Nanda Devi Raj Jat
| Nanda Devi Badi jaat/Raj jaat | |
|---|---|
 बड़ीजात/राजजात 2014 का दृश्य | |
| Also called | Himalayan Mahakumbh |
| Observed by | Hindus, particularly the people of Garhwal and Kumaon |
| Type | Cultural, Religious, Royal |
| Celebrations | From 5 September, 2026 to 30 September, 2026. A 280 km trek through 20+ stops involving sacred yagna and doli processions. [1] |
| Date | Varies per Hindu Lunisolar calendar (Held once every 12 years) |
| Related to | Goddess Nanda Devi, Shiva |
The Nanda Devi Badi Jat or Raj Jat (नंदादेवी बड़ी जात या नंदादेवी राज जात) is a world-renowned three-week-long pilgrimage and cultural festival of Uttarakhand, India. Often described as the "Himalayan Mahakumbh," it is organized once every 12 years in the Chamoli district. The journey signifies the symbolic departure of Goddess Nanda Devi—revered as the daughter of the Himalayas—from her maternal home (Mait) to her husband's home (Sauraas) in Mount Kailash.This pilgrimage begins simultaneously from two different points—Kurud (Nandanagar) and Kansuwa (Chandpur)—and the two routes converge at Nandakeshari & Wan and the pilgrimage continues further towards Homkund via Bedni Bugyal-Junargali-Roopkund.
Spiritual and theological origins
The worship of Nanda Devi is deeply rooted in ancient Vedic and Puranic literature.
Connection to Durga Saptashati
Theologically, Nanda Devi is identified with the supreme goddess mentioned in the Devi Mahatmya (also known as the Durga Saptashati). In the Murti Rahasya (The Secret of the Forms) section of the text, Nanda is described as the foundational energy of the universe.[2] Specifically, it is believed that the goddess Nanda took birth in the house of Nanda Baba (the foster father of Krishna) as the daughter of Yashoda, serving as the power that facilitated the destruction of the demon Kansa. In Uttarakhand, this celestial lineage is celebrated through the Raj Jat, where she is treated as a beloved daughter of the mountain soil returning to the peaks of Kailash.[3]
Historical and institutional core
The Raj Jat is an institutionalised ritual that has been preserved for centuries through a unique partnership between the regional royalty and their spiritual preceptors.
The core of the Raj Jat is the inseparable relationship between the descendants of the Garhwal royalty and the Nautiyal community.
- The Royal Gurus: The Nautiyal Brahmins of Nauti village are the hereditary Rajpurohits (Royal Priests) and Kul-Gurus (family preceptors) of the Kunwars of Kansua (the royal descendants). And The Gaur Brahmins of Kurur are the priests of Goddess Nanda Devi at Sidhpeeth of Goddess Nanda,located at Kurur[4]
- Devi's Shri Yantra: The pilgrimage officially commences at Nauti because King Kanak Pal established the Goddess's sacred Shri Yantra there in the 9th century. The Nautiyals serve as the permanent custodians of this Yantra and are responsible for the complex rituals required to begin the three-week journey.[4]
- Management of the Procession: Along with the royal family, the Kunwar of Kansuwa lead the twelve chief Brahmin families (Barathogi-Baman), fourteen Sayanas who manage the religious schedule and the order of the hundreds of dolis (palanquins) that join the procession.
Shri Nanda Devi Sidhpeeth Kurur
One of the major shrine of Goddess Nanda in Himalayan region, located at Kurur Village. Here Maa Nanda manifested herself in the form of a Swayambhu shilamurti. Gaur brahmins are the chief priests of this shrine. To reach this shrine, one has to travel from Nanda Nagar (Ghat), which is located about 30 kilometres from Nandprayag (at NH 07). After reaching Nanda Nagar Ghat, Kurud village is situated approximately 10 kilometres further ahead on Ramni Road. Badijaat or Rajjat starts begins simultaneously from two different places. On one side, the doli of (Ma Nanda Badhaan, Dasholi, Band and Laata Nanda) sets out from Kurur & Laata Village, while on the other side, the Raaj Chatoli departs from Kansuwa. The two processions then come together further ahead at Nandakeshari & Wan, respectively. [5]
Maa Nanda Devi, Laata (लाता),Joshimath
Maa Nanda Devi — The Presiding Deity of Lata Village, Daughter of the Himalayas and the Soul of the Nanda Raj Jaat. The shrine is located at Lata Village,Joshimath Block,Chamoli District, Uttarakhand Maa Nanda Devi is revered in the sacred village of Lata in Uttarakhand. She is regarded as a manifestation of Goddess Parvati and is believed to be the daughter of the Himalayas. The temple of the Goddess is situated amidst the snow-clad peaks of Nanda Devi National Park, where the presence of the Mother Goddess seems to permeate every element of nature. There are two temples dedicated to Mata Nanda Devi here. During the summer, the Goddess resides in the upper temple, while during the winter, she is worshipped in the temple located in the centre of the village.
- Nanda Devi Badi Jaat Yatra Route For Laata Nanda:
Mata Nanda Devi of Lata Village is one of the central figures of this pilgrimage. When the pilgrimage begins, Mata Nanda Devi, carried in her rath or doli (palanquin), first arrives at her maternal village, Lata, where she gives darshan to her devotees. A special fair is held on this occasion, attracting thousands of devotees who gather to seek the blessings of the Goddess. Thereafter, the procession passes through various villages and reaches the villages of her maternal uncles — Salud, Dungri and Barosi, located in the Joshimath region — where Mata Nanda is believed to meet her brother, Bhumyal Devta. The pilgrimage then proceeds towards Roopkund and Bedni Bugyal via Semkuda Bugyal-Pana Irani-Ramni-Wan, where sacred processions and deity palanquins from Garhwal and Kumaon come together. This remarkable gathering represents a unique confluence of faith, culture and spirituality.
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- Special Traditions
Special traditions are observed during the worship: • The priest covers his face with a cloth during the rituals. • The general public is not permitted to enter the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha). • During worship, the Goddess is associated with a sword (khadga), symbolising the removal of negative forces. • In the past, a tradition involving 64 animal sacrifices was followed, but this practice has now been discontinued. The Goddess, however, continues to be revered as one who accepts the prayers of devotees offered with sincere faith and devotion. It is also believed that the idol of Mata Nanda appears so lifelike that devotees feel as though the Goddess herself is communicating with them.
Tatda Dyosingh Sutol
Tatda Dyosingh Bhumiyal (तातड़ा द्योसिंह भूमियाल) has his sacred shrine at Tatda Tok in Sutol, Nandanager. The people of the region have traditionally worshipped him as the guardian deity of their clan and land. Dyosingh Bhumiyal’s parents were Sindoor and Dangina. For a long time, they remained childless. They then sought the blessings of Lord Badri Vishal and prayed for the boon of a son. According to local faith and tradition, Dyosingh was born through the blessings of Lord Badri Vishal. It is believed that Dyosingh was not an ordinary child from his early years. Even as a young boy, he revealed his divine nature and established his sacred abode at Tatda Tok in Sutol. Since then, he has been worshipped as Tatda Dyosingh Bhumiyal. Dyosingh Bhumiyal and Latu Devta are traditionally regarded as Dharma brothers. Both have their own distinct roles, and both hold a special place in the traditions associated with Maa Nanda. In the local traditions connected with the Nanda Raj Jat Yatra, Dyosingh Bhumiyal’s role is considered to be much more than that of a guardian deity. According to local belief, Maa Nanda herself instructed Dyosingh to lead the pilgrimage. After the Patar Nachoniyas, Dyosingh’s role in the onward journey has been preserved through generations as an ancient tradition. According to the understanding passed down by the elders, Dyosingh is the deity who walks ahead, knows the routes, and guides the pilgrims through difficult and remote paths.
