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Cont: 9419101229, 94191-76665 ENTRUST REALTORS & CONSULTANTS SUNDAY, JULY 28, 2013 INTERNET EDITION : www.dailyexcelsior.com/magazine www.jammuproperty.com LEGEND According to a legend, the Goddess Chandi appeared at Machail in the shape of Shila (Pindi). The mother came here from her Mindhal Battas (HP) to bless the simple, ignorant, helpless and deprived people of Padder area. MACHAIL YATRA The Machail Yatra is a unique pilgrimage with unique fea- tures. Besides spiritual, its social aspect is more effective and impressive where the devotees are asked to shun social evils for the welfare of society and mankind. RITIKA KOTWAL Incharge of the Police Post, Machail, stationed to protect In Jammu, her temple is in Mahalaxmi Mandir at Pacca Any holy place has an epic attributed to it engendered by against the smuggling of the Danga. Yatra at Jammu region starts with a religious proces- an unknown person. Mata Chandi temple at Machail in Kisht- sapphire. The living legend sion which passes through Jain Bazar, Link Road, Purani Man- war district is also associated with a story that enlivens the had a vision of Mata during praises of the deity. The temple, the deity and the worship- di, Raghunath Bazar and Indira ChM( and then joins the yatra one of the "Amawasya" (new at Chinote Bhaderwah. per, Thakurji, who happened to be our contemporary and Moon) when Mata visited the witness to the unbelievable saga, makes it the only unique temple at night. Mistaking her On the day of Machail yatra, the volunteers from Bhader- place of our times where the faith is personified as Thakur- visit with thieves, the Police wah serve the yatris with eatables at Chandi Mata Mandir. They ji. Goddess Chandi has abode in many places all over the party shot some rounds reach early morning at Chinote where they prepare lunch and state and elsewhere and herself is very magnificently man- which annoyed the Mata and ifested at Machail. Thakurji and the deity had a rendezvous prasad for those Visiting from Jammu and other regions to join curse broke on the police par- the yatra. at Machail Vilage in the temple that drove the village to epoch ty. Thakurji then took the whereby the faith seems to be rekindled. responsibility and very ritual- A number of buses in a cavalcade leave from Chinote and The yatra of Machail has some unique features. The 'Cha- ly waited upon Mata's next pass through Bhaderwah Seri Bazaar where the locals greet di' is conglomeration of thousands of devotees who carry visit and was blessed by the the yatris and wish them successful yatra for the peace in the Mata Chandi from Chinote village in Bhaderwah to goddess's darshan along Machail temple in the month of August every year. Machail the area. The main stopover or reception stations en-route with removal of curse from the are established at Bhala, Pul Doda, Prem Nagar, Thathri, Kist- village is about 315 Kms from Jammu and about 180 Kms effected police men. Since from Chinote. then Thakurji has been taking war, Paddar, Massu, Chishoti, Atholi Gulabgarh, Layondee, care of the "Chadi", every S Kunderpul, Chishoti, Hamooree and then at Machail year on the command of Mata's temple. Through out the route religious congrega- Mata. tion and Bhandaras are organized to highlight the impor- The picturesque maze of tance of the yatra. The yatra from Gulab Garh leaves on foot village Machail with meticu- lously build clusters of hous- towards Machail which is about 30 km. es go very well with the Kalei- The holy shrine of the Goddess Chandi is situated at a height doscopic mountains where in of over 8,000 feet above the sea level in Machail village in Pad- the nature seems to exist der surrounded by high mountains, thick Deodar forests, playfully. The mountains attractive meadows and world famous sapphire mines. being mineral enriched keep changing colours and effects The most attractive lion astride idols of the Goddess Chandi are no less than any movie and Lakshmi Ji made of pure silver are a rare sight and source of shooting set, perhaps much inspiration for the pilgrims who come to seek blessing of God- better. The clouds become dess. strands of Lord Shiv who is The most important and impressive aspect of the Machail accommodated on a hill top as an artifact chiseled out by Yatra is the unique holy mace of the Goddess which leads the the nature. The place is well pilgrims and provides them with strength and inspiration The journey from Chinote to Machail, manifestation of traced to be 'Shiva-Shakti' enroute. Amidst natural splendour, the people trek the moun- Mata, has been a mesmerizing and transient beauty. The abode. tainous route chanting "jai maa chandi", "jai maa chandi". The road from Pull Doda to Gulabgarh has a vast stretch run- The cirque of Machail has entire yatra route is followed by river Chenab which was ear- ning parallel to River Chenab. The road after Kishtwar has all what a painter would paint been chiseled out of the Rocky Mountains. The mineral on canvass as an ideal vil- lier called "Chandrabagha" which has an enchanting cascad- enriched mountains are stratified and strong. Geologically lage. The deity of the temple ing flow here. the mountains of Pull Doda are rich in relatively humble and is so