Machail Mata: The temple where Maa Durga is present in ‘Sakshat Roop’
Jammu, June: Machail Mata temple is the abode of Goddess Durga popularly known as Machail Mata located in the village Machail, Kishtwar District of Jammu region.
Thousands of people visit the shrine every year mainly from Jammu region. The pilgrimage happens in the month of August every year. The shrine was visited in 1981 by Thakur Kulveer Singh of Bhaderwah, Jammu region. From 1987 onwards, Thakur Kulveer SIngh started ‘Chhadi Yatra’that happens every year and thousands of people visit the shrine during ‘Chhadi Yatra’. There are lots of supernatural happenings that the pilgrims experience in the temple complex which is a big attraction for the pilgrims who pay obeisance there with great faith and devotion.
To reach the shrine, lots of travel agents arrange buses from Jammu, Udhampur, Ramnagar, Bhaderwah and one can also hire a cab as well. It takes approximately 10 hours by road from Jammu to Gulabgarh. Distance from Jammu to the town Gulabgarh about 290 Kms. The Gulabgarh is the base camp. From Gulabgarh, the foot journey starts, that is 32 km, usually people take 2 days to reach the shrine by foot. On the way there are many villages, where one can stay in the night. The Chhaddi takes three days to reach Machail. Many people organize roadside ‘langers’ (free food points) on the way to the Gulabgarh. Government of Jammu & Kashmir also arranges basic amenities for the pilgrims.
The shirne can also be reached by helicopter from Jammu and Gulabgarh. The helipad is only 100 meters from the shrine. But if someone goes by helicopter, he will be missing many scenic beauties of the nature.
The temple locally called Maa Durga Sthan popularly known as Machail Mata Sthan derived its name from the village Machail where the temple is located.
In 1834, Zorawar Singh had sought blessings of Maa Durga at Machail before advancing to Laddakh in 1834. Zorawar Singh had no trouble in crossing the mountain ranges and entering Ladakh through the source of the Suru River where his 5000 men defeated an army of local Botis. After his miraculous victory he became faithful devotee of Maa Durga. Maa Durga is supposed to present in ‘Sakshat Roop’ in the Temple Of Machail.
Many stories of supernatural happenings are heard from the pilgrims. Maataji blesses the people who come to the shrine with pure heart and devotion.
Machail village is surrounded by the beautiful hills, glaciers and tributaries to the holy river Chenab (Chandrabhaga). One can reach the village by foot from the town Gulabgarh. The total foot journey from Gualbgarh to the Shrine is about 32 Kms. Porters are also available to carry baggage and children. It usually takes 2 days and 1 night stay to reach the Shrine. The night journey cannot be done because there are no electricity poles along the way.
The villages that come on the way are Tatai, Massu, Garh, Kandhel, Mau, Chishot. One can stay in the village in the night. Villagers happily arrange the food and shelter for the pilgrims.
The temple is open round the year. But Chhadi Yatra is organised in the month of August every year.
The best time for pilgrimage is during the Chhadi yatra. It is advised not to trek in the month of December, January and February due to heavy snowfall.
During Chhadi Yatra, the Government of Jammu & Kashmir provides tents, medicines and other basic amenities. Many Langers are also arranged roadside to provide free food for the pilgrims.
Upon reaching the shrine, the pilgrims pray the Maa Durga and many narrate to have a supernatural experience. The temple is one of the famous places of pilgrimage in Jammu and holier of the rest in Kishtwar district. The temple can be linked with pilgrim tourism of Doda-Bhaderwah_Kishtwar pilgrim tourism circuit to get the Chenab valley area on to the tourist map of India. The Kishtwar, Bhaderwah area is one of the most beautiful and cool places of Jammu region and resemble Kashmir while in some ways it is better than the valley. (Compiled with inputs from machail mata website and Wikipedia)