RITIKA KOTWAL
Any holy place has an epic attributed to it engendered by an unknown person. Mata Chandi temple at Machail in Kishtwar district is also associated with a story that enlivens the praises of the deity. The temple, the deity and the worshipper, Thakurji, who happened to be our contemporary and witness to the unbelievable saga, makes it the only unique place of our times where the faith is personified as Thakurji. Goddess Chandi has abode in many places all over the state and elsewhere and herself is very magnificently manifested at Machail. Thakurji and the deity had a rendezvous at Machail Vilage in the temple that drove the village to epoch whereby the faith seems to be rekindled.
The yatra of Machail has some unique features. The ‘Chadi’ is conglomeration of thousands of devotees who carry the Mata Chandi from Chinote village in Bhaderwah to Machail temple in the month of August every year. Machail village is about 315 Kms from Jammu and about 180 Kms from Chinote.
The journey from Chinote to Machail, manifestation of Mata, has been a mesmerizing and transient beauty. The road from Pull Doda to Gulabgarh has a vast stretch running parallel to River Chenab. The road after Kishtwar has been chiseled out of the Rocky Mountains. The mineral enriched mountains are stratified and strong. Geologically the mountains of Pull Doda are rich in relatively humble and unstable mineral i.e. Gypsum. As we proceed to Gulabgarh, mineralogically, the mountains keep gaining richness and thus their strength till Machail where there is a well guarded mountain of Sapphire, a gem stone. The road cut through the hard rocks stands cantilevered stoutly paving ways through them. In this belt the strength, mineralogy gradually increases and demographically decreases. The soil pattern makes it suitable for multiple crop pattern with healthy crops and ample of water. The sunflower fields are absorbing as if sketchy. Clearly, a very suitable spot for human existence. The village just short of Gulabgarh, “Atholi”, is very neatly nurtured by nature. It is as if the crops, scenery, water all are tailor made to stimulate the pupil. Even the soothing air, music of water and aroma of flowers, meadows with neat and clean roads, and approach to never before seen hills around are inviting. The crops, trees and fruits are enriched with wealth of minerals. Even a demure smile is not rare. True, the deities stay in heaven.
Thakur Kulbir Singh Jamwal ji once happened to be the Incharge of the Police Post, Machail, stationed to protect against the smuggling of the sapphire. The living legend had a vision of Mata during one of the “Amawasya” (new Moon) when Mata visited the temple at night. Mistaking her visit with thieves, the Police party shot some rounds which annoyed the Mata and curse broke on the police party. Thakurji then took the responsibility and very ritually waited upon Mata’s next visit and was blessed by the goddess’s darshan along with removal of curse from the effected police men. Since then Thakurji has been taking care of the “Chadi”, every year on the command of Mata.
The picturesque maze of village Machail with meticulously build clusters of houses go very well with the Kaleidoscopic mountains where in the nature seems to exist playfully. The mountains being mineral enriched keep changing colours and effects are no less than any movie shooting set, perhaps much better. The clouds become strands of Lord Shiv who is accommodated on a hill top as an artifact chiseled out by the nature. The place is well traced to be ‘Shiva-Shakti’ abode.
The cirque of Machail has all what a painter would paint on canvass as an ideal village. The deity of the temple is so absorbing that one is demented as if all desires are fulfilled. It is said that all wishes come true immediately.
Only thing disgusting was manky sanitation conditions. The facilities both from nature and administration are in ample, the users must be aware to maintain sanctity of the place. Cleaner and dried toilets would suffice. If they are located a bit farther away with a considerable distance between the toilets and bath places and an increased number of water closets would make a change. ‘Sulabh Shauchalayas’ are best suitable in this place that would lend bio gas for light in addition to keep conveniences clean. The filth at present is so much that it needs to be cleaned as a specialized work which could even be tendered out.
(The author is Director Cyber systems)
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