Indian subcontinent is a home to many popular and famous sacred and holy places. One such sacred and holy place found in the Indian subcontinent is Machail Mata. Today, with the help of this post, we will explore the virtual journey of a spiritual pilgrimage site Machail Mata. The revered pilgrimage of Machail Mata is a soul-stirring expedition that beckons devotees seeking blessings and inner peace.
Introduction
Machail Mata: A Spiritual Pilgrimage is a very popular and famous pilgrimage site connected spiritually with the followers of Hindu Goddess Chandi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The devotees have deep faith and belief in supreme powers of Mata Chandi. Every year a huge number of followers visited this Holy place for seeking the spiritual guidance and divine blessings from Hindu deity Goddess Chandi.
Location
Machail Mata lies in the Chenab valley of the majestic Himalayas. It is situated at a height of 2800 metre ablove sea level in the Machail village of Padder region (Neelam Valley) of district Kishtwar in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The distance of Machail Mata’s Bhawan from Jammu is near about 300 Kms and near about 35 Kms from Gulabgarh region of Kishtwar. The temple is situated at top of hill surrounded by towering Himalayan Mountains providing a bird’s eye view of the entire valley.
Key Takeaways
- Journey full of Adventure and thrill
- Experience of peaceful village life and simple food.
- Challenging trek along the mighty Chenab River.
- Enjoy numerous picturesque views points throughout the journey.
- Experience the thrill of walking over the wooden suspension bridge over free flowing water bodies.
- Experience Nature beautiful waterfalls, sky touching landscapes, lush green mountains throughout the journey.
- Experience the feeling of loud chanting of “Jai Mata Di” bisecting the mesmerizing and thrilling Sound of Chenab River.
- Many photo shoot view points for Bloggers and You tubers.
- Experience the thrill of spending some quality time in naturally built small caves under the huge rocks.
Architecture
The temple of Machail Mata is situated at a height of 9500 feet from sea level. The holy Temple looks very traditional and ancient which is reflected by its architect and design. The temple is dome shaped and is made of a wood with many paintings of Hindu deities embarked over it. It is believed that Goddess Chandi resides in the form of a pindi inside the temple.
Signs of Divine Existence
The supernatural power Chandi Mata, gives signs of her existence to the pilgrims by shaking her ornaments mostly nath (an ornament women usually bear around nose), bangle etc. Many devotees have witnessed the movement in the ornaments and thereby seeking the blessing of almighty Chandi Mata. Besides this, many pilgrims have noticed idols of matat chandi flickering her eyes.
Cultural Significance
The followers of Hindu deity Maa Durga came from far off places throughout India every year and pays homage to Mata Chandi representing their deep faith and belief in the Goddess. The people of every caste visited this spiritual holy place without any discrimination boosting harmony and brotherhood among devotees. The culture and traditions of native people of this religious place resemble more with that of Himachal Pradesh. This is due to reason that Padder used to be the part of Himachal Pradesh earlier till it was snatched by ruler of J&K and annexed in territory of J&K.
Historical Significance
The history of Machail yatra traces back to the year 1981 when Thakur Kulveer Singh of Bhaderwah visited this Holy place. Later on, Chhadi Yatra was started by Thakur Kulveer Singh from 1987 onwards where thousands of people visited this holy shrine every year marching from Chinote of Bhaderwah to Machail in Padder.
Route Map
The route map to this place is very simple. In order to reach this place, you have to reach Jammu either by train or by air which ever best suits your requirement. Thereafter, you have to reach Kishtwar which is near about 220 Kms from Jammu. From Kishtwar you have to reach Gulabgarh village of Padder which is 65 Kms from Kishtwar. Machail lies at a distance of 35 Kms from Gulabgarh.
How to Reach
There are two ways to reach Machail Mata temple. The first way to reach the temple is by booking a flight from base camp Gulabgarh which takes about 8-10 minutes of time. The helipad is situated at a distance of 100 metres from Bhawan. The chopper flows over the free flowing river between the landscapes of sky high mountains and provides the beautiful aerial view of nature. The flight services costs you near about Rs 2300 for one side.
