The annual Kailash Kund Yatra, a three-day pilgrimage to the 14,700-foot-high Kailash Kund temple in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir, commenced on Monday with over 12,000 devotees embarking on the arduous journey from the ancient Vasuki Nag temple. This pilgrimage, deeply rooted in the region’s ‘Nag’ culture, is renowned for its challenging 18-km trek through the steep Kailash mountain range.
Doda Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Paul Mahajan, Senior Superintendent of Police Abdul Qayoom, and Additional Deputy Commissioner Dilmir Chowdhary presided over the ceremonial send-off for the pilgrims. The sacred pilgrimage involves devotees taking a dip in the icy ‘Kund’ (lake) and seeking blessings from Vasuki Nag and Lord Shiva.
In a statement, Deputy Commissioner Mahajan expressed optimism about a significant increase in turnout compared to the previous year, aiming to promote this ancient and unique pilgrimage both within the Union Territory and nationally.
The pilgrimage commenced with the departure of the ‘Charri Mubarak’ (holy mace) from Vasuki Nag Temple at Gatha, joined by another mace from Vasuki Nag Temple at Vasik Dhera in Bhaderwah town, symbolizing the initiation of the journey.
The Jammu and Kashmir Dharmarth Trust, responsible for maintaining ancient temples and a key organizer of the Yatra, urged for greater national promotion of the Kailash Yatra. Secretary of J-K Dharmarth Trust, and former SSP Bhaderwah, Ashok Sharma, emphasized the Yatra’s uniqueness and its continued observance even during the peak of militancy in the region. He called upon the government to safeguard and elevate its status, placing it on par with the Amarnath and Vaishno Devi pilgrimages.
Notable figures including former member of the legislative council (MLC) Naresh Kumar Gupta and veteran leader Mast Nath Yogi participated in the rituals associated with the ancient Yatra at Vasak Dera.
The Charri Mubarak is expected to reach the high-altitude lake on Wednesday morning after a two-night stopover en route.
In a heartening display of communal harmony, some Muslim youths set up stalls and offered beverages to the Hindu pilgrims as they embarked on their journey, exemplifying the spirit of unity in diversity.
The Kailash Kund Yatra, characterized by its physical challenges and rich cultural significance, continues to draw devotees from near and far, reaffirming its place as a cherished tradition in the region.
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Abrar Batt is a CT correspondent. Read More
