*1.94 lakh pilgrims undertake sacred journey
Excelsior Correspondent
KISHTWAR, Sept 4: Reflecting rising reverence and esteem of the temple shrine among the devotees, the Annual Shri Machail Mata Yatra 2023 has witnessed a record-breaking arrival of nearly 2 lakh pilgrims this year. The pilgrimage, rooted in decades-old tradition, has become a magnet for devotees seeking the blessings of Shree Chandi Mata with every passing year.
The annual Shree Machail Mata Yatra has experienced a remarkable surge in attendance this year, with a staggering increase from around 58,000 arrivals in 2022 to 1.94 lakh this year.
This meteoric rise can be attributed to a myriad of factors, primarily the foolproof arrangements, augmentation of boarding facilities by the District Administration, coupled with the seamless execution of the events’ schedule. The Yatra’s newfound popularity and its remarkable growth in turnover underline the enduring spiritual significance it holds for countless devotees, drawing them in increasing numbers.
The Kapat/Door opening ceremony of the temple took place on the auspicious Baishakhi festival in April 2023. It involved the ceremonial transfer of the revered Shree Machail Mata’s Murti from the local priest’s residence to the temple, accompanied by the Pratham Pooja.
This marked the beginning of pilgrims flocking to the temple for Darshans. Officially, the Yatra commenced on July 25, 2023, witnessing a substantial influx of devotees, right from the outset. This auspicious start set the tone for what would become a momentous pilgrimage.
This year, the Machail Mata Yatra achieved unprecedented success, largely attributed to blessing of Maa Chandi, her Holiness and the comprehensive and tireless efforts of the administration. The harmonious blend of meticulous planning and spiritual devotion has propelled the Yatra to new heights.
One of the notable accomplishments was the provision of accommodation at Yatri Bhawan in Gulabgarh, capable of hosting 2000 pilgrims simultaneously. The addition of Mushroom Luxury Tents and Sapphire Guest House in Gulabgarh further enhanced the comfort of Yatries with premier experience during the journey. A tent city surrounding the temple at Machail Bhawan and local stay houses became a significant attraction, beckoning pilgrims with open arms.
The development of the BT Road up to Kundhail and the timely throwing open of the on foot/ trekkable PMJSY road from Mov up to Hamouri village significantly reduced travel time and fatigue for pilgrims. These road and bridge improvements made the Yatra more accessible and efficient attracting a significant number of Yatries this year.
Leveraging the technology for convenience of Yatries, the District Administration under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Dr Devansh Yadav unveiled the official website of Shri Machail Mata Yatra http://www.shrimachailmatayatra.com ,which emerged as a valuable resource for pilgrims. Providing real-time updates on facilities and inquiries, it ensured Yatries had the latest information at their fingertips, enhancing their convenience and experience.
A notable milestone in this year’s Yatra was the installation of a 30 KV Solar Power Plant at the Machail temple. This innovation illuminated the temple and its surroundings, significantly enhancing the comfort and convenience of Yatries, especially during evening and night visits besides ensuring operation of telecommunication facilities.
The introduction of uninterrupted 4G mobile connectivity at Machail proved to be a game-changer for Yatries. It enabled them to stay connected with their families and stay informed about their well-being during the pilgrimage, adding an extra layer of security and comfort.
Adding to the facilities for pilgrims, the Micro ATM facilities strategically placed en route facilitated easy cash transactions for Yatries, ensuring they had access to financial services as needed during their sacred journey.
Significantly, the easy and accessible chopper facilities from Gulabgarh to Machail and back added a new dimension of comfort and accessibility for specific Yatries with incompatibility in travelling and trekking by foot. The facility reduced travel time and fatigue, making the pilgrimage more accessible to a wider range of devotees who otherwise were not able to visit and have blessings of Maa Chandi.
In every aspect, from infrastructure to digital connectivity and comfort, the Machail Mata Yatra of 2023 has exemplified what can be achieved when devotion and administration come together in perfect harmony, providing pilgrims with an unforgettable and spiritually enriching experience.
Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Dr. Devansh Yadav, oversaw efforts, ensuring seamless coordination with local, civil and police administrations besides other departments, army personnel, and BROs. The comprehensive approach catered to Yatries’ needs while unlocking the region’s tourism potential also.
In conclusion, the Machail Yatra of 2023 is poised to become the second-largest pilgrimage in the Jammu Division. It stands as a testament to unwavering devotion and meticulous planning, creating a safe, comfortable, and spiritually enriching environment for all devotees.
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