Nagdwari Yatra

The Nagdwari Yatra begins every year during the month of Shravan on the occasion of Nagpanchami, approximately 10 days before Nagpanchami in August. It passes through Kajri village in Hoshangabad district. This yatra is jointly managed by Chhindwara district and Hoshangabad district. The Nagdwari Yatra starts from the Nagdev Temple in Nimoti village of Dhakarwadi Gram Panchayat, Janpad Panchayat Junnardeo. Pilgrims travel to Nagdwari by vehicle or on foot. After visiting the Nagdev Temple on foot, pilgrims pass through Damua, Kangla, Machhdarnath, Gorakhghat, Satghaghari, and then proceed from Nagthana of Jhapia Gram Panchayat through Almod to Kajri and then to Nagdwari. The journey is approximately 30 kilometers and lasts for 3 days. Pilgrims trek through the high mountains of Satpura, crossing waterfalls, rivers, and streams. By vehicle, pilgrims visit the Nagdev Temple in Nimoti village of Dhakarwari Gram Panchayat, then proceed through Junnardeo, Vishala, Tamia to Pachmarhi, and then trek to Nagdwari from Dhupgarh. This yatra usually takes place during the monsoon season, due to which pilgrims have to travel in falling rain. People believe that this yatra is as difficult as the Amarnath Yatra. This yatra is solely on foot; there are no facilities for horses, mules, etc., during the journey. The Nagdwari Yatra involves crossing the Denwa River and many small rivers and streams along the way. The gurgling sounds of streams and rivers amidst the Satpura hills and waterfalls falling from the mountains mesmerize the mind. The Nagdwari cave is approximately 35 feet long. Along the way, Kajli village appears, surrounded by rivers and covered by hills; when viewed from a height, this village looks organized as if a painter has colored every house, river, and field with his colors. Waterproof tents are set up for pilgrims to stay, toilet facilities and dustbins are provided at various places, and large caves are built where pilgrims stay. Free Bhandara (community meals) are organized by social organizations. Pilgrims from any state must reach Pachmarhi for the yatra, as Pachmarhi is the main stop of the journey. The yatra begins from Dhupgarh in Pachmarhi. Dhupgarh is famous for sunsets and photography. In chronological order, the route includes Dhupgarh, Ganesh Tekdi, Kajli, Paschim Dwar, Padmashesh Dwar, Ambamai is considered the final stop of the yatra. To reach Swargdwar, the main stop in Nagdwari Yatra, stairs have been installed between two hills. Nagdwari is also called the world of Nagaraj. This yatra is performed on Nagpanchami in the month of Shravan. According to legend, after granting a boon to Bhasmasura, when Bhasmasura chased Lord Shankar to test the truth of the boon, Lord Shankar left Nagaraj in Nagdwari to escape him and went to Chauragarh himself. According to another story, a woman from Kajli village vowed to apply kajal to Nagaraj to have a son. After having a son, she came to apply kajal but fainted upon seeing the huge form of Nagaraj and could not apply kajal. Then Nagaraj took his small form, and then the woman applied kajal to him. This yatra has been going on for about 100 years. The dense forests, high mountain peaks, gurgling rivers, and the attraction of waterfalls will captivate your mind. If you wish, you can take the tribals there as guides and for carrying your luggage.

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