nanda devi raj jat yatra 2014

NANDA DEVI RAJ JAT YATRA 2013www.nandadevirajjaat.com www.charmachan.com

Raj Jat

Considered to be the  Mahakumbh of Himalaya and an  excellent example of vibrant culture of hill state of Uttarakhand, Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra offers a kaleidoscopic view of the colorful lives of the Garhwal and Kumoun people .Coupled with the harmony  that exist in the region and respect and love to their pampered daughter Goddess  Nanda, the rich cultural heritage , abundance of  natural and aesthetic beauty ,simplicity of life high ridge mountains with deep gorges are some of the few points that make Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra irresistible. Visitors are lost amidst common under current of spirituality , love compassion that is in ta air when s/he is part of the Raj Jat. come lets be a part of it and celebrate the Mahakumbh of Himalaya.

A royal pilgrimage though the precipitous mountains since time immemorial showcasing the vibrant culture and  tradition of Garhwal and Kumaun rooted in the mythology and in folklore  Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra  or otherwise Mahakumbh of Himalaya is resemblance of post nuptial ceremony of any Hindu marriage in which the whole of Garhwal and Kumoun bid a farewell and escort their pampered daughter Goddess Nanda to her consort the lord Shiva place . Perhaps it is the faith and intense devotion that keeps a smile all their way through the torturous path  that helps  them survive cheerfully in these extremely harsh condition.

In Brief

Nanda Devi Raj Jat also known as Raj Jat ( royal pilgrimage),  an important religious event of the Garhwal region of India, is to take the Goddess Nanda to  abode of her consort  lord Shiva at  Gangeri peak  . Involving a long trek of 280 Kms and 21 days, this Raj Jat Yatra is taken up every after 12 years after elaborate preparation by the royal family and patron now living at Nauti village and Kunwar of Kansuar villages. The Raj Jat Yatra is a resemblance of Hindu tradition of  postnuptial rite of ceremonially escorting  and seeing of daughter by maternal relatives to her in lows place .thousands of devotees gathered and become part of the ceremony as Goddess Nanda  leaves for her husband lord Shiva’s  home with all her personal effects and dowry.

The Tradition That Follow….

The Raj Jat starts with an interesting note when priest and patrons as per the tradition followed since time immemorial assemble and put their heads together to draw a time schedule and to prepare a schedule and itinerary for the retinue to reach the destination on the particular auspicious date. In the month of Bhadon ( August & September ) on succeeding new moon. The objective is to reach Homkund for performing the special rituals related to the Raj Jatyatra.

As soon as the time schedule is finalize, the customary chief patron of the event and  the prince of Kansuwa arrives in Nauti  in order to seek the blessings of the Goddess and organize the Raj Jat . the offering that he brings after getting Sreeyantra  include  Ringal-Ki-Chhantoli, a specially prepared umbrella and a four horned ram(sheep) . The Ringal-Ki-Chhantoli become the seat of deity here onwards and Serve the purpose of placing the idol of Goddess  Nanda on it ,which is made of gold . 

The four horned ram( sheep) ,which took birth with an indication from the Goddess itself in the local village of which the owner is informed before the birth of the ram, acts as guide and  the carrier of personal effects of the Goddess.  The most Surprising and interesting part of the Raj Jat Yatra is in fact the four horn ram who leads the whole Raj Jat on the tortuous trek and most interestingly  when it rests during the night, it sleeps near the image of the Goddess only. On the  final day of the journey at Homkund  after the final ritual is performed , the ram leaves alone ( or with Goddess ) towards the snow-clad peaks  beyond which human kind are not allowed to go . Surprisingly  the ram never come back and gets lost in the wilderness and left a trail of mystery behind ….

The Genesis If Any

Wrapped in mystery Nanda Devi Raj Jat is an ancient tradition which has been in vogue in the region for a long time.  Most of the scholars traced the genesis of the Raj Jat to date back in 9^th century or even before that. If folk songs associate with the Raj Jat , famously known as Jater to be believed,  King Shalipal of Chandpur Garhi is believed to  have laid the foundation of this tradition. He directed the royal priests to worship the Goddess according to his instructions which are followed till date.

