20/08/2025
𝗞𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗬𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗮 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗢𝗳𝗳 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗕𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗿𝘄𝗮𝗵 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗩𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗸𝗶 𝗞𝘂𝗻𝗱
𝗕𝘆: 𝗗𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗞𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮
Today, August 20th, 2025, Bhadarpad Krishna Dwadsi, the renowned Kailash Yatra, also known as Kun Jattle and Kablas Jatra, set off from Bhadarwah towards the Vasuki Kund, located in the Mt. Bhadra-Kailash region.
According to legend, Nagraj Vasuki, while being pursued by his stepbrother Garuda Maharaj, followed this path to the abode of Lord Shiva at Kailash Kund situated in Bhadra-Kailash. Lord Shiva not only granted protection (Abhaya-daan) to Nagraj Vasuki from Garudaji but also gifted this place to him and departed for Manimahesh Kailash. Every year, devotees of Nagraj Vasuki retrace his journey to Kailash Kund.
In another account, after ensuring the well-being of his subjects, Nagraj Vasuki renounced his kingdom and journeyed to Bhadar-Kailash to worship Lord Shiva. The grieving populace followed him and attempted to bring him back but he didn’t agree and chose to immerse himself in ‘tapasya’. Since then, devotees have continued to visit Vasuki Kund annually along the same route to pay homage to him.
In the morning, the Kailash Yatra begins from Shri Vasuki Nag temple Gatha amidst sounds of conch shells, drums, and wind instruments. The Chelas, carrying the flower-adorned holy mace and images of Nag, lead the procession, followed by a large gathering of devotees. This procession is then joined at Vasuki Chowk Bhadarwah by another group led by Chelas from the Shri Vasuki Nag Temple in Vasakdehra.
A large gathering of devotees, including men, women, young and old, carrying 'niyoj' (offerings) and raising jaikaras, follow the chelas from Vasuki Chowk to the Niyoj temple located just outside the town. The 'niyoj,' consisting of food items, fruits, vegetables, and cash brought by the devotees, is collected here for the use of the pilgrims. Devotees, officials, and prominent citizens of the town bid farewell to the yatra and return from the Niyoj Sthan, while the pilgrims continue their journey towards Kailash Kund.
The yatra passes through Sungli village and, after an overnight stay at Hayiann, ascends through Gowpeda, Ganthak, Ramtund, Bolar, Shank Paddar, and Rishi-Bishi Dall, eventually reaching its destination, Vasuki Kund, the abode of Nagraj Vasuki.
Vasuki Kund, also known as Kablas Dall, is celebrated as the 'Mahatirath and the abode of Nagraj Vasuki' in the Vasuki Puran (Shloka 184). This freshwater lake is located about 21 km from Bhadarwah, at an elevation of approximately 14,000 feet above sea level. It is encircled on three sides by the majestic Bhadar-Kailash peaks, which soar to heights of around 16,000 feet. The lake covers an area of about 3 Sq.Km. It was formed in a volcanic crater and is filled with crystal-clear water from rainfall, groundwater, and melted ice. Surrounding Kailash Kund are several smaller lakes named after various divinities, such as Saraswati Dall, Bhadarkali Dall, Kalinaag Dall, Rishi-Bishi Dall, and Kalinaag Dall. On the shoreline of the lake, an elegant temple dedicated to Nagraj Vasuki and Maharaj Jimootvahan stands alongside massive trishuls.
Meanwhile, Yatras coming from various regions converge at Vasuki Dall, carrying holy maces and images of their presiding Nag deities. The Yatra of Mahalnag from Kailar and that of Shri Vasuki Nag from Dudu Basantgarh (Udhampur) arrive via the Seoj Valley, while the Yatra from Duggan Billawar (Kathua) descends through Saraswati Dall to reach Vasuki Kund.
Upon arrival, the Chelas from these different regions perform ritual bath and then place their maces, trishuls, and images at designated spots called Mandaai, located near the temple. Besides the main yatra and Charhi from Gatha, the other yatras and charhis at Vasuki Kund include from Vasakdehra,
Throughout the night, as devotional songs are sung and religious activities take place, the Chelas enter a trance-like state known as Bhar or Grihini, where they respond to the queries of devotees. On behalf of the deities, they offer predictions and suggest remedies for the devotees' troubles.
The next morning, the Yatra returns.
While most people accompany the Chadi Mubarak (holy mace) and follow the traditional Yatra route, many choose alternative paths to reach Kailash Kund. A significant number of tourists opt to make an overnight stop in the serene, picturesque Seoj Valley, where they enjoy camping, lighting campfires, dancing, singing, and partying.
With the opening of the Bhadarwah-Bani-Basohli road, it has become possible to begin the ascent to the Dall from Chatagala Dhar. This route is becoming increasingly popular due to its shorter distance and time-saving benefits.
District Administration DODA
Jammu Tourism
Ministry of Culture, Government of India
Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Incredible India
