Every twelve years, the sacred soil of Uttarakhand resonates with the sound of chants, traditional drums, and the divine call of Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra. Known as the "Mahakumbh of the Himalayas", this remarkable pilgrimage is a living symbol of Uttarakhand’s cultural identity and deep spiritual heritage.
Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra Route and Its Journey
Table of Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra Stops
| No. | Stop Name | Description Summary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Idabadhani | First night halt from Nauti; Goddess Nanda begins her journey through villages. |
| 2 | Nauti | Returns for second halt; receives worship at multiple villages en route. |
| 3 | Kansuwa | Grand welcome at royal ancestral village; worship of four-horned ram begins. |
| 4 | Sem | Visits royal capital Chandpur Garhi; joins with other village groups. |
| 5 | Koti | Ascends to Koti; special prayers offered; new processions join in. |
| 6 | Bhagoti | Famous wrestling event among goddess’s warriors; major local fair. |
| 7 | Kulsari | Crosses maternal border; greeted with great honor at in-laws' region. |
| 8 | Chepdanyu | Devi’s stay at her maternal uncle's home; grand evening vigil. |
| 9 | Nandakeshari | Temple cluster; legend of the goddess hiding in a tree; major gathering point. |
| 10 | Phaldia Gaon | Path leads through cursed field; legend of angered goddess and barren land. |
| 11 | Mundoli | Many join from here for final leg; symbolic tradition of memorial tree planting. |
| 12 | Wan (Waan) | Major deity convergence; Latu Devta takes charge; base for glacier ascent. |
| 13 | Gairoli Patal | Ran Ki Dhar; sacred stream crossing; rest at Gairoli amidst pine forests. |
| 14 | Patar Nachauniya | Legendary place of cursed dancers; high altitude floral zone. |
| 15 | Shila Samudra | Glacier terrain; sacred sunrise; story of royal army’s fall at Roopkund. |
| 16 | Channiyan Ghat | Final rites at Homkund; 4-horned ram sent to Kailash; descent begins. |
| 17 | Sutol | Warm welcome by villagers; deities begin their return. |
| 18 | Ghat | Final halting point before returning to Nauti via transport. |
| 19 | Return to Nauti | Completion of the journey; rituals end; devotees return home. |
The Royal Declaration and Sacred Start at Kansuwa and Nauti
The sacred journey of Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra officially begins with a royal declaration. The Rajvanshi Kunwar of Kansuwa arrives at Nauti village, carrying the ceremonial “Chhatoli” and the symbolic four-horned ram (Chausinga Khadu). The Chhatoli carries a golden idol of Goddess Nanda Devi, representing her divine presence during the yatra.
Interestingly, Nauti village—though the main starting point—does not have a temple or idol of Nanda Devi. Instead, a Sri Yantra was buried here in the 9th century by King Shalipal, signifying the sacredness of the site.
With traditional rituals performed for the Chhatoli and Chausinga Khadu, the yatra formally begins. Thousands of devotees, chanting hymns and praises of Nanda Devi, set out on this long spiritual journey. The Chausinga Khadu leads the procession, followed by devotees walking behind in deep devotion.
Passing Through Kansuwa, Chandpur, and Kulshari
Upon reaching Kansuwa, the Chhatoli is ceremonially handed over to the Dewdi priests of Koti Chandpur, who take responsibility for continuing the journey. Along the route, Chandpur's twelve Thok Brahmins also join with their symbolic Chhatolis.
At Chandpur Garhi, the royal family of Garhwal performs worship of Nanda Devi. Meanwhile, selected devotees called Pomaris carry the deities’ offerings and supplies on their backs.
Kulshari holds great ritual importance in the yatra. At midnight on Amavasya (new moon night), the underground Kali Yantra in the Kali temple is unearthed and worshipped with secret rituals. It is then buried again until the next Raj Jat, which occurs after 12 years.
Significant Halt at Nandkeshari and Arrival at Wan Village
The procession halts at Nandkeshari, where the idol of Nanda Devi from Kurod village joins the yatra. The priests of Kurod then take over the Chhatoli for the next part of the journey. Moving forward through many sacred halts, the yatra reaches Wan village—the last inhabited village on the route.
Wan is home to the revered Latu Devta, considered the spiritual brother of Nanda Devi. He is worshipped before Nanda Devi and receives a goat sacrifice. His temple is opened only during the Raj Jat Yatra, once every twelve years. Worship inside the temple is performed exclusively by Nautiyal Brahmins; others must offer their prayers from outside. After the rituals, the temple is sealed again until the next Raj Jat.
The Forbidden Path Beyond Wan
By the time the procession reaches Wan, more than 194 symbolic representations (nishans) of various deities have joined. Ritual umbrellas made of Bhojpatra (birch bark) and Chhatolis from regions like Lava, Dasholi, Almora, and Kot Bhramari become part of the yatra.
After Wan, the journey becomes difficult and highly restrictive. From Rinki Dhar onwards, leather items like belts and shoes, musical instruments, women, children, and non-vegetarian-consuming communities are prohibited from proceeding further, in accordance with age-old spiritual guidelines.