If  Jater ( folk songs associated with the Raj Jat ) is to be believed After performing special rituals  of the other Goddesses-Bhumial Devi (Goddess Earth), Utrai Devi and Archna Devi and Archna Devi and all popular deities of the region, he than preserved a meticulous record of the Raj Jat  to escort Goddess Nanda to her in-law’s place after every 12 years. The responsibility of conducting the Raj Jat every after 12 years was entrusted with his royal priests residing at Nauti village with the help of royal patronage and local people. To help the royal priest to perform all rites and rituals concerns with the event and for smooth conduction of the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra The king than  authorized his younger brother settled in the nearby village of Kansava to represent the royal house .

The Sojourn and The Sanctity

It is since that day and till now the tradition is alive with more participation, enthusiasm and devotion and with more vibrancy by patrons and followers.  Tradition of the Raj Jat is continued to this day and  After every 12 years, it originates from Nauti after elaborate rituals.  To make it feel more close to understand , in brief The image of the Goddess placed in Ringal ki Chantoli and offering( dowry offered by relatives/villagers  of the Goddess) are taken in a procession, accompanied by bare footed devotees. In the whole procession the followers and devotees make it a point to remain with the procession in body and soul, observing self-control and taking food and direction for any deed according to the prescribed instruction only and also participate in fervent rendition of Jater as well as devotional songs and dance. The Raj Jath halts at nights  at prescribed places and in the villagesfalling in the route .People of the particular village where halt is made turn up in large number to have Darshan of their Goddess/daughter who is making her way to her in lows place  and to make offering and to join the Raj Jat till yatra concludes . With every passing by day the group size increases and so the enthusiasm , devotion , bonding and of course the altitude . the atmosphere is now filled with the joy and a sense of devotion and spirituality. When night halts are made at specific villages prescribed and on the itinerary, all necessary arrangement of the Raj Jat are already made well in advance in these places .the lodging and boarding arrangement of the retinue are made by the villagers voluntarily and as told the rituals are performed at every halt in every villages in the night and in the morning. Interesting to note here is that not only people from the villages where Raj Jat makes halt join the entourage but also people from the nearby villages join the procession with their Ringal ki Chantoli ( special design umbrella) and idols placed on it. Till now prominent among such villages were the groups and Ringal Ki Chantoli of  Kurud near Ghat, Lata near Tapovan and Almora in Kumoun. The widespread popularity of the event is such that this year in 2013 the Chantoli( special made umbrella with idol placed on it) of Kedarnath valley will also join the Raj Jat which is perhaps 200 kms from the procession area . Some 500 different idols and Chantoli are expected to assemble this year at Waan village ,the last maternal village of the Goddess influence . As a  part of the tradition it is customary in this village to keep all house open and in a ready  for use by the Raj Jat devotees . The doors are kept unlocked on the day the Raj Jat arrives here.

Tearful Farewell

On last day of the Raj Jat Just like any Hindu marriage farewell, the priest and devotee at Homkund after performing necessary rituals load their offering ( dowry )  for their Goddess/Daughter on the four horn ram . Like any bridal ,The Goddess is decorated in special bridal make up and is given a tearful farewell. The atmosphere itself is too emotional and one cannot stop tears falling from his/her eyes as the pampered daughter/Goddess Nanda is leaving us with a promise to make her appearance after 12 years. It is a pathetic scene with all the devotees in tears, as if they are bidding farewell to their own daughter, leaving home to meet her husband. Mysteriously the four horned ram proceeds itself all alone  onwards Kailash the abode of Lord Shiva on its own. Widely revered by one and all in the region the peak is part of Nanda Parvat and is one of the highest mountain peak in the region and in the world. The overwhelming local association with the Goddess Nanda can be verified with the very fact that  they become incredibly sentimental and break into tears when they sing the songs / Jatar associates with their revered Goddess whom they regard as a pampered daughter of their own

Himalayan Daughter and Her Popularity

The popularity of the pampered daughter of the hills Goddess Nanda can be measured with the fact that whole of Garhwal and Kumoun is dotted with the Nanda temples here and there.  Nauti, Kurur, , Kulsari, Chandpur Navdkesri, Lohajang, Shila Devrada, Nandakot Vaidini, Srinagar, Samudra Sink, Devikhet, Nandprayag, Gopeshwar, Helang, Lat, Niti and Badrinath are some of the prominent places in the Garhwal region where one can find temples of Goddess Nanda. On similar note in Kumoun region Nainital, , Shuwbhgash, , Almora Munsyari, Doonagiri, Baijnath Jageshwar, Ranikhet and  Bageshwar are some of the important places where one can find the temple of Goddess Nanda.  Not just religious or spiritual but also a symbol of unity in the garhwal and Kumoun hill which act as a binding force and cultural unity between the people of the region Nanda Devi Raj JatYatrais truly a Kumbh of Himalaya.

