Uttarakhand, also known as the Land of the Gods, is a region in the Indian state of Uttarakhand that has a rich cultural heritage and is famous for its traditional folk culture and customs.
Who is Nanda Devi and why is she worshipped?
Nanda Devi, the goddess of bliss, is the patron deity of Uttarakhand. She is believed to be an incarnation of Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, and the mother of the universe. Nanda Devi is revered for her beauty, power, and benevolence, and is worshipped by millions of devotees who seek her blessings for prosperity, happiness, and protection. She is also associated with the Himalayas, which are considered to be her home and her manifestation.
The Journey of Nanda Devi
The Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra is a religious and adventurous pilgrimage that takes place in Uttarakhand every 12 years. It is organized by the 12th Raj Jaat Yatra Ayukt, Mr. Ajay, who has been organizing this religious and adventurous journey for more than 12 years. The yatra takes the pilgrims through various regions, places, and villages of Uttarakhand, along with the signs of the deities, saints, and dolis (palanquins).
What is Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra and how did it start?
The Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra is a once-in-a-12-year pilgrimage that celebrates the legend of Nanda Devi and her journey from her paternal home in Nauti village to her marital home in Kailash with Lord Shiva. It is also a tribute to the four-horned ram that accompanied her and guided her way through the treacherous mountains. The yatra was started by the king of Garhwal as a tribute to Nanda Devi and became a tradition for the Uttaranchali people to participate in it. The yatra is a unique blend of faith, culture, nature, and adventure.
The Rituals and Traditions
The Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra is a unique religious and cultural pilgrimage that is organized in Uttarakhand every 12 years. The journey involves various rituals and traditions that are followed by the pilgrims. The yatra starts with the installation of the Shri Yantra in the premises of the Rajkumars’ house instead of the temple. The journey begins after performing the rituals and offering prayers to the idols of various deities in the area. The pilgrims carry the idols and other sacred items in palanquins and proceed towards their destination. The pilgrimage is accompanied by music, dance, and chanting of hymns, which add to the festive atmosphere.
What is the legend behind Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra?
According to one version of the legend, Nanda Devi was born in Nauti village to a Brahmin priest named Kushan. She was a beautiful and virtuous girl who was loved by everyone. One day, Lord Shiva saw her and fell in love with her. He decided to marry her and take her to his abode in Kailash. He sent a four-horned ram as his messenger to Nauti to ask for her hand.
The Importance of the Doli Yatra
The doli yatra, or the palanquin procession, plays a significant role in the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra. It is believed that carrying Nanda Devi in a palanquin is auspicious and brings blessings to the people. The doli is beautifully decorated with flowers and adorned with precious silk cloth. The doli bearers, who are usually Brahmins, carry the palanquin on their shoulders and take it to the designated places in the yatra. The doli yatra holds immense religious importance and is considered a symbol of the journey of Nanda Devi from her maternal home to her in-laws’ house.
The Significance of Tolis
The tolis, or the processions of various local deities, play a crucial role in the yatra. The devotees believe that the tolis represent the presence of the local deities and saints and carry their blessings. They join the main yatra at different locations and become part of the primary journey. In the ancient times, the Garhwal dynasty used to organize this pilgrimage, and the tolis were part of the religious processions. Nowadays, the villages and regions that come under the jurisdiction of the yatra form their own tolis and inform the Kumari log, who are the organizers of the yatra. The Kumari log then include these tolis in the main yatra, and they become an integral part of the annual pilgrimage.
What are the route and schedule of Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra?
The route and schedule of the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra are based on the legend of Nanda Devi’s journey from Nauti to Homkund. The yatra starts from Nauti, a small village in Chamoli district, where a new four-horned ram is selected and worshipped as the representative of Shiva. The ram is adorned with a silver mask and a red cloth and is given a special diet of milk and ghee. The ram is also accompanied by a palanquin of Nanda Devi, which contains a wooden idol of the goddess.
The yatra covers a distance of about 280 kilometres in 19 days, passing through various places of religious and historical significance, such as Kanswa, Koti, Kulsari, Nandkesari, Faldiya Gaon, Mundoli, Wan, Bedni Bugyal, Pathar Nachauni, Baguwabasa, Roopkund, Shila Samudra, and Homkund. The yatra also crosses three mountain passes: Karanprayag (2,745 meters), Nandakini (3,825 meters), and Shila Samudra (4,725 meters).
What are the rituals and activities of Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra?
