Over the past few years, the village of Machail in Paddar in Kishtwar area of Jammu region has been witnessing a massive surge in pilgrims undertaking Machail Yatra.
Due to increase in the number of pilgrims undertaking Machail yatra every subsequent year, the entire Padder region of Kishtwar has become a prominent religious area due to the presence of the revered Shri Chandi Mata temple.
The ancient Himalayan pilgrimages, crafted by Hindu sages over centuries, encapsulate the essence of wanderlust, spirituality, and adventure. Among the revered deities, Maa Chandi, the living goddess, holds a significant place.
Backed by Vedic myths, spiritual beliefs, and astronomical references, her existence transcends time. Notably, the village of Machail in Paddar has recently gained prominence as a place of immense religious significance and sanctity due to the presence of the revered Shri Chandi Mata temple.
Each year, on the auspicious occasion of the first Bhadon or Bhadoon Sankranti (15th or 16th August), devotees from all over the country gather outside the Chandi Mata temple in Machail to offer prayers and seek the blessings of the deity.
The grand procession of the holy mace, known as Holy Chhari, belonging to Goddess Chandi Mata, commences from the village of Chinote Bhaderwah, the ancestral home of Thakur Kulbir Singh.
Under his esteemed guidance, the procession embarks on a journey to Machail, accompanied by devotees singing devotional songs of Maa Chandi amid beating of drums, playing flutes and chanting mantras.
In recent years, the yatra has also started from Jammu and has played a pivotal role in showcasing the unique aspects of Paddar and fostering the spirit of adventure among people.
The procession commences from Bhaderwah, reaches Pul Doda by mid-day, and continues towards Kishtwar, passing through Thathri, Drabshalla, Kandni, and Hasti, finally reaching Kishtwar around 4 pm. On the next day, the yatra proceeds from Kishtwar towards Atholi Paddar.
The Machail Yatra pilgrimage to the high-altitude Himalayan shrine of Mata Chandi, one of the manifestations of Goddess Durga, is gaining popularity day by day and is now considered the second-largest pilgrimage in the Jammu Region.
Chandi Mata, over the years, has primarily manifested in the Himalayan region. In Jammu, she originated at the Mahalaxmi Mandir at Pacca Danga and subsequently at Bhadarwah, where the Chhari (Holy Mace) procession commences every year in August.
Machail Mata, located approximately 306 kilometers away from Jammu, followed by a 30 km trek, poses a challenging terrain for the pilgrims.
However, with the blessings of Mata Chandi, pilgrims find joy in the adventurous journey, with chanting of “Jai Mata Di” and “Jai Chandi Mata”.
The entire trail is adorned with pilgrims of various backgrounds, dressed in vibrant attires. Along the route from Atholi Gulabgarh to Layondee, Kundailpul, Chishoti, Hamoori, and finally the sacred temple of Machail Mata, the mesmerizing landscape captivates with its lush greenery, vibrant forests of pine (Deodar, Kail, Fir, Spruce), oaks, shrubs, and medicinal herbs.
The Holy Chhari of Shri Machail Mata starts from Jammu on 18th August in the morning and reaches Kishtwar the same day in the evening.
The Machail Yatra pilgrimage to the high-altitude Himalayan shrine of Mata Chandi, one of the manifestations of Goddess Durga, is gaining popularity day by day and is now considered the second-largest pilgrimage in the Jammu Region.
As per past practice, on 25th of every July, Yatra is officially started by District Administration Kishtwar by organising Hawan ( first Pooja) at Machail Mata Bhawan and the yatra culminates on 05th of September.
The holy journey of Machail shrine starts from Chinote Bhaderwah and the foot journey of about 30 KM starts from Atholi to Machail. The worship of the goddess continues at halting stations till late night on all the journey days.
