MACHAIL MATA TEMPLE (KISHTWAR)Machail Mata, also known as Chandi Mata, is an important pilgrimage site in Paddar of Kishtwar region. Surrounded by the snow clad mountain ranges, it is located at an altitude of 9500 feet. Devotees need to cover a trek route of 30 km on foot to reach the temple from Gulabgarh, the last village connected by the motorable road. Annually, thousands of pilgrims pay visit to the shrine to seek blessings of Mata Machail wali. Infact, the number of pilgrims with each passing year has kept on increasing manifolds. As per legend, Mata Chandi appreared in the form of pindi, the same as it is in Mata Vaisho Devi.
An annual Yatra of Mata Machail held in the month of August. The Yatra starts from Chinoti (Bhaderwah) and ends at Machail at the shrine. This is a two day journey from Atholi via Gulabgarh. Thousands of pilgrims from far and wide places partake in the Yatra to pay obeisance to Mata Chandi. |