Two extraordinary journeys of faith are capturing hearts and minds on the annual pilgrimages across Jammu and Kashmir, showcasing the profound resilience of the human spirit in the face of immense physical challenges. An amputee woman from Uttar Pradesh, who has been undertaking the arduous trek to the Machail Mata temple for eight consecutive years using a hand-operated tricycle, and another devotee undertaking a ‘dandavat yatra’ (prostration pilgrimage) to the Amarnath cave shrine, have emerged as powerful symbols of unwavering devotion.
Jyoti, who lost both her legs in a train accident in 2015, is once again making her way to the Mata Machail shrine in Kishtwar. Her pilgrimage, which began approximately two months ago from Udhampur district, is a testament to her indomitable will. She is accompanied by her mother, a rescued pet monkey named Bajrangi, and her dog, Kalu. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that Jyoti has been making this pilgrimage annually since 2018, combining visits to both the Mata Machail and Baba Amarnath shrines on her specially adapted tricycle.
Speaking about her spiritual journey, Jyoti, who hails from a village in Uttar Pradesh, stated that her prayers are not for personal gain. “My only prayer is that people follow the right path, take care of their families and the blessings of Mata Rani remain upon them,” she was quoted as saying. Her unique travel companions, Bajrangi the monkey, rescued after its mother died, and Kalu the dog, who has been with her for the past four months, add a touching dimension to her pilgrimage. The ancient Machail Mata temple, dedicated to Goddess Chandi, a manifestation of Durga, is situated in the remote village of Machail in the Paddar valley of Kishtwar district. Nestled amidst the Himalayas, the shrine draws thousands of devotees, particularly from the Jammu region, each August. The annual yatra, which commenced on July 27, is a significant religious event in the region.
Parallel to Jyoti’s inspiring journey, Sunil Kumar, another devotee from Mahoba district in Uttar Pradesh, is continuing his remarkable ‘dandavat yatra’ towards the holy Amarnath cave shrine. Sunil reached Anantnag on the 414th day of his pilgrimage, progressing by crawling face-down on a thermocol sheet, a method that has drawn considerable attention from fellow pilgrims and security personnel alike. “I am undertaking the dandavat yatra to the holy Amarnath shrine. Today is the 414th day of my journey. Baba Amarnath called me,” Sunil stated, expressing his deep spiritual calling. He also extended his gratitude to the security forces, particularly the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), for their continuous assistance throughout his extensive journey, assuring their support until he reaches the sacred Amarnath shrine.
The annual Machail Mata Yatra and the Amarnath Yatra are renowned for attracting thousands of devotees each year, many of whom undertake these challenging pilgrimages as a profound expression of their faith and devotion. This year, the cave shrine of Baba Amarnath has seen an impressive turnout, with over 4.36 lakh pilgrims having paid their respects. The 57-day annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath shrine commenced on July 3 and is scheduled to conclude on August 28, offering a window for spiritual seekers to connect with the divine amidst the majestic Himalayan landscape. These pilgrimages, as reported by Tahir Rihat, consistently provide poignant glimpses into the lives of ordinary individuals whose faith transcends physical limitations, offering inspiring narratives of courage and devotion.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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