Asif Iqbal Naik
Kishtwar, January 12: In order to maintain religious sanctity, public order and traditional customs, the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Paddar Dr Amit Kumar on 10-1-2026 has issued a prohibitory order regulating the winter closure ritual of the revered Shree Mata Machail Temple, scheduled to take place on January 14, 2026.
As per the order, the temple is traditionally closed every year on the said date in accordance with age-old rituals and customs. During a recent visit to the shrine, the administration observed that the ceremonial movement of Mata ka Swaroop from the temple premises to the residence of the Pujari—an integral part of the winter closure ritual—was being videographed, which could potentially violate the sanctity and ritual purity of the sacred proceedings.
Exercising powers under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the SDM Paddar has strictly prohibited videography and photography during the ritual until its completion. The order also specifies that only the designated Pujari or persons required as per ritual traditions shall be permitted to touch Mata ka Swaroop during the ceremony.
To ensure smooth conduct of the ritual, the concerned Station House Officer (SHO) has been directed to keep devotees at a minimum distance of 15 feet from the Pujari performing the ritual and to establish and maintain a rope cordon to demarcate the restricted area.
The Tehsildar Machail and DySP Paddar have been entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring strict compliance with the order in letter and spirit. The Tehsildar shall function as the Duty Magistrate and, along with the SHO, supervise all arrangements on the day of the ritual.
Shree Mata Machail, located in the remote Machail Valley of Kishtwar district, is regarded as one of the most revered Shakti Peeths of the region and attracts thousands of devotees annually, especially during the holy Chhadi Yatra. The shrine holds deep spiritual significance for locals, who firmly believe that strict adherence to rituals, discipline, and preservation of sanctity is essential to maintain divine grace.
In this context, several locals and devotees often recall the Chishoti cloudburst incident of last year, which caused loss of life and property in the region. Many people, reflecting prevailing public sentiment, link such natural calamities to deviations from traditional practices and lