The entire region of Jammu & Kashmir is known for its vibrant festivals and is considered the home of various gods, goddesses, saints, and seers from ancient times. One of the notable annual pilgrimages is the Hudh Mata & Trisandhya yatras, which take place in the Kishtwar district and draw a significant number of pilgrims each year. The Hudh Mata shrine is dedicated to the ShivParivar, similar to the Shiv Khori shrine in the Reasi district. Hudh Mata is the local name for Parvati Maata. The annual yatra to Hudh Mata and Tri Sandhiya occurs on Haar Shudi Ashtami (the 8th day of the bright lunar fortnight of Haar), which falls on July 14 this year, and is celebrated with great enthusiasm. Initially, this was a local festival, primarily attended by the people of Dachhan, but over time, it has gained popularity, attracting participants from other areas of the Kishtwar district as well. The name Hudh Mata comes from the Sanskrit word Hutti or Ahuti, referring to Parvati Maata, who, in her previous life, was the daughter of Daksh Prajapati. She chose self-immolation during her father's yagya because she could not tolerate the disrespect shown to Lord Shiva by her proud father. In the Nanth Nalla area of Dachhan, there is a cave that features three naturally formed ice Lingams representing Lord Shiva, Mata Parvati, and their son Ganesha, which draw many devotees. From the cave's ceiling, milky lime water drips from a naturally sculpted udder and teats, falling onto the three Linghmas. It is believed that there used to be a Kund inside the cave where devotees could have darshan of the Shiv Parvati deity according to their wishes, aided by torchlight.
Pilgrims from Kishtwar and the surrounding areas gather at the Gori Shanker Mandir in Sarkoot Kishtwar. From there, they travel by bus to Patimhala and then switch to light vehicles for the remaining 40 kilometers to Ikhala. Once in Ikhala, they continue on foot to reach Sounder village, which serves as the base camp for the yatra. After spending the night in Sounder, the pilgrims, accompanied by the holy mace of Hudh Mata, begin their journey from the Radha Krishan Temple in Sounder to the Virrat Maata Mandir in Dilgoot, covering a distance of about six kilometers. People from all over Dachhan come to welcome the holy mace and join the yatra. After another night at Dilgoot, the scenic journey towards Nanthnalla begins. The pilgrims travel approximately 20 kilometers to Gugath, a beautiful summer resort for the shepherds of Dachhan, where they halt for the night. The next morning, the yatra resumes towards its destination, the shrine of Hudh-Mata, located about eight kilometers from Gugath. This day is Haar Ahudi Astmi. After bathing at the holy shrine, pilgrims pay their respects to Maata, have a darshan of the lingams, and partake in the Prasad and langar offered at the shrine. The yatris then proceed to the Tri-Sandhiya site, about two kilometers away, to bathe in its waters. Tri-Sandhya is a natural wonder and a gift to humanity, with its sacred stream flowing down the mountain slopes two or three times a day, cherished by devotees.
The main feature of this stream is that after it flows down the ravine, it recedes in a surprising manner, moving from lower to higher ground before ultimately disappearing without leaving any trace of water. Remarkably, there is no lake or glacier at the top of the mountain from which it could originate. Pilgrims travel from distant places seeking the chance to bathe in it. Some are fortunate enough to experience a dip in the stream, which is seen receding upward almost immediately. The stream is called Tri-Sandhya, based on the belief that it offers prayers three times a day to Lord Shiva, Mata Parvati, and Brahma, who are represented nearby by the Hudh Maata and Brahma Peaks, with the river Nanth Nalla flowing in between. Locals claim that in ancient times, Trisandhya would appear three times daily-morning, noon, and evening—though this seems more like a superstition. Devotees hold this stream in high regard, and taking a dip in its waters is considered very auspicious. Close by is the historic Kaikut temple, a Naga temple constructed from deodar wood and stone during the reign of Raja Maha Singh of Kishtwar in the 17th century. The intricate carvings on the wood and stone sculptures showcase the craftsmanship of that era.
The terraced land near the temple and the ancient stone walls indicate that a civilization once thrived in this area. At the base of the peak lies a small lake known as Brahmsar, featuring icy cold, fresh, and crystal-clear water with a stunning sky-blue hue. Taking a dip in this lake is considered highly auspicious. Pilgrims believe that immersing themselves in these waters cleanses their sins, thanks to the grace of Lord Brahma, who is said to reside in the majestic Brahma Peaks. If developed, the tourist circuit of Kishtwar – Ikhala – Panjdhara – Nanth Nalla – Tri Sandhya – Brahmsar could attract thousands of visitors with diverse interests. The natural beauty of the region is truly unparalleled and deserves to be developed into a major tourist destination. In summary, the Hudh Maata and Trisandhya yatra is a challenging journey, as devotees must trek many kilometers to reach the shrine of Hudh Maata and the enchanting stream of Trisandhya.
The entire journey and the locations are filled with breathtaking scenery that captivates the eye. There is a pressing need to develop these pilgrimage sites into destinations for both pilgrims and tourists, which would provide employment opportunities for local youth. The Hudh-Maata and Trisandhya yatra is a challenging spiritual pilgrimage that showcases the rich diversity of our culture. It requires development as a pilgrimage tourism site so that the Hudh Maata shrine and the natural, sacred, and stunning Trisandhya spring can attract a significant number of devotees and visitors.
(Vivek Koul).
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