Kakryal

Description

Introduction to Kakryal

Kakryal, a village in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, holds a unique position due to its cultural significance and rapid development in recent years. Situated close to Katra, the base camp of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, Kakryal is known for its educational and healthcare institutions, most notably the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) and the SMVD Narayana Superspeciality Hospital. The village combines traditional values with modern growth, maintaining a high literacy rate and a vibrant community life.Kakryal reflects both the spiritual essence and progressive aspirations of the region.

History

Kakryal is a small yet culturally significant village located near Katra in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, nestled amidst the picturesque foothills of the Trikuta Mountains. Surrounded by natural beauty and lush greenery, the village offers a tranquil environment that complements its deep-rooted spiritual heritage. Though relatively small in area, the village holds immense historical and spiritual significance, with its origins believed to date back several centuries, possibly over 500 years.

Population and Literacy of Kakryal

According to the 2011 Census, Kakryal has a population of 1,475 people, consisting of 865 males and 610 females in about 186 households. The child population (0–6 years) is around 80, which makes up about 5% of the total. The village stands out for its exceptionally high literacy rate of 95.2%, with male literacy at 97.2% and female literacy at 92.3%, much higher than the state average. This reflects the community’s growing emphasis on education and development, supported by the presence of schools and nearby institutions like Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University.

Village Administration

Administratively, Kakryal falls under a single panchayat that governs three neighboring villages, with Kakryal being one of them. The village operates under the leadership of a common sarpanch, fostering a close-knit and collaborative community structure.The current sarpanch of the panchayat is Mr. Bansi Lal, who plays an active role in local governance and community welfare. He can be contacted at 9419164494 or via email at [email protected].

Geography and Area

Kakryal covers an area of about 223 hectares, of which nearly 90 hectares is under cultivation. Farmers mostly grow wheat, maize, and mustard, though most of the fields depend on rainfall. Around 124 hectares of land is used for houses, institutions, and other non-agricultural purposes, while a small portion remains uncultivated but can be developed in the future.

The village lies close to the Trikuta Hills, giving it a scenic backdrop of greenery and hills. Its location near Katra also provides it with a moderate climate and good connectivity. In recent years, parts of the village land have been developed for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University and SMVD Narayana Hospital, making Kakryal a mix of rural and modern settings.

Local Cuisines

Kakryal proudly represents the rich culinary traditions of Dogri cuisine, with a variety of authentic dishes that reflect the region’s heritage and agricultural roots. Among the village’s most beloved delicacies is Kaladi—a traditional local cheese made from cow’s milk, often pan-fried until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside while remaining soft and stretchy inside.

Staples such as Rajma Chawal (kidney beans served with rice) are a common comfort food, especially during family meals and community gatherings. Ambal, a tangy pumpkin curry flavored with mustard seeds and tamarind, is another distinctive dish, typically served during festivals and special occasions.

Sweet dishes like Mithe Chawal or Gurdh Wale Chawal—sweetened rice cooked with jaggery and ghee—are favorites during celebrations. Kyur, a festive sweet bread deep-fried in ghee, and Khamira, a leavened bread with a soft, spongy texture, are prepared especially during weddings and traditional feasts.

Historical and Religious Significance

Kakryal holds deep historical and spiritual importance, most notably through the presence of the 500-year-old Shiv Mandir. Celebrated for its traditional architecture, the temple’s garbhagriha (inner sanctum) features a distinctive low entrance that requires devotees to bow before entering—an act symbolizing humility and devotion. Adjacent to the temple lies a sacred pond, home to fish considered divine and protected by the local community. This reverence for both nature and the divine highlights the village’s long-standing spiritual values.

Adding further depth to Kakryal’s religious identity is the Shambhu Gufa Mahadev Temple, a revered site founded under the guidance of Mahant Shri Kanhaiyanand Saraswati Maharaj Ji. The temple houses all twelve sacred Jyotirlingas and features idols of goddesses Saraswati, Durga, and Kali, making it a prominent destination for devotees and spiritual seekers alike. Together, these temples reflect the village’s enduring connection to faith, heritage, and cultural devotion.

Educational Infrastructure

Kakryal is home to a government high school that provides education up to the secondary level, serving as a key educational foundation for children in the village. This institution plays a crucial role in supporting early academic development and ensuring basic educational access within the community.

Although the village does not have a higher secondary school, students typically continue their studies at nearby institutions in Katra. Notable options include reputed schools such as Delhi Public School (DPS) Katra, along with various government-run senior secondary schools, ensuring continued access to quality education.

A significant educational asset for the village is the presence of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), located within Kakryal itself. As a leading center for higher education and research, SMVDU enriches the local academic atmosphere and provides inspiration and opportunities for aspiring students from the village and surrounding areas.

Occupation and Economy

Agriculture continues to be one of the traditional occupations in Kakryal, with crops such as wheat, maize, and mustard commonly cultivated in the village’s fertile fields. This agricultural activity sustains a segment of the local population and reflects the village’s rural heritage.

In recent years, however, the occupational landscape of Kakryal has diversified. The proximity to major institutions like Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University and the nearby hospital, as well as the steady flow of tourism associated with the Vaishno Devi shrine, has created new avenues for employment. Many residents are now engaged in various services, government and private sector jobs, and small-scale businesses that cater to students, pilgrims, and healthcare needs.

This blend of agriculture and modern employment opportunities has contributed to a more balanced and resilient local economy, enabling residents to benefit from both tradition and development.

Accessibility and Transport Connections

Kakryal enjoys strong transport connectivity, making it easily accessible for residents, pilgrims, and visitors alike. The village is well linked by a network of roads, with both public and private buses operating regularly between Kakryal, Katra, and Reasi, ensuring smooth local transit.

The nearest railway facility is the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station, which connects the region to major cities across India. Additionally, Jammu city, a major urban center with an airport and broader transport links, is located approximately 45 kilometers from the village.

This efficient road and rail connectivity plays a vital role in supporting tourism, commerce, and daily commuting for those working or studying in nearby institutions such as SMVD University and the Narayana Superspeciality Hospital.