The yatra follows a strict schedule and protocol, which are determined by the Rajputs of Nauti. Yatra is led by the four-horned ram, followed by the palanquin of Nanda Devi, followed by the Rajputs of Nauti, followed by the other pilgrims and tourists. The yatra stops at designated places for rest, food, and worship. The Yatra also performs various rituals and activities along the way, such as:
- Offering prayers and flowers to Nanda Devi at her temples in Kanswa, Koti, Kulsari, Nandkesari, and Faldiya Gaon.
- Performing a havan (fire ritual) at Mundoli to seek permission from the local deity Latu to enter his domain.
- Taking a dip in the holy waters of Bedni Kund, a glacial lake surrounded by alpine meadows and rhododendron forests.
- Participating in the Nanda Devi Fair at Bedni Bugyal, where cultural programs and folk dances are performed by the locals.
- Offering a coconut to Nanda Devi at Pathar Nachauni, where she is believed to have danced with Shiva on a stone slab.
How does the Yatra end?
The yatra ends at Homkund, the final destination of the yatra, where the four-horned ram is sacrificed and the idol of Nanda Devi is immersed in the lake. The sacrifice is done by the Rajputs of Nauti as an offering to Nanda Devi and Shiva. The immersion is done by the priests of Nauti as a symbol of Nanda Devi’s reunion with Shiva. The yatra ends with a grand celebration at Homkund, where the pilgrims express their joy and gratitude to Nanda Devi and Shiva for their grace and protection. They also exchange greetings and gifts with each other and prepare for their return journey.
What are the challenges and benefits of Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra?
The Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra is not an easy feat. It requires physical stamina, mental strength, and spiritual devotion to complete the journey. The pilgrims face many challenges and risks during the yatra, such as:
Harsh weather conditions
The yatra takes place in August or September when the monsoon season is still active. The pilgrims have to endure heavy rains, landslides, floods, snowfall, and cold winds. They also have to cope with the changing temperatures and altitudes along the route.
Rough terrain
The Yatra traverses through rugged and remote areas that are inaccessible by road or rail. The pilgrims have to walk on narrow trails, steep slopes, rocky patches, slippery surfaces, and icy glaciers. They also have to cross rivers, streams, bridges and passes that can be dangerous or unstable.
Altitude sickness
The yatra reaches an elevation of over 4,700 meters at Homkund, which can cause altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS). AMS is a condition that occurs when the body cannot adjust to low oxygen levels at high altitudes. It can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fatigue, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, and insomnia. It can also lead to serious complications such as pulmonary oedema or cerebral oedema if left untreated. The pilgrims have to take precautions such as acclimatizing, hydrating, resting, and taking medication to prevent or treat AMS.
Wild animals
The yatra passes through dense forests and wildlife sanctuaries that are home to various animals such as bears, leopards, wolves, foxes, monkeys, and snakes. The pilgrims have to be careful not to provoke or disturb these animals or enter their territories.
Despite these challenges and risks, the pilgrims undertake the yatra with enthusiasm and faith. They believe that the yatra is a way of showing their love and devotion to Nanda Devi and Shiva, and also a means of attaining salvation and peace. They also believe that the yatra helps them to overcome their fears and difficulties in life, and to gain strength and courage.
The Yatra also has many benefits for the pilgrims
Cultural preservation and promotion: The yatra helps to preserve and promote the culture, heritage, and identity of Uttarakhand. It showcases the folk songs, dances, costumes, crafts, cuisine, and customs of the Uttarakhandi people. It also fosters a sense of pride and belonging among the Uttarakhandi people.
Social harmony and unity: The yatra brings together people from different castes, classes, religions, regions, and backgrounds. It creates a bond of brotherhood and friendship among the pilgrims and the locals. It also promotes mutual respect and cooperation among the people.
Environmental awareness and conservation: The yatra makes the pilgrims aware of the beauty and fragility of the Himalayan ecosystem. It encourages them to respect and protect the natural resources and biodiversity of the region. It also educates them about the effects of climate change and human activities on the environment.
Conclusion:
The Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra stands as a remarkable festival, epitomizing the rich tapestry of heritage and diversity within Uttarakhand. It offers a rare glimpse into the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas while immersing participants in the culture and faith of the Uttarakhandi people. Beyond its spectacle, the yatra serves as a test of both endurance and devotion, providing pilgrims with a profound opportunity for self-reflection and spiritual connection. For those intrigued by this extraordinary journey, further information can be found on the official website of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board or by reaching out to the Rajputs of Nauti.
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