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Welcome to Machelmata - we invite you to look around and get a feel of Maa Durga.
The Maa Durga Shrine popularly known as Machelmata Sthan derived its name from the village Machel where the temple is located. The village Machel is located in the district Kishtwar of Jammu and Kashmir (India).
Machel is surrounded by the beautiful hills, glaciers and tributaries to the holy river Chenab (Chadrabhaga). One can reach the village by foot from the town Gulabgarh. The total foot journey from Gualbgarh to the Shrine is about 32 Kms. Porters are also available to carry baggages and chidren. It usually takes 2 days and 1 night stay to reach the Shrine. The night journey can not be done because there are no electricity poles along the way.
The villages that come on the way are Tatai, Massu, Garh, Kandhel, Mau, Chishot. One can stay in the village in the night. VIllagers happily arrange the food and shelter for the pilgrims.
The town Gulabgarh is at a distance 290 Km from Jammu. The bus journey takes 10 hrs apprx. from the Jammu city. The distance from Ramban is around 197 Km.
The temple is open round the year. But Chhadi Yatra is organised in the month of August every year. Thousands of people visit the shrine during this period.
Helicopter service to Machel is available from Jammu and the base camp Gulabgarh during this period.
The best time for pilgrimage is during the Chhadi yatra.
It is advised not to trek in the month of December, January and February due to heavy snowfall.
During Chadi Yatra, the Government of Jammu & Kashmir provides tents, medicines and other basic amenties. Many Langers are also arranged roadside to provide free food for the pilgrims.
Upon reaching the shrine, the pilgrims pray the Maa Durga and have an extraordinary spiritual experience.
Many stories of supernatural happennings are heard from the pilgrims. Maataji blesses the people who come to the shrine with pure heart and devotion.
Feel free to share any comments or questions that might be on your mind through our online guest book. And of course, feel free to reach out and call one of our people in the Groups.
We'd also like to invite you to make an online prayer request. You're prayer request opens the door, and Kaali is waiting patiently on the other side of that door, at all times, in all situations, to join with you. Many blessings to you.
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