absorbing that one is unstable mineral i.e. Gypsum. As we proceed to Gulabgarh, The Chandi Dham Machail has both Shiv and Shakti. On the demented as if all desires are one hand, the Goddess Chandi (Shakti) is blessing her devo- mineralogically, the mountains keep gaining richness and fulfilled. It is said that all wish- thus their strength till Machail where there is a well guarded es come true immediately. tees at Machail village while on the other hand there's a Shi- mountain of Sapphire, a gem stone. The road cut through Only thing disgusting was va Lingam on the opposite high mountain where the pilgrims the hard rocks stands cantilevered stoutly paving ways manky sanitation conditions. through them. In this belt the strength, mineralogy gradual- visit to pay obeisance on the pious occasion of the Shakti yatra. The facilities both from nature The mountain is called Shiv Pahad which often remains cov- ly increases and demographically decreases. The soil pat- and administration are in tern makes it suitable for multiple crop pattern with healthy ample, the users must be ered with black clouds. The devotees describe it as a unique crops and ample of water. The sunflower fields are absorb- aware to maintain sanctity of union of Shiva and Shakti at Machail. ing as if sketchy. Clearly, a very suitable spot for human exis- The 'Chadi' is conglomeration of thousands of the place. Cleaner and dried toilets would suffice. If they are tence. The village just short of Gulabgarh, "Atholi", is very Yet another beautiful aspect of the spiritual Machail Yatra, located a bit farther away with a considerable distance which gives an opportunity to have a union with the magnif- neatly nurtured by nature. It is as if the crops, scenery, water devotees who carry the Mata Chandi from between the toilets and bath places and an increased num- all are tailor made to stimulate the pupil. Even the soothing icent nature, is that it has strengthened the spirit of religious Chinote village in Bhaderwah to Machail temple ber of water closets would make a change. 'Sulabh Shaucha- air, music of water and aroma of flowers, meadows with neat layas' are best suitable in this place that would lend bio gas tolerance, bonds of secularism and mutual brotherhood and clean roads, and approach to never before seen hills for light in addition to keep conveniences clean. The filth at among the masses which is apparent from the fact that even around are inviting. The crops, trees and fruits are enriched in the month of August every year. Machail present is so much that it needs to be cleaned as a special- the Muslim brothers remain present in good strength to with wealth of minerals. Even a demure smile is not rare. village is about 315 Kms from Jammu and about ized work which could even be tendered out. True, the deities stay in heaven. receive the Yatra where-ever it passes. (The author is Director Cyber systems) Thakur Kulbir Singh Jamwal ji once happened to be the 180 Kms from Chinote. Courtesy : Jammukashmir.blogspot.com SWAMI BUDHA AMARNATH PILGRIMAGE

K D Maini sands of devotees and hundreds of Sadhus number of idols of ancient time are available in accompany the procession which leads towards this area. It is possible that these idols may have Swami Budha Amarnath Temple is situated Swami Budha Amarnath on foot. The main halt been erected by Pulsat Rishi. in between the main belt of Pir Panchal range at is at Chandak, (the name of the Chandaka Devi) There is a historical background of this area Rajpura Mandi which is 25 kilometers on the where lunch is served to the yartis. While on the also. Swami Budha Amarnath temple is hardly north east of Poonch city. This sacred place is way from Poonch to Mandi, a number of stalls one kilometer north of Mandi which remained the located on the confluence of two gushing are erected for welcoming the Charri Mubarakh place of great importance for traders of Kashmir streams namely Nallah Gagri and Pulsta Nadi. and yatries. At Chandak, light drinks are served and rest of India upto 1452 AD. From this very This place is surrounded by snow bound lofty by a prominent Muslim of Chandak to yatries. place the high mountains of Panchal range starts peaks, thick belt of fir forests (in the eastern side), The procession reaches Rajpura on the same and it was not possible for the Punjabi traders to lush green pastures and crystal clear streams day in the afternoon where it is received by the cross over these mountains along with their and nallahs. The climate of this attractive and local people, sadhus and workers of the Trust. loaded horses and camels. On the other hand, charming spot is very pleasant and cool. At pres- After guard of honour by the BSF contingents at Kashmiri traders were not in a position to accom- ent Swami Budha Amarnath temple is connect- the gate of Swami Budha Amarnath, the Charri modate themselves in the hot climatic conditions ed by a motorable road and it is 244 kilometers Mubarakh is taken to the main shrine. of Punjab. Therefore, the traders of both sides from Jammu. This holy place has great religious impor- would assemble at this very spot for exchange The temple has been constructed with one tance. It is said that at this very place Lord Shi- of their goods for centuries together. It