The second way to reach Machail Mata temple is by trekking. Although, the route is lengthy but is full of thrill and adventure. The trek to Machail Mata temple is near about 23 Kms long. It usually takes about two days to reach the Bhawan from base camp Khundail. You are not authorized to take your personal vehicle to Khundail and can reach here only by local commercial vehicles. During the course of journey, you have to cross many small local villages. If you chose trekking then there are two routes one is old route which is more adventurous and passes through the woods and the other route is newly constructed.
Base Camp
The base camp now a day for the journey to Bhawan of Machail Mata through trekking route is Khudail while earlier Gulabgarh used to be the base camp. However, if one chooses the services of the Helicopter, then Gulabgarh of Padder serves as the base camp. Khudail is situated at a distance of 12 Kms from Padder which is connected by offbeat challenging roads. Padder is famous for sapphire mines and is popuarly known as Neelam Valley.
Adventure and Thrill
The each and every step of entire journey is full of adventure and thrill making this place a heaven for them. The journey is well equipped with tremendous sightseeing locations. The pilgrims enjoy full adventure and thrill whether they choose flight services or they chose trekking, but trekking route provides more thrill and adventure. During trekking, one experiences the beautiful small caves created by nature beneath the mountains.
The trek is full of eye capturing waterfalls, lush green towering mountains and landscapes is nothing sort of a paradise for pilgrims. The wooden crossings and suspension bridges over free flowing water bodies provide amazing vibes with lifelong unforgettable adventurous moments. Walking along the banks of free flowing river makes the trek more adventurous and thrilling.
Spiritual Journey
The entire journey is very spiritual and you feel positive vibes throughout the journey. You will be feeling refreshed and experience peace of mind and inner peace during the entire course of journey. The loud hymn and chanting of “Jai Mata Di” will spiritually enlighten you and guide you during the course of journey.
Lodging facility
The place is well equipped with lodging and staying facilities. The facilities are available at a very cheap price. Tent facility is also available, where you can book a bed for Rs 150 per person only. You can also find home stay which costs around Rs 500 for one night. Proper bathroom facilities are also made available to pilgrims. Langer arrangements are also made available for devotees.
Weather Conditions
The weather conditions are very pleasant during the yatra season. However, the weather in winter is very harsh and receives heavy snowfall. The place is surrounded by towering mountains with a free flowing river through the beautiful landscapes makes the atmosphere very pleasant and charming during summer season.
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Precaution Measures/ Advisory
- It is a hill station, it is recommended to keep woolen clothes ready.
- The trek is all along the banks of free flowing river, so take proper care of children.
- There is scarcity of electricity, so keep power banks ready with you for charging your mobile.
- Avoid traveling in night.
Conclusion
Machail Mata Yatra forms the second largest pilgrimage place in Jammu region and third in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. People from different parts of the country came here for fulfillment of their desire and wishes. The blessing of Machail Mata not only fulfill your wishes and desires but fill your mind with positive vibes and inner peace. It is recommended that everyone has to take this thrilling and spiritual journey to Machail Mata Temple once in their life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where is Machail Mata located?
Machail Mata located in Machail village of Padder Sub Division in District Kishtwar.
2. What is distance of Machail Mandir from Jammu city?
The distance of Machail Mata Mandir is approx 310 Kms from Jammu city.
3. What is the fare of Helicopter Services in Machail?
The flight costs you around Rs 2300 per person for one side.
4. Who started Machail Yatra?
Thakur Kulbeer Singh from Bhaderwah started Machail Yatra in 1981, but regular yatra started from the year 1987 onward.
5. How much time is required for journey by trekking?
It usually takes near about 7-8 hours of trekking by foot from Khundail village.
6. Why is Padder famous for?
Padder is famous for Machail Mata Yatra and for Saphire Mines.
7. Why is Padder also called Neelam Valley?
Padder is known by name Neelam valley because sapphire mines are found in Padder.
8. How to reach Padder?
There are two routes to reach Padder, one from Jammu through Kishatwar and second from Pangi valley of Himachal Pradesh. It is advised to follow the route of Jammu to Padder as it is somewhaat as compare to route from Pangi valley.
9. What are other near by tourist destinations?
One can also pay a visit to Tatta paani (a natural spring of Hot Water) and nearby Ghompa.
10. Which is the best season for Machail Yatra?
The best time for Machail Yatra is the month of August.