Machail Yatra is the most popular yatra in Jammu and Kashmir,
after the world famous Amarnath Yatra. In 2024, Machail yatra began on July 25
and will end on September 5. The main event during the annual pilgrimage is the
carrying of the Pavitra Jadi (पवित्र
छड़ी). The annual yatra began
in 1981 with a handful of devotees. Today, thousands of devotees partake in the
journey.
Machail Yatra Helicopter Service
Helicopter service to Machail Temple is available from Gulabgarh. One way ticket costs around 4000 rupees in 2024.
About Machail Mata Yatra
The annual pilgrimage is held during the same period every year.
The temple is located in Machail Village in Kishtwar
District in Jammu and Kashmir. The temple is dedicated to Mother Goddess Durga.
Currently in the temple there is one pindi and three idols
of Mahakali (Mindal), Mahalakshmi (Machail) and Mahasaraswati (Chitto Mata).
The temple is made of wood and there are numerous murtis of
Gods and Goddesses carved out of wood.
This is a powerful temple of Goddess Durga. She is
worshipped here by some devotees as Chandi too.
All the main murtis in the temple are swayambhu – of divine
origin.
Machail Yatra Route
- मचैल धाम तक पहुंचने के लिए जिला मुख्यालय किश्तवाड़ से गुलाबगढ़-पाडर तक का सफर गाडिय़ों पर होता है
- जबकि वहां से आगे का करीब 32 कि.मी. का सफर दुर्गम पहाडिय़ों के बीच या तो पैदल अथवा हैलीकॉप्टर से तय करना पड़ता है।
- हैलीकॉप्टर सेवा - गुलाबगढ़ से मचैल के बीच एक तरफ का किराया 2270 रुपए प्रति व्यक्ति निर्धारित किया गया है।