The Legend Speaks

The close association of King Jasdhaval of Kannauj  with Raj Jatis is  well known in the region . Legend is vallabha , king Jasdhaval’s queen , was the daughter of rulers of Chandapur (Garhwal) and a distance sister of Goddess Nanda. In past Goddess didn’t accept the offer of invitation to make her present in a ritual (yagya) performed by king because her consort lord Shiva was neglected and was not offered an invitation to attend the ceremony and ritual.

 After many years passed by once upon a time, when Goddess Nanda, noticing lord Shiva is in deep meditation, with her friends went for a voyage and entered Kannoj ; Valabha was surprised to see her and sarcastically taunt her as well for Goddess Nanda  never accept an offer of invitation in past  and now without invitation why Nanda is in kingdom. However Vallabha ask Goddess Nanda for her wish that she would want as a part of custom .While leaving Goddess Nanda ask for whole kingdom in return which was denied by Vallabha her sister vehemently. Which Goddess took as an disrespect to her wish and gets angry and cursed the whole Kannoj for there will be no produce and a situation of famine , draught and other calamities will engulf the whole kingdom . The result was visible.

Now the royal priest divine the reason and advice king to participate and perform Raj JatYatra . As advised the king along with queen Vallabha , prince Jadeel , and pricess Jadeela and a huge entourage which was including dancing girls and musicians arrived and joined the Raj Jat in  Waan village. Showing no respect to Raj  Jat they did not remove shoes ,did not accept offering and prohibit taking food from the Raj Jat.also against the norms of the Raj Jatthey held a dancing session near Roopkund. Since then, the place is known as Patar Nachonia (the spot where dance was organized and performed) The queen who was pregnant delivered in a cave about four kms from Roopkund. The royal entourage had to make a night halt there.

The disrespect towards the holy Raj Jat shown by the king was enough to earn a wrath of Goddess Nanda .the sanctity of the Raj Jat was spoiled by otherwise prohibited  troop of dancer and their performance  coupled with the delivery of queen in the cave which has blemished  the holy water of Roopkund also. The heavy snowfall followed by a deadly avalanche was the result that night in which the entire entourage perished. Some persons are believed to have slipped and drowned into the Roopkund lake .The dancing girls and troops are believed to have turn into rocks in circles and which can be witnessed even today. This accident and wrath of Goddess Nanda was believed to have e taken place in 900 A.D. Since then because king Jasdhaval was considered to be the ancestor of prince of Kansua (royal family who organize the Raj Jat ) the tradition of offering homage to the king and family  is performed at this point.

PLACES TO SEE

Roopkund: Riddle of the Death “the Skelton lake”

Mystery is the only description and address of the lake. A lake situated at an altitude of 5029 enroute Nanda Devi Raj JatYatra is rather shallow having a depth of about 2 mts. With the edges covered with snow for most part of the year, when there is no snow one can see the human skeletons with flash still attached to it. These skeletons have been preserved by Mother Nature for centuries and which makes the lake even more mysterious.  Carbon dating of the skeletons and a research carried out by national geography in 2005 has only strengthen the believe and folklore.  Enroute Raj Jat offering magnificent views of the Trishul, N anda Ghunti and Badrinath peaks it only adds to the aesthetic beauty of nature and makes one feel wonder and surrender to almighty.

Bedini Bugyal/Vaitarani : one of the best camping sight in the lap of Himalaya Situated at an altitude of 3354 mts  carpeted with soft, green grass  Bedni Bugyal is a Himalayan alpine meadow on the way to Roopkund trek close to Waan. The smiling kids, farmers plowing and women with the local carriage are the sight enroot that never makes you feel tired. Myriad variety of flowers Patches in meadows is an added beauty to the nature and left you make a wish that the time get stopped here. Though indescribable Unmatchable, unimaginable and unbelievable are the words that one uttered again and again. The trail that follow the route to Bedni Bugyal is from thh village Waan to the  ridge of Rankiyadhar to the descent of river Neelganga and after crossing the river a steep climb through the jungle dotted with the tree of rhododendron and oak.enroute places are Gairoli Patal and dolia dhar with a temple .

