Shri Hudh Mata Trisandhya Yatra A journey of the soul

Ashok Sharma
The serene landscapes of Jammu and Kashmir, often lauded for their heavenly beauty, are also home to innumerable holy shrines and sacred trails that echo with tales of divinity, devotion and heritage. Among these revered paths lies the Shri Hudh Mata shrine to where an annual pilgrimage is conducted, that transcends the realm of ritual and connects thousands of devotees with an ancient spiritual legacy. This yatra is more than just a religious procession—it’s a soulful journey amidst unspoiled nature, mythological wonder and unshakable faith.
Commencement of the Yatra:
Every year, during the sacred month of Ashad, a large number of devotees from Kishtwar and other parts of the country converge for the Hudh Mata Trisandhya Yatra. Organized under the aegis of Shri Hudh Mata Trisandhya Yatra Prabhandak Committee, Dachhan (Kishtwar), the 2025 edition of the yatra began on June 27, 2025, from the historic Panch Narayan Mandir, located in Dharallan Nagri, Kathua.
The pilgrims, carrying a profound sense of spiritual longing, first reached the Shri Ranbireshwar Mandirin Jammu, from where a grand Shobha Yatra paraded through the city’s main bazaars, resonating with chants, bhajans and devotion. The first night halt of the yatra was be at the Belicharana Hudh Mandir, Jammu.
The journey resumed early morning on June 28, heading towards Kishtwar and includes night halts at Sarkoot, Sounder, Dilgooth, Gowkooth and Anant Nallah (Dachhan). The pilgrims are expected to reach the Ram Mandir in Dilgooth by July 2, after which they will proceed to pay obeisance at sacred sites like Trisandhya Mata, Doodh Ganga, Brahm Sarovar, Brahm Parvat and others.
Geography and Natural Setting
The Hudh Mata Shrine is nestled at an altitude of about 2,900 meters, approximately 85 kilometers from Kishtwar and 320 kilometers from Jammu, in the beautiful village of Anant Nallah, Tehsil Dachhan, District Kishtwar. Located near the majestic Brahma Peak, this sacred cave shrine is a true blend of spiritual sanctity and mesmerizing natural beauty.
The pilgrims trek nearly 30 kilometers on foot from Dangdhuroo to Hudh Mata Bhawan, a route blessed with gurgling streams, sacred groves, bubbling springs and panoramic views of untouched mountain ranges. This leg of the journey is not just physically challenging but spiritually uplifting, as the chanting of ‘Jai Mata Di’ reverberates through the valleys, charging the air with divine energy.
Divine Manifestation: The Hudh Mata Shrine
The Hudh Mata Shrine is revered as the abode of Shiva’s divine family—Lord Shiva, Mata Sati/Parvati and Lord Ganesha. Inside a small cave, three naturally formed Shiv lingams, resembling those in Shiv Khori (Reasi), are worshipped. Just like in the Vaishno Devi cave, the entrance here is narrow and mystically inviting.
What makes this cave unique is the continuous flow of milky-white water from the cave’s ceiling, falling directly upon the Shivlingams without any identifiable source. Pilgrims believe this celestial water is a form of divine nectar, symbolizing the blessings of the Tridevi.
Mythology and Legends
No pilgrimage in India is complete without its divine tales—narratives passed down from one generation to the next, enriching the soul of the journey. The Shri Hudh Mata Yatra is no exception. It is steeped in legendary episodes from the Treta Yug, involving none other than Daksha Prajapati, Mata Sati and Lord Shiva.
The Legend of Daksha Yagya
According to the legend, Daksha Prajapati, the father of Mata Sati, organized a grand Yagya (sacrificial fire). While all gods and goddesses were invited, Lord Shiva and Mata Sati were deliberately left out. Hurt but determined, Mata Sati insisted on attending even though Lord Shiva warned her that uninvited guests often face humiliation. Sadly, her fears came true. Disrespected by her own family, Sati self-immolated in the Havan Kund, sacrificing herself in a blaze of yogic fire.
