Trip to Sapphire Valley of India (Paddar Kishtwar)
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Kishtwar - Credits : Abhilash Sharma
"The Himalayan pilgrimages are the oldest organized travel system,
evolved over time by Hindu sages and embodying the spirit of wander,
adventure and spirituality". One of the holy trinity, Maa Chandi is a
living goddess. Machail in Paddar has turned out to be important place
of religious importance and sanctity because of the temple of 'Chandi
Mata'.
GulabGarh- Credits : Sartaj Syed
A
mace or Holi Chhari of Goddess Chandi Mata is taken out by the devotees
from village Chinote Bhaderwah, A procession is taken to Machail with
people singing bhajans in praise of the goddess amidst beating of drums,
playing upon flutes and chanting of mantras. Now days the yatra is also
taken out from Jammu. This yatra has played the greatest role in
highlighting the peculiarities of Paddar and influencing among people
the spirit of adventure. This procession starts from Bhaderwah than
reaches Pul Doda on mid-day after that yatra moves towards Kishtwar
crossing Thatari, Drabshalla, Kandni, Hasti than reaches Kishtwar near
about 5pm. On next day, Yatra moves from Kishtwar towards Atholi Paddar.
Machail Village : Credits : Dr Naveen Kotwal
Situated around 306 kms away from Jammu by (Jammu-Batote) (120 Kms),
Batote-Kishtwar (121 Kms), Kishtwar-Atholi - Gulbgarh-65 kms) by road
and thence on foot to Machail Mata which is barely 30 kms. Though the
terrain is tough to trek but with the grace of almighty Mata Chandi, one
feels hillbilly joyous in association with enchanting pilgrims echoing
Jai Mata Di…..Jai Chandi Mata..
Machail Village - Credits : Pardeep Parihar
The main stop-over en route are from Atholi Gulabgarh are Layondee,
Kunderpul, Chishoti, Hamooree and thence Machail village where temple of
Maa Chandi. The entire area is land locked & surrounded by lush
green, vibrant and salubrious greenery of pine, oaks, shrubs and herbs.
The river Chandra and Bhaga confluences at Atholi and while traversing
this long stretch of 30 kms, you follow proud Bhaga sometimes
accompanying you and sometimes going against your track with roaring
echoes and foaming furry watery flames so gorgeously against
perpendicular rocks. The entire belt is often surrounded by hot and cold
springs which flow intermittently and some of course are perennial and
these springs are called miracles of nature and these springs are
considered as most sacred and meritorious. Devotee throng in queues for
hours together to have a holy darshan of Maa Chandi pay obsience and
obtain blessings.