Shila Samundar Perhaps the most beautiful spot in the entire Raj Jat Yatra . At the height of 14000 ft in a valley dotted with the peaks and huge snow covered Boulders  and water flowing and coming from every possible end this place is the falling base of most of the glaciers enroute. The irony is that you may fall in love with this place but not in a position to feel and express it.
Pattar Nachoniya : after crossing Bedni Bugyal the next halt is  the legendary Pattar Nachonia near Roopkund where King Jasdhaval is said to have held the dancing session and made his  female courtesans dance. The stone arranged in a circle at this spot are said to be the dancing girl which were turn to stone. This accident and wrath of Goddess Nanda was believed to have taken place in 900 A.D. Since then because king Jasdhaval was considered to be the ancestor of prince of Kansua ( royal family who organize the Raj Jat ) the tradition of offering homage to the king and family  is performed at this point.

Lohajang : the base camp for many important trekking route including Roopkund trek, Bedni Bugyal trek and Kuari Pass trek, Lohajang is situated at the height of 2280 mts from the sea level. The trek is seven kms upward from Bakargad. Enroute you will find lush green meadows and you can see the entire range of snow clapped Himalayas. Although the trek is a test of your strength and patience the route make one forget the perils of the arduous trek. Option of motorabe  road is now available from Ghat.

Wann : famous for the shrine of Laatu devta ( Brother of Goddess Nanda)and last village of maternal influence of Goddess Nanda village of Bann is located at a distance of 5 kms from Lohajang. Dotted with oak and deodar jungle the route is uphill but wide enough and comfortable. The inhibitants are palso shepherds and farmers. The typical style suited to the mountains and region the dwelling units are mostly single storied with a slop .for the Raj Jatthe doors of the locals are open always as in to welcome the guest of their very own . a famous gateway to all the treks including Roopkundtrek , Bedni Bugyal trek and Kuari Pass Trek..

Gangotri Cave : This cave is where the pregnant queen of the Jasdhaval, Vallabha, delivered a child.

Kaliuva Vinayak : a famous idol of lord Ganesha warshipped as kailura vinayaka this place is 6 kms from pattar nacholiya at an altitude of 3000 mts.

Bagwawasa : famous for flower of  brahmkamals. A mystical ambiance created by the aroma of these flowers gives asence of heaven on earth is unmatchable. Perhaps the name that this place derive  from the point that ahead of it is Jura Gali or the valley of death ,an steep descent and therefore if one has a wish to remain live s/he has to make this place the dwelling point.

Itinerary

Day 1 Kansua to Nauti :The initiation of the spiritual sojourn .the sending back of Goddess to her in lows place is aNn atmosphere filled with  mix of joy and painfull feeling of separation  seperation from daughter as well . thelog day end with the rituals performed by the Kunwar of Kansua  pilgrimage accompanied by jatar . Jatar -which is a mix of eulogy to Goddess Nanda and pain of separation from her..

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Day 2 Nauti to Erabadhani:The Raj Jat starts picking up and people starts joining the entourage from here onwards .the next halt would be  village Erabadhani  where the first offering to the Goddess would be made when she reached there .each household in the village try to make offering to her goddess who is a daughter of the village also .

Day 3 Erabadhan to Nauti.back:From here the Chantoli of Goddess join the Raj Jat as a symbol in which idol of the Goddess Nanda would be  placed .the obtaining of sreeyanta by Kunwar of Kansua in order to take permission and  to led the procession  to the destination .

Day 4 Nauti to Kansua:Important because the special made  Ringal ki Chantoli  are being offered by the  royal family  and custom of dowry to their bellowed daughter Goddess Nanda is followed  . The whole of village gathered to have darshan and to bid farewell to the daughter of the village  . Tears in the eyes of the locals and Jater which has a mix of eulogy and pain of separation is  a common site . Legend has that goddess cry while leaving her home and in a complaining tone she is asking why she is being sent to a place where there is no life  in distance and that the conditions are not good.

Day 5 Kansua to Sem .10 kms .motorable also.chatoli:The Raj Jat is picking up and with every passing by day there is addition of devotees .Chantoli from nearby villages and  and offering to the effect of Goddess Nanda are being offered after performing rituals and making necessary arrangement for the night stay to the retinue.

Day 6 Sem to Koti .10 kms:The atmosphere is now filled with joy, enthusiasm, devotion and spirituality . The entourage now looks like a family under the umbrella of Goddess Nanda .the materialistic aspect of life seems to be a distance cry as the visitors and devotees are lost amidst the undercurrent of spirituality .

