The history and significance of Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to embark on a 280-kilometre-long pilgrimage across the Himalayas, following the footsteps of a goddess and her divine ram(male sheep)? If yes, then you might be interested in learning more about the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, one of the most sacred and spectacular festivals of Uttarakhand. In this post, we will explore the history and significance of the yatra, and how it showcases the rich heritage and diversity of Uttarakhand.

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.

What is Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra and how did it start?

The Nanda Devi Raj Jat 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.

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What is the legend behind Nanda Devi Raj Jat 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 ram arrived at Nauti and conveyed Shiva’s proposal to Kushan. Kushan agreed to give his daughter to Shiva, but he asked for some time to prepare for the wedding. He also requested that Shiva come to Nauti personally to take his bride. Shiva agreed and waited patiently for Kushan’s invitation.

How did Nanda Devi leave Nauti with Shiva?

Meanwhile, Kushan arranged a grand farewell ceremony for his daughter. He invited all the kings and nobles of Garhwal and Kumaon to attend the ceremony. Kushan also prepared a palanquin for Nanda Devi, decorated with flowers and jewels. He placed a statue of Nanda Devi inside the palanquin and covered it with a veil. He then asked the four-horned ram to lead the procession from Nauti to Kailash.

The ram started the journey with the palanquin on his back, followed by thousands of people who joined the procession along the way. They sang chantollis (folk songs) in praise of Nanda Devi and Shiva and offered prayers and offerings at various temples en route. The ram crossed many villages, meadows, glaciers, and mountains until he reached Homkund, a glacial lake near Roopkund.

What happened at Homkund?

At Homkund, the ram stopped and refused to move further. The people were puzzled by the ram’s behaviour. They lifted the veil from the palanquin and were shocked to see that it was empty. And realized that Nanda Devi had never left Nauti, but had merged with Shiva in spirit. They also understood that the ram was not an ordinary animal, but a manifestation of Shiva himself. They decided to perform a yagna (sacrifice) at Homkund to honour Nanda Devi and Shiva and to thank them for their blessings.

The yagna was performed by the king of Garhwal, who was impressed by Kushan’s devotion and generosity. He declared that Kushan’s family would be known as Rajputs (royals) from then on and that they would have the privilege of organizing the yatra every 12 years. He also announced that he would donate land and wealth to Kushan’s family for their service to Nanda Devi.

What is the route and schedule of Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra?

The route and schedule of the Nanda Devi Raj Jat 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 Jat 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.
• By 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 Jat Yatra?

The Nanda Devi Raj Jat 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 Jat Yatra is a remarkable festival that showcases the rich heritage and diversity of Uttarakhand. It is a rare opportunity to witness the beauty and majesty of the Himalayas and to experience the culture and faith of the Uttarakhandi people. It is also a test of endurance and devotion, and a chance to connect with oneself and the divine. If you are interested in joining or learning more about the yatra, you can visit the official website of the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board or contact the Rajputs of Nauti. You can also watch [CLICK HERE👈👈👈] this documentary by wildfilmsindia that captures the essence and spirit of the yatra. I hope you found this post informative and inspiring. Do you have any questions or comments about the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra? Please share them in the comment section below. Thank you for reading! 🙏