Dyosingh Bhumiyal is believed to lead the journey up to Homkund and on the return journey, through the three remote halts of Sutol and onward to the fourth Sutol. It is a popular local belief that, pleased with Dyosingh’s service to Maa Nanda and his role in leading the pilgrimage, Maa Nanda promised to grant him a place beside her. It is said that at Homkund, wherever the sacred shrine of Maa Nanda is established, the shrine of Dyosingh Bhumiyal will also be established nearby and he will be worshipped there as well. Following this tradition, wherever Maa Nanda is worshipped, the tradition of establishing a Sthan-Baar (sacred place/shrine) of Dyosingh Bhumiyal near her shrine is also observed. The tradition of bringing water in the Unsi Gadoli at Homkund is also believed to be connected with this faith. The Pashwa of Tatda Dyosingh Bhumiyal brings the sacred water for the worship, and the water is then offered at the shrine. This tradition reflects the deep spiritual relationship between Maa Nanda, Dyosingh Bhumiyal, and the people of Sutol, preserving a rich heritage of faith, pilgrimage, and local Himalayan traditions.
Latu Devta Wan, Dewal
Located in Wan Village of Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, is a mysterious and revered shrine—the Latu Devta Temple, where Nagraj is believed to reside with his sacred jewel, or mani. One of the most remarkable traditions of this temple is that its doors are opened only once a year. Even on that day, the priest performs the worship from a distance, with his eyes, mouth, and nose covered with a cloth.
According to local folklore, Latu Devta is regarded as the Dharma brother of Maa Nanda Devi. He is also believed to be one of the chief attendants (Ganas) of Lord Shiva. He is said to have served as a commander, with two companions named Chho Singh and Bamo Singh.
During the famous Nanda Raj Jat Yatra of Uttarakhand, Latu Devta has a highly significant role. The pilgrimage symbolizes the traditional journey of Maa Nanda to her marital home in the Himalayan region of Kailash, with Latu Devta serving as her guide along the way.
According to local belief, Nagraj himself resides inside the sanctum of the temple along with his sacred mani. It is believed that the intense radiance of the mani and the serpent’s venom could harm the eyes and body of an ordinary person. Therefore, the priest covers his eyes, mouth, and nose and performs the worship from a distance.
The Story of Latu Devta It is believed that when Maa Nanda expressed her wish that she had a brother, Lord Shiva introduced her to Latu, a prince of Kannauj. Maa Nanda accepted Latu as her Dharma brother and brought him to her maternal home at Risasau.
The Incident of the Alcohol and Latu’s Death When the doli (palanquin) of Nanda Devi reached Wan Village, Latu became thirsty. He went to an elderly woman’s house and asked for water. There were two pots there—one containing water and the other containing alcohol.
By mistake, Latu drank from the pot containing alcohol. He became unconscious and fell down. According to the legend, his tongue was injured in the fall, causing him to lose his ability to speak, and he eventually died.
Maa Nanda, deeply saddened by his death, is believed to have instructed the local people to worship him as a local deity.
Origin of the Temple
According to local tradition, at the place where Latu Devta died, members of the local Bisht community installed a linga. Some time later, a cow began coming to the site every day and offering its milk there.
One day, the linga was destroyed. However, according to the legend, someone received a dream instructing them to reinstall the sacred linga. Following this divine message, the linga was re-established in Wan Village, and the temple of Latu Devta was subsequently built.
Today, Latu Devta holds a deeply revered place in the religious traditions of the Nanda Devi cult and the Nanda Raj Jat Yatra, representing the enduring bond between Maa Nanda and her Dharma brother. [6]
Jaman Singh Jadora, Ida Badhani
It is believed that, in fulfilment of the promise made between the Goddess Nanda and her devotee, Maa Nanda visits Ida-Badhani as the first halt of the Nanda Badijaat/ Rajjat Yatra before departing for Kailash. During the historic and religiously significant Raj Jat pilgrimage, which passes through 19 traditional halts, the Chhantoli (sacred palanquin) of Maa Nanda leaves Nauti and reaches the village of Ida-Badhani on the first day. There, the goddess spends the night at the homes of the Jadora Gusain descendants. The descendants of the Jadora family offer jewellery, kaleu (traditional food offerings), and items used for the goddess's adornment. On the second day, the goddess's Chhantoli visits the nearby villages and eventually returns to Nauti. On the third day, amid great devotion and emotional farewell, Maa Nanda departs for Kailash.
