Excelsior Correspondent
Bhaderwah, Aug 26: Despite tough terrain and not so friendly conditions at an altitude of 13500 feet above sea level, annual Machail Yatra concluded peacefully with holy mace reaching back here after 8 days.
A total of 134000 pilgrims visited the Chandi Mata shrine at Machail in Padder tehsil of Kishtwar district and paid obeisance.
The holy mace along with traditional trident of Goddess Chandi, which started from Chandi Mata Temple Chinote was joined on the way by two dozens Charris from different parts of the State including Kathua, Jammu, Udhampur, Reasi, Samba, Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar.
After having night halts at Kishtwar, Atholi, Massu and Chisote, the holy mace along with traditional trident reached at Chandi Mata Temple at Machail on August 22, where the pilgrims paid obeisance.
“The Charri which started from Bhaderwah on August 18, reached back to its base camp at Chandi Mata Temple Chenote Bhaderwah this evening. Till this evening, 134000 devotees have paid obeisance. This will be a record number as last year the number of devotees was 156538”, said SSP Kishtwar Sandeep Wazir.
“With the grace of Mata Chandi and almighty, the yatra passed off peacefully and without any untoward incident. We have made all the arrangements and none of the pilgrim came with a single complaint”, said Thakur Kulbir Singh Jamwal, Head Priest and Chief Organizer of Machail Yatra, adding that next year more yatries will join us.
“Goddess Chandi fulfills all the wishes of the devotees. These 8 days were the happiest days of my life. I wish everyone should come here to take the blessings of the Maa Chandi”, said a pilgrim from Jammu, adding “I will definitely come here again to join the yatra next year”.
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