Machail Yatra, Paddar

machail-mata-bhawan
Machail mata bhawan

Paddar is a scenic valley in the mountainous Kishtwar district, famous for Sapphire and now a days it is lot famous for the holy shrine of Maa Chandi. It may be noted here that Goddess Durga is also known by the name Kali or Chandi.

front-view-of-machail-bhawan
Front view of Machail bhawan

Gulabgarh is the base camp for the holy shrine. From Gulabgarh, the foot journey starts, that is 32 km approx. 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 and enjoy the free langars. One can also opt for helicopter service these days.

In the month of August a “Chharhi yatra” of Chandi Mata starts from Chinote in Bhadarwah to Machail in Paddar in which thousands of devotees take the blessings of Chandi Mata.

aerial-view-of-gulabgarh-paddar-route
Aerial view of Gulabgarh Paddar route

 

aerial-view-of-machail-bhawan
Aerial view of Machail bhawan

 

aerial-view-of-machail-bhawan
Aerial view of Machail bhawan