Ancient Tradition According to local tradition, in ancient times Lord Ashutosh (Lord Shiva) and Goddess Parvati were travelling towards Kailash from this region. During their journey, Goddess Parvati became thirsty and went towards the nearby village of Badhani, while Lord Shiva continued directly towards Shaileshwar. At that time, Jaman Singh Jadora (Gusain), who was the Thokdar and village head of Badhani, welcomed the goddess with great respect. He offered her water and served her dahi-bhaat (curd and rice). Before departing, Jaman Singh Jadora requested Goddess Parvati to visit his home whenever she travelled towards Kailash. It is believed that Maa Shri Nanda continues to honour this ancient promise during the Nanda Raj Jat Yatra by spending a night at the homes of the descendants of the Jadora Gusain family in Ida-Badhani before departing for Kailash.[7]
1985 documentation and archaeological Evidence
Modern academic and historical interest in the traditional route was significantly revitalised by a 1985 youth study expedition. A five-member group completed the full 280 km trek to document oral traditions and archaeological markers.[8]
- Ancient Archaeological Markers: On 25 October 1985, near Bekaltal, the group identified ancient iron arrows (Baan) embedded deep within trees. These artifacts serve as physical evidence of the route's antiquity, marking paths used by past rulers and pilgrims.[8]
- Cultural Preservation in Wan: The study documented that the village of Wan—the final inhabited settlement before the high-altitude wilderness—remains a stronghold of tradition. Local women continue to preserve and wear specific traditional jewellery and attire (Alankar) that is exclusive to the 12-year Raj Jat cycle.[8]
- Public Recognition: Upon their return, the expedition members were publicly honoured at a large block rally in Karnaprayag on 26 October 1985, where they shared their findings on the Himalayan Mahakumbh with the public.[8]
Recent developments
While mathematically due in 2026, the Shri Nanda Devi Raj Jat Committee Nauti announced on 23 January 2026 that the pilgrimage would be postponed to 2027. But on the other hand The Nanda Devi Badi Jaat Committee Kurur has announced that the pilgrimage will be held in 2026, starting on 5 September 2026.[9]
References
- ↑ https://www.bhaskar.com/local/uttarakhand/chamoli/news/nanda-devi-badi-jaat-yatra-uttarakhand-chamoil-september-2026-137832011.html
- ↑ Coburn, Thomas B. (1991). Encountering the Goddess: A Translation of the Devi-Mahatmya and a Study of Its Interpretation. State University of New York Press. pp. 154–158. ISBN 978-0791404461.
- ↑ Sax, William S. (1991). "The Mythology of Nanda Devi". Mountain Goddess: Gender and Politics in a Himalayan Pilgrimage. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0195064315.
- 1 2 Handa, O. C. (2001). Goddess Traditions in West Himalaya. Indus Publishing. pp. 102–105. ISBN 978-8173871252.
- ↑ https://www.jagran.com/uttarakhand/chamoli-maa-nanda-bhagwati-sidhpeeth-is-located-in-chamoli-16786958.html
- ↑ https://devbhoomidarshan.in/latu-devta-mandir/
- ↑ https://www.amarujala.com/uttarakhand/chamoli/Chamoli-46393-142
- 1 2 3 4 Kushal Singh Bisht (October 1985). Himalayan Sachal Mahakumbh: A Study of the 280km Raj Jat Route (Report). Youth Expedition Group Karnaprayag. The Archived records identifying archaeological markers at Bekaltal and cultural attire in Wan village.
- ↑ https://www.jagran.com/uttarakhand/chamoli-nanda-devi-badi-jat-yatra-from-five-to-30-september-invitation-distribution-begins-from-badrinath-dham-40321211.html