The Sacred Journey of Brari Maej

VILLAGE MURRAN

The Sacred Journey of Brari Maej

Located in the northwest of the village Murran within Mohalla Brarimaejpur, the temple of Brari Maej holds a revered position. The term "Brari" finds its origins in "Bhattarika," signifying the venerated Mother. In Sanskrit, "Bhattarika" carries connotations of reverence and veneration, aligning with the significance of Brari Maej as the Divine Mother Uma. The temple's inception traces back to 1775 when the Bhat dynasty migrated from Sumbal to this village, establishing this sacred sanctuary as a focal point of devotion and spiritual reverence.

Sumbal, a picturesque village nestled in North Kashmir, holds a significant place in the annals of history as the ancestral birthplace of the illustrious Bhat dynasty of village Murran. Despite its beauty, Sumbal faced the recurrent challenge of submersion during the rainy season. It was amidst this backdrop that Pandit Bhawani Bhat (1765-1835), known for his piety and orthodox beliefs, experienced a divine revelation on Magh Ashtami. In a celestial dream, the Divine Mother graced Pandit Bhawani Bhat's humble abode, filling the room with divine effulgence. With affectionate gaze, She beckoned him closer and spoke words of guidance, acknowledging his unwavering devotion and acknowledging the hardships faced during the rainy season. She directed him to follow a divine sign...A CAT that would appear in his compound the following morning. Pandit Bhawani Bhat was instructed to pack his belongings and follow the cat, settling in the location where she led him, signaling their next place of habitation. The Divine Mother bestowed a prophecy, assuring dignity and honor for seven generations at the new settlement while foretelling the end of their lineage's residence in Murran by the eighth generation. With the revelation imparted, the Divine Mother vanished, leaving Pandit Bhawani Bhat with a divine mission and a profound sense of purpose.

As dawn broke, the promised DIVINE CAT materialized in the compound of Pandit Bhawani Bhat, confirming the prophetic vision. Promptly, Pandit Bhawani Bhat, having already prepared his scant belongings, embarked on a journey following the feline guide. With steadfast determination, he trailed THE DIVINE CAT until they arrived at a village, whereupon the DIVINE CAT signaled a particular spot by gracefully waving the tip of her tail before vanishing into the ether. In the wake of her disappearance, a miraculous spring emerged from the very spot, a testament to the divine guidance bestowed upon Pandit Bhawani Bhat. This spring, later expanded and initially marked by the laying of a single piece of stone (Pather Kein), later became the focal point for the construction of a temple. Known as Brari Maej (CAT MOTHER), the temple was established to commemorate the divine intervention of the Divine Cat. In the year 1875, Shri Loket Bhat (1801-1876) honored the sacred site by installing an icon of the Divine Mother, perpetuating the legacy of divine guidance and spiritual reverence.

© Chander M Bhat

Roopkrishan Bhan

Jai Bajrangbali. Namaste Ji. Veer Hanuman Ji