JAMMU: Shri Kaal Bhairav Ashtami was celebrated on Monday with religious fervour at Pracheen Kaal Bhairav temple in Chowk Chabutra area of old city here. In view of the present COVID-19 pandemic special arrangements were made to maintain social distancing among the visiting devotees and none was allowed without face masks. Pandit Rumil Sharma, priest at the temple informed that congregation of 52 Biradaries was also organised on this occasion and the entire market adjoining the temple was beautifully decorated with flags, lights, flowers and balloons. He further said that the day has special relevance and lighting an earthen lamp at homes on this day invokes blessings of the deity. Several rituals were performed on this occasion amidst the chanting of Vedic hymns while many devotees watched the function at their homes using social media channels. Pandit Rumil Sharma said that special prayers for relief from the pandemic were also offered to the deity.
