Note: The date for the 2024 Shri Machail Mata Yatra has not been announced as of now.
The Tourism Directorate of Jammu, in partnership with the Kishtwar District Administration, has meticulously prepared to welcome spiritual seekers from all corners of India to the auspicious event of Shri Machail Mata Yatra. This significant spiritual journey aims to garner the blessings of the revered Goddess Chandi Maa.
The highly-anticipated Machail Mata Yatra, situated in the Padder Valley, a divine site nestled within the Himalayas, commences today. This annual event is not only a spiritual assembly but is also a significant cultural heritage of North India, well-known for its profound sense of divinity.
While addressing the media, the Director of Tourism Jammu, Vivekanand Rai, IRS declared that the Yatra would kick off on July 25, 2023, and will continue until September 5, 2023. He assured that the Kishtwar District Administration, in coordination with the Directorate of Tourism Jammu, has made exhaustive arrangements for the event, and the necessary information has been disseminated to the pilgrims via newspapers and other communication outlets. Pilgrims can access additional details via the Tourism Department’s toll-free number, 1800 890 8457, or the Helpline Number of the District Administration at Kishtwar, +91-1995259555.
Sunaina Mehta, JKAS, Joint Director of Tourism, further informed that the holy pilgrimage of Goddess Machail Mata is being extensively promoted all over India, with an anticipated increase in visitor numbers this year.
Read also: Discover the Holy Temples of the Himalayas
Diving into details of the Yatra
The revered Machail Mata Yatra commences from Jammu, offering devotees an immersive spiritual experience right from the start. The pilgrims carry the sacred Chhari, or the holy mace of Goddess Machail Mata during the yatra, with devotional songs resounding in the air in praise of the Goddess. The pilgrimage requires the devotees to trek approximately 33 km from Gulabgarh, amidst breathtaking natural vistas including the sacred hot and cold water springs.
The Story Behind Machail Mata Temple
People say that the goddess in this temple showed herself in a far-off place without anyone making her. This temple in Machail village has one stone and three statues named Mahakali (Mindal), Mahalakshmi (Machail), and Mahasaraswati (Chitto Mata). People believe these statues can move their jewelry by themselves. Many visitors say they have seen the eyes of the statues move on their own.
How to Get to Machail Mata Temple?
You can take buses from Jammu, Udhampur, Ramnagar, or Bhaderwah to get to Gulabgarh. Gulabgarh is the starting point to get to Machail Village. From there, you need to walk 32 km to the village where the temple is.
You can also get to Machail Mata Temple faster by helicopter. You can take a helicopter from Jammu. It will drop you only 7-8 minutes away from the temple
Accommodating the pilgrims
According to recent reports, comprehensive facilities are in place to accommodate the needs of the Yatris. Advanced digital services offering online booking of helicopter and pony services, and numerous lodging options, among other provisions, have been set up to ensure a smooth and fulfilling journey for the devotees.
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