An enraged Lord Shiva destroyed the Yagya and beheaded Daksha. Later, on the intercession of the gods, Shiva resurrected Daksha with the head of a he-goat. With his consort gone, Shiva roamed the cosmos carrying her charred body on his shoulders, mourning in divine despair. To end this cosmic disturbance, Lord Vishnu used his Sudarshan Chakra to dismember Sati’s body, with each piece falling in a different location—thus forming the sacred Shakti Peeths.
One such divine part is believed to have fallen at the Hudh Mata location. Over time, the term ‘Hutt’, meaning ‘to offer’, morphed linguistically into ‘Hudh’, giving the shrine its present name.
The Devotion of Mahanand
Another endearing legend tells of a devout villager named Mahanand, who undertook the arduous climb to the shrine daily. As he aged, the journey became increasingly difficult. In prayerful surrender, he asked the goddess to come closer to his home. The next morning, to his astonishment, he found the shrine had shifted downhill by half a kilometer. This divine relocation made daily worship possible for him. The original site, now known as Hudh Kund, still bears the hollow imprint of the original shrine’s seat.
Other Sacred Sites Enroute
The Yatra is not confined to a single shrine. Along the route lie several other mystical and scenic places that add spiritual charm and natural elegance to the journey.
Trisandhya Mata Shrine
Situated about 3 kilometers is the Hudh Mata Shrine. Trisandhya is a mystical stream which remains dry for most parts of the day and then suddenly gushes forth with full force. Pilgrims who are fortunate enough to witness its sudden flow take a dip in its waters, believing it brings good fortune.
Doodh Ganga
Originating from the Brahma Peak, the waters of Doodh Ganga appear like milk when they gush forth and mix with the sand. This natural marvel further intensifies the mysticism surrounding the yatra.
Brahma Parvat and Brahmsar
The towering Brahma Parvat, believed to be the seat of Lord Brahma, remains an unconquered and pristine peak. Below this mountain lies Brahmsar, a sacred pond where devotees take a holy dip. Pilgrims believe that the yatra remains spiritually incomplete without bathing in this divine sarovar.
Shri Ram Mandir at Kaikooth
Amid gentle meadows and wooden terrains lies the beautiful Shri Ram Mandir, built in the 17th century during the reign of Raja Maha Singh. Crafted in cedar wood, this temple provides not just spiritual solace but also a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural history.
Tunnel Dhonagradh and Pandava Legends
Another attraction is Tunnel Dhonagradh, believed to be a passage leading all the way to Ladakh. Legends say that Bhima, one of the Pandavas, bathed at Bheem ka Jharna here during their exile. Devotees can also find the hand and foot prints of Mata Kunti etched in the rocks, preserving echoes of the Mahabharata era.
Organization and Logistics
The entire pilgrimage is well-coordinated by the Shri Hudh Mata Trisandhya Yatra Prabhandak Committee, in cooperation with local residents. The committee ensures free boarding and lodging, basic medical care and security arrangements for all the pilgrims. The Holy Mace (Chhari Mubarak)of the Goddess is carried ahead of the group, providing symbolic guidance and spiritual protection.
Devotees are advised to carry raincoats, warm clothes and comfortable trekking shoes, as the region experiences unpredictable weather and high-altitude chills.
Spiritual Significance and Universal Appeal
One of the most beautiful aspects of this pilgrimage is its inclusive nature. People of all faiths and backgrounds participate, united by their belief in divine grace and the miraculous power of Hudh Mata. Devotees come seeking healing, fulfillment of wishes, or simply to surrender in spiritual bliss. Some return for the natural beauty, others for a connection with the sacred past.
In every step of the yatra, in every chant and every sigh of exhaustion followed by divine exhilaration, lies the story of undying faith—faith in a divine mother who listens, responds and blesses.
A Journey of the Soul
The Shri Hudh Mata Trisandhya Yatra is not just a religious trek. It is a path of self-realization, cultural rediscovery and natural immersion. It is where mythology breathes in the air and the mountains narrate stories of gods and devotees alike. It is a pilgrimage that purifies not just the body but also the soul. Let this pilgrimage unite us in faith, heritage and the eternal hope of divine grace.
Jai Mata Di! Jai Hudh Mata Ki!

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