Holy Mace of Kailash Yatra Proceeds Towards Sacred Kailash Kund with Limited Devotees from J&K’s Bhaderwah
By Raja Rehber Jamal
Bhaderwah, Aug 20:The revered three-day Kailash Yatra 2025 commenced with great devotion and spiritual fervor in Bhaderwah on Wednesday. Amid inclement weather conditions and administrative advisories, the holy Mace (Charri Mubarak) of the ancient pilgrimage proceeded toward the sacred Kailash Kund with a limited number of devotees.
The Charri Mubarak was ceremoniously taken out at 8:30 AM from the historic 2,100-year-old Vasuki Nag Temple in Gatha and was later joined by another Mace from the Vasuki Nag Temple, Vasik Dhera, Bhaderwah.
Prominent dignitaries, including former Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Dr. Nirmal Singh, DDC Chairman Doda Dhananter Singh Kotwal, MLA Dalip Singh Parihar, JKPCC Vice President Naresh Kumar Gupta, SSP Doda Sandeep Mehta, ADC Bhaderwah Sunil Kumar Bhutiyal, ADC Doda Anil Kumar, ASP Bhaderwah Vinod Sharma, SDPO Shoket Ali, and others, accompanied the holy procession and paid obeisance.
A large number of Nag devotees gathered to see off the sacred Mace, though only a limited group of pilgrims were allowed to continue the onward journey toward Kailash Kund due to weather advisories issued by the IMD and recent natural disasters, including the tragic cloudburst in Chishoti area of Kishtwar during the Machail Yatra.
The district administration, in coordination with the Sanatan Dharam Sabha Bhaderwah, langer committees, and other associated organizations, decided to restrict the yatra this year to ensure the safety of devotees. Traditionally, thousands of pilgrims from across Jammu & Kashmir and other parts of the country participate in the yatra annually.
The Kailash Yatra, also known as the Charri Yatra, spans three spiritually intense days (August 20–22) and culminates at Kailash Kund—situated at an altitude of 14,700 feet in the mighty Himalayas—believed to be the mythical abode of Lord Shiva. The arduous 21-kilometer trek tests the endurance and devotion of the pilgrims. A ritual dip in the icy waters of the Kund is believed to cleanse one’s sins and bless the devotees with divine grace.
SSP Doda Sandeep Mehta stated that comprehensive security arrangements have been made, with area domination already completed to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the Yatra.
As per schedule, the Charri Mubarak will reach Kailash Kund on Friday morning.
According to local lore, Kailash Kund was originally the dwelling of Lord Shiva, who later handed it over to his devoted follower Vasuki Nag before moving to Manimahesh in Bharmour (Himachal Pradesh).
Despite the restrictions, the Kailash Yatra remains a profound symbol of unwavering faith, enduring tradition, and communal unity—bringing together devotees in spiritual harmony year after year.