Day 7 Koti to  Bhagoti:The next halt is a small hamlet Bhagoti in the lap of Himalaya .  The simplicity that goddess Nanda has bestowed upon the people of this village is quite noticeable.The selfless approach of the people itself is a  real treat to the visitors otherwise accustom to the worldly and materialistic approach.

Day 8 Bhagoti to  Kulsyari:The 10 kms trek lead us to the village of Kulsyari where the chantioli of the nearby village and devotee will join the entourage.

day 9 Kulsyari to chepadu:A true mirror image of Garhwal region of India . the trek to  village Chepdu all its way  will be witnessing the peak of Trishul and Nanda Koti glorifying the Himalaya itself. Seeing from the top is the view of a serpentine river leading her way to the destination.

Day 10 Chepdu to Nandkeshai- 6 kms:It looks like the whole of universe has converse in order to bid a farewell to Goddess Nanda Thousands and perhaps lakhs of devotees are gathered now and benefiting by being the part of blessed journey .the night halt at Nandkeshari is made and after performing the rituals the journey is set  with a promise to reach the destination .

Day 11Nandkeshari to Faldiya .halt .chatoli.8 kms:The halt at Faldiya is accompanied by the inclusion of chantoli at the village. After performing rituals and Pooja the Raj Jat moves ahead to Mundoli.

Day 12Faldiya to mundoli -10 kms. Beautill village:Known for its aesthetic beauty this place is worth admiration .most of the trekker to Roopkund , bedni Bugyal or Kuari pass always tried to make their way through this tiny but beaut village.one cannot stop falling in love with the beauty of this Himalayan village in Garhwal .

Day 13Mundoli TO  Waan:The ascent of the Raj Jat start from here and an increase in the altitude is experienced. Walk is not difficult but a bit long.  From here the path to Lohajung leads through  marvelous view of Trishul  peak.

Famous for the shrine of Laatu devta ( Brother of Goddess Nanda)and last village of maternal influence of Goddess Nanda village of Bann is located at a distance of 5 kms from Lohajang. Dotted with oak and deodar jungle the route is uphill but wide enough and comfortable. The inhibitants are palso shepherds and farmers. The typical style suited to the mountains and region the dwelling units are mostly single storied with a slop .for the Raj Jat the doors of the locals are open always as in to welcome the guest of their very own.

Day 14 Waan to Gairoli Pathar. Bedni bugyal.trek 10 kms:The trail that follow the route to Gairoli patal  is- from the village Waan to the  ridge of Rankiyadhar to the descent of river Neelganga and after crossing the river a steep climb through the jungle dotted with the tree of rhododendron and oak.

Day 15 Gairoli pathar to pathar nachnia 12 kms:The trail from Gairoli patal is continue and gradual . The left to the ridge is a breathtaking view of the peak of trishul and Nanda Ghunti during this trek. From this point the trail moves on to the true right of the valley and becomes almost flat until it reaches Patar Nachaniya. Following this the  trail ascends steeply to reach the top of the ridge marked with the Temple of Ganesha. A further 01 Kms brings Raj Jat  to Bagubassa. marked with open rocky structures. Justifying its name tha Baguabassa is a place full of flowers including Brahmkamal –A specially godly lotus found only at high altitude in Himalaya  .

Day 16 Pather Nachonia to Shila Samundar .via roopkund..jura gali.15 kms:A Treat to body and soul the D day is here .Most interesting but Treacherous enough to make one pull back himself from  the Raj Jat day will began today early in the morning. The numbers of devotee and visitor  in the retinue  will start dwindling sharply and only who can challenges the extreme can accompany the Raj Jat.But yes ,the reward is also more than one could expect. Mystery, joy, sense of being at top, a treat to eye and most importantly one of the best view for a climber in the world are a real mix of achievement one can take his bag filled with.

Day 16 Shila Samundar to Homkund.16 kms:The spiritualty has a mix of emotions now. the day has come when the Goddess Nanda will be set on her course to her in lows abode to Kailas. A deep sense of separation from the goddess and from the family that was made during the spiritual journey will be there.one can barely stop himself /herself from breaking into tears after bidding farewell.

 Day 17 Homkund to chandenia ghaat to sutol16 kms:After breakfast early in the morning start the day trek to Sutal, down gradually. The aim is to reach Sutol , the traditional village with tilted roof .the group has no leader or the direction now but the memory and a company.

Day 18 Sutol to  Ghaat , Nandprayag to Nauti 25 kms.

Day 19Any additional chatoli mey change the direction.but ll hv to b part of raaj jat..

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