is said big stone. There are four doors in the temple on va had started narrating the Amar Katha to Par- that these stalls were near temple of Swami Bud- the northern, southern, eastern and western vati Ji which ended at Swami Amarnath located ha Amarnath and they were residing in the Sarai sides which indicates that the doors of this shrine near Pahalgam Kashmir. This temple is consid- constructed there. By this way, the temple of are open for all the four varnas. There is a nat- ered older than the Swami Amarnath Ji of Kash- Swami Budha Amarnath also remained the cen- ural Shivlinga of white stone (Chakmak) inside mir. This is why the shrine is known as Swami tre of worship for centuries. But in one cloud burst the temple. A number of ancient idols collected Budha Amarnath. It is believed that one must the temple came under a heavy landslide and so from nearby villages are also installed in the visit this sacred place before performing the yatra it disappeared from the surface. premises of the temple where there were four of Amarnath Kashmir. Legend goes that a saint was a great devo- holy springs near the temple in the past. At pres- A number of legends are famous in and tee of Lord Shiva. He was worshipping in a cave ent the water of three springs has been divert- around Poonch city regarding the existence of in the Himalayan range. By realizing his devo- ed to fourth one which is on the southern side of this ancient temple. As per one legend, Mahat- tion, Lord Shiva once came to him dream and told the temple. The water of these springs is con- ma Pulsta (the grand father of Kind Ravana of him that his prayer has been completed and sidered holy from religious point of view. The pil- Sri Lanka) meditated at this very place for a pret- accepted by him. Now he must come out from In summer season, the Rajas of Poonch princi- Recently a yatri sarai has been constructed grims first take bath in this spring and then enter ty long time. He was a devotee of Lord Shiva. the cave and Lord Shiva directed the devotee to pality used to shift to Rajpura for sometime and by the Trust for pilgrims near the temple where the temple for prayers. There are a number of references in Neel Mat go to the present Rajpura Mandi and asked him therefore, there remained great hustle bustle 600 to 1000 pilgrims can be accommodated at Thousands of pilgrims with great devotion Puran about Pulsat Rishi. As per these refer- to excavate his temple which was embedded in around the temple during the stay of Raja in this a time. Free langer (meal) has also been start- come to this place from various parts of the coun- ences, Pulsat was also an artist and sculptor. the earth. Next morning, the Sadhu started trav- area. Raja and Rani were paying frequent visits ed by Swami Budha Amarnath trust where pil- try every year. The main religious function is The legend goes that Pulsat meditated with elling towards Rajpura. After removing the top to this holy shrine. In this very period, the yatra grims can have lunch, dinner and breakfast free held on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan which such a devotion at Rajpura Mandi that Lord Shi- soil, the top of the old temple came out from the of Charri Mubarakh was started. In the past the of cost for three days. Amaster plan of Rs. 45.00 is known as Mela Swami Budha Amarnath fes- va had given him a Darshan at this very place. sacred mace (Charri Mubarakh) was being car- earth. When Raja of Poonch came to know about lakh for redesigning and reconstruction of Swa- tival. Three days before the Mela, a religious con- In memory of Darshana the of Lord Shiva, Rishi the temple at Rajpura, he sent his soldiers for fur- ried from Dashnami Akhara Tetrinote presently mi Budha temple and complex was prepared gregation is held at Dashnami Akhara Poonch Pulsat constructed the temple of Shiva and erect- ther excavation. By this way, the ancient temple in Pak occupation and also from Shivalaya for havan and pooja of Chari Mubarakh. The ed a lingum there. Since the Pulsat was a great along with four holy springs was excavated from Khakhanaban. But when the Dashnami Akhara during 1991. It comprises of the construction of procession of Chari Mubarakh starts from Rishi, a sculptor and very popular among the the earth. Then the Raja also visited along with was renovated by Dogra Rajas and it became a new temple, Sarai, prekarama, bathing tank and Akhara. A guard of honour from Police contin- habitants of this area, therefore, after his death his courtiers and public and this place again seat of Rajguru, then it was decided to start the bathing ghats etc. for the convenience of the pil- gent is paid to Chari Mubarakh at the gate of the the people converted this small temple into a became the centre of worship. procession of Charri Mubarakh from Dashnami grims. The construction of 60 feet high new tem- Akhara. The Swami Ji is carried in a palki by the shrine. Later on this shrine took the name was During the reign of Dogra Raja Moti Singh, Akhara Poonch in which Raja of Poonch partic- ple and prekarma has been completed which devotees, along with the sacred mace. Thou- named Swami Budha Amarnath. Even now a (1850 to 1918 AD), this temple was renovated. ipated. has given a new shape and look to this spot.