From Bugyals to Rupkund: Myths and Mysteries Unfold
As the yatra continues through Gairoli Patal, Vaitarani, Bedini Kund, and Patar Nachauniyan, it finally reaches the mystical lake Rupkund, located at about 16,000 feet.
The scenic Bedini Bugyal (high-altitude meadow) offers a visual respite to the weary pilgrims. The stop at Patar Nachauniyan is surrounded by a local legend—King Yashodhaval, who brought dancers and musicians against the sacred code, was warned by the goddess. When he ignored the warning and arranged a performance at night, the goddess turned the dancers into stone. Stone formations resembling a circular dance arena still exist there today. As punishment for repeated disrespect, the king is believed to have met his doom at Rupkund.
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Rupkund: A Lake of Bones and Divine Judgement
Rupkund is a mysterious glacial lake where remains of human skeletons, clothing, jewelry, weapons, and ritual items like conches, bells, rudraksha beads, and damarus have been found. According to legend, these are the remains of King Yashodhaval, his family, and attendants who perished due to the wrath of the goddess for violating the sacred codes of the yatra.
Some historians believe the remains could belong to Zorawar Singh’s army, but most evidence—including attire and accessories—resembles Rajasthani style, and radiocarbon dating estimates the remains to be 600–800 years old. During the yatra, Nautiyal Brahmins perform ancestral rites (tarpan) at Rupkund, further supporting its connection to royal lineages.
Homkund: The Final Destination and Divine Farewell
After Rupkund, the procession reaches Junargali Pass and finally Homkund, the final point of the Raj Jat. Here, pujas are performed for Goddess Nanda Devi, and the symbolic Chhatoli and Chausinga Khadu are offered to the goddess.
In a powerful and emotional moment, the Chausinga Khadu, believed to be blessed by the goddess herself, walks alone toward Mount Kailash, carrying divine offerings. Locals believe this is a miraculous act guided by divine energy, and that the Khadu reaches Kailash unscathed, symbolizing Nanda Devi’s safe return to her husband, Lord Shiva.
Return to Nauti and Final Celebrations
After the farewell at Homkund, the remaining members of the yatra, including the Nautiyal priests and Rajvanshi Kunwars, return to Nauti village. While they were away, people in Nauti conduct spiritual events such as Bhagwat Katha and Yagnas.
Upon their return, a grand feast is organized to celebrate the successful completion of the yatra. With this, the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra concludes, leaving behind a trail of devotion, unity, and deep spiritual fulfillment.
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Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra Route
The Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is one of the most revered spiritual pilgrimages in the Indian Himalayas. This sacred journey, held once every 12 years, follows the divine path of Goddess Nanda Devi from her maternal home in Nauti village (Chamoli, Uttarakhand) to her spiritual abode near Mount Kailash, passing through high-altitude meadows, ancient temples, glaciers, and sacred lakes.
1st Halt: Idabadhani
The yatra begins amidst grand celebrations in Nauti village. Devotees, musicians, and traditional drummers bid farewell to the deity. The first night halt is at Idabadhani after passing through scenic villages like Chhantoli and Khadu.
2nd Halt: Return to Nauti
After receiving worship at villages like Jakh, Pudyani, and Naini, the procession returns to Nauti for the second night.
3rd Halt: Kansuwa
The goddess is given a tearful farewell as she leaves for Kailash. The yatra passes through Vanoli and reaches Kansuwa, the ancestral village of Garhwal kings. Here, a four-horned ram is worshipped in Bharari Chowk.
4th Halt: Sem
The symbolic umbrella of Nanda Devi is handed over to the Brahmins of Kansuwa. A grand royal prayer is held at Chandpur Garhi, the ancient capital. The group reaches Sem after sacred rituals.
5th Halt: Koti
After a brief climb via Simtauli and Ghandiyal, the group reaches Koti, where intense prayers are offered. Local deities join, and an overnight vigil takes place.
6th Halt: Bhagoti
A traditional wrestling match among the goddess’s warriors is held in Dhathoda. Thousands gather to witness the fair. This is the final stop in her maternal region.
7th Halt: Kulsari
At the border stream of Kyur, the goddess hesitates to cross. After persuasion, she enters her marital home area. A special ritual is held during the new moon night.
8th Halt: Chepdanyu
The yatra reaches Devrada Gang, where Nanda Devi resides for half the year. Here, the entire village stays awake singing and praying in her honor.
9th Halt: Nandakeshari
Legends say that the goddess once hid in a tree here to escape demons. A major congregation of deities from Garhwal and Kumaon takes place in this sacred temple town.
10th Halt: Phaldia Gaon
While fleeing demons, the goddess cursed a field to remain barren forever. The route includes the revered Shiva temple at Dewal and ends the day in Phaldia.
11th Halt: Mundoli
A place of transition, where many join for the difficult Himalayan leg. Locals plant memorial trees if their lineage ends. Pilgrims unable to complete the full yatra often join here.
12th Halt: Wan
The base for the final climb. Over 200 deities’ processions converge here. Latu Devta takes charge as the guide. Towering peaks appear closer than ever.
13th Halt: Gairoli Patal
At Ran Ki Dhar, the goddess slays her last demon. A sacred stream is crossed miraculously. Rest is taken in pine forests at Gairoli Patal.
14th Halt: Patar Nachauniya
This meadow was once called Nirali Dhar. Legend tells of dancers cursed into stone for violating divine traditions. Pilgrims start feeling the high-altitude trance of sacred herbs and Brahma Kamal.
15th Halt: Shila Samudra
Passing through the toughest part, pilgrims reach Roopkund, where skeletons lie — believed to be the cursed army of King Jasdhaval. The glacier-like terrain of Shila Samudra is harsh yet holy.
16th Halt: Channiyan Ghat
Final rites are performed at Homkund. All maternal village symbols are immersed, while paternal symbols return. The four-horned ram is released towards Kailash. Pilgrims return to Channiyan Ghat.
17th Halt: Sutol
Descending through forests, the group reaches Sutol after five days of no human settlements. Villagers greet the pilgrims warmly.
18th Halt: Ghat
From Sutol, the group walks to Ghat, where rest is taken, and vehicles carry them back to Nauti.
Final Stop: Return to Nauti
The divine journey concludes. Prayers are offered, and devotees return home transformed, spiritually and emotionally enriched.
The Sacred Jagar: Invoking the Goddess at Every Stop
One of the most unique features of the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Yatra is the performance of “Jagar” at every temple and resting point along the pilgrimage route. The Jagar is a traditional spiritual invocation where the goddess is remembered through song, rhythm, and local folk narratives. These Jagars also narrate the geography and significance of the Yatra path, introducing each sacred location to the pilgrims through oral tradition.
For example, when the procession reaches Chhatarukhal Ridge, a Jagar is sung to mark the moment, accompanied by the resonant sound of conch shells:
Ye aayi pahunchee dharmya bainlo, ve Chhatarukha Khal
Ye nolya bhadh dharmya bainlo, ve Sudavyuja hegya
Nolya bhadh dharmya bainlo, ve Sudavija hegya
Ye nolya bhadh harya dharmya bainlo, ve Nanda ki Jaat
Ye milat jaan dharmya bainlo, ve Nanda ki Jaat
This traditional chant beautifully illustrates how spiritual devotion merges with the physical journey, highlighting the cultural richness of Garhwal and Kumaon.
Historical Significance: Harshavardhana and the Raj Jaat Connection
The grandeur of the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat has deep historical roots. As mentioned by Banabhatta in his classical work Harshacharita, Emperor Harshavardhana himself once participated in the Nanda Raj Jaat pilgrimage.
Shiv Prasad Naithani, a modern scholar, elaborates on this by describing how, during the Harsha era, summer pilgrimages towards the Himalayas had gained spiritual prominence. Harsha would bathe Lord Shiva, distribute alms to Brahmins, receive blessings from elders, and commence his journey with ritual precision—stepping forward with the right foot after invoking his family deities and planetary gods.
This shows how ancient kings were not only rulers but also devout pilgrims, participating in the same spiritual traditions that continue to this day.
The Sacred Peaks and Annual Nanda Jaats
Apart from the 12-year grand Raj Jaat, annual Nanda Jaats are held at key sacred sites across Uttarakhand. One of the major peaks associated with Nanda Devi is Trishuli Peak, beneath which lies the Homkund—a key destination during the Raj Jaat.
Several annual Nanda Jaats converge with the Raj Jaat, especially at locations like:
-
Saptkund Devangini (near Nanda Ghungti)
-
Naril Balpata
-
Vedini Bugyal (Vaitarani Kund)
These sites are not just spiritual but also geographical landmarks deeply connected to the Raj Jaat mythology and worship traditions.
The Cultural Bridge Between Kumaon and Garhwal
One of the most symbolic moments of the Raj Jaat occurs when the Doli (palanquin) of Nanda Devi from Almora meets the main Raj Jaat at Wan village. It is accompanied by the Katar (sacred sword) from the Kot Bhramari Temple, believed to represent the goddess as the slayer of demons.
After this symbolic union, the Almora procession returns, signifying a deep-rooted cultural and spiritual bond between Kumaon and Garhwal. This tradition reflects the timeless cultural unity of Uttarakhand, which continues to inspire devotion and pride among its people.
The Four Sacred Sites of Annual Nanda Jaat in Garhwal
In Garhwal, there are four primary locations where annual Nanda Jaats are conducted:
-
Nandikund
-
Naril Balpata
-
Devangini Saptkund
-
Vedini Bugyal
These locations are visited yearly as part of the sacred tradition, each holding its own mythological and cultural significance. Together, they uphold the living legacy of Goddess Nanda Devi, whose presence continues to guide, bless, and protect the people of Uttarakhand.
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