Bhaderwah, August 21, 2025 – The annual Machail Mata Yatra, a significant Hindu pilgrimage dedicated to Goddess Chandi (a manifestation of Durga), commenced with great fervor from the historic Vasuki Naag Temple in Bhaderwah, Doda district, Jammu and Kashmir. Thousands of devotees gathered to participate in this spiritual journey, which culminates at the Chandi Mata Temple in Machail, Paddar, Kishtwar district, drawing pilgrims from across the region and beyond.
A Sacred Journey of Faith and AdventureThe Machail Mata Yatra, known as the second-largest pilgrimage in the Jammu region after the Vaishno Devi Yatra, began with the ceremonial Chhari Yatra (holy mace procession) from the Vasuki Naag Temple in Bhaderwah. The procession, led by devotees chanting devotional songs and mantras, embarked on a challenging yet spiritually enriching trek to the Chandi Mata Temple, located at an altitude of over 8,000 feet in the remote Paddar Valley. The yatra, held annually on Bhadon Sankranti (August 15 or 16), is a vibrant celebration of faith, culture, and adventure, showcasing the unique Himalayan heritage of the region.
The pilgrimage covers approximately 306 km from Jammu to Gulabgarh, the base camp, by road (Jammu-Batote: 120 km, Batote-Kishtwar: 121 km, Kishtwar-Atholi-Gulabgarh: 65 km), followed by a 30-32 km trek to the Machail shrine. The route, dotted with lush meadows, deodar forests, and scenic villages like Layondee, Chishoti, and Hamoori, offers pilgrims a blend of natural beauty and spiritual solace. For those unable to trek, a helicopter service from Jammu to a point near the temple is available, reducing the journey to a short walk of 7-8 minutes.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The Machail Mata Yatra traces its origins to local legends, with the Chandi Mata Temple believed to house a sacred pindi (stone) representing Goddess Chandi, who relocated from Mindhal Battas in Himachal Pradesh to bless the people of Paddar. The yatra gained prominence in 1987 when Thakur Kulveer Singh of Bhaderwah formalized the Chhari Yatra, transforming it into a major pilgrimage. The procession starts from Chinote, Bhaderwah, the ancestral village of Thakur Kulveer Singh, and passes through Pul Doda, Thathri, Drabshalla, Kandni, and Hasti before reaching Kishtwar and proceeding to Atholi Paddar.
The Vasuki Naag Temple, a revered 11th-century shrine in Bhaderwah, dedicated to the serpent god Vasuki Naag and Raja Jamute Vahan, plays a pivotal role in the yatra. The temple, known for its unique architecture and twin idols carved from a single stone tilted at 87 degrees, is a starting point for both the Machail Mata Yatra and the Kailash Yatra, another significant pilgrimage to Kailash Kund, a sacred lake at 14,241 feet.
Recent Developments and Challenges
In 2025, the yatra saw enhanced facilities for pilgrims, including a 30KW solar power backup installed by the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (JPDCL) Kishtwar to ensure uninterrupted power at the Machail Mata Bhawan. A newly constructed Yatri Bhawan at Gulabgarh, with a capacity to accommodate 2,000 pilgrims, offers affordable lodging at Rs. 10 per person. Additionally, a newly opened road to Chishoti has reduced the trekking distance by approximately three hours, easing the journey for devotees.However, the yatra faced challenges due to adverse weather conditions. Recent reports indicated that the pilgrimage was temporarily suspended for five days due to heavy rainfall and flash floods in the Chashoti area of Kishtwar, as noted in posts on X. Despite these setbacks, a small group of devotees carrying the Chharicontinued the journey from Doda to Paddar, showcasing their unwavering devotion.
Spiritual and Social Impact
The Machail Mata Yatra is not only a spiritual endeavor but also a catalyst for cultural unity and economic growth in the Paddar Valley. The pilgrimage attracts over 50,000 devotees annually, with numbers reaching 1.5 lakh in 2018, boosting local tourism and businesses. The yatra fosters communal harmony, with people from diverse communities participating in devotional activities, including langars (free food points) organized along the route.The Chandi Mata Temple, surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks and sapphire mines, is celebrated for its divine aura, with the nearby Shiv Pahad featuring a natural Shiva lingam, symbolizing the union of Shiva and Shakti. Pilgrims report experiencing supernatural occurrences, attributing personal blessings and resolutions of disputes to the goddess’s grace.
Security and Community Engagement
The yatra proceeded under tight security arrangements, with local authorities ensuring the safety of pilgrims amidst challenging weather forecasts. The Vasuki Naag Temple, a cultural landmark, has also been a focal point for community sentiments, as seen in 2022 when protests erupted in Jammu following its vandalism, highlighting its significance to the local Hindu community.
Conclusion
The Machail Mata Yatra, starting from the Vasuki Naag Temple in Bhaderwah, continues to be a beacon of spirituality, adventure, and cultural unity in Jammu and Kashmir. As devotees trek through the rugged Himalayan terrain, chanting “Jai Mata Di” and seeking the blessings of Goddess Chandi, the pilgrimage reinforces the region’s rich heritage and communal harmony. With improved infrastructure and growing popularity, the yatra is poised to remain a cornerstone of religious tourism in the Himalayas for years to come.
