facilitate pilgrims’ seamless transit to Kainchi Dham. Notably, the state government also integrates Kainchi Dham into the Manas Khand corridor, while including it in the special train service initiated by the railways for Kumaon, allowing pilgrims to traverse historical sites.
Ensuring a tranquil darshan is our prerogative
Whether ensuring a serene darshan for the throngs visiting Kainchi Dham or alleviating traffic congestion, Nainital SSP Prahlad Meena asserts that vigilance characterizes the route between Kainchi Dham and Nainital. Although the distance between Kainchi Dham and Nainital is trifling, vigilant sentinels are stationed along this path. The endeavor remains to mitigate any inconvenience befalling the pilgrims amidst the congregation. Statistics reveal that from the 15th of March to the 28th of May, over 15 million pilgrims have visited Kainchi Dham. The mission persists in ensuring an unobtrusive pilgrimage for all, with sentinels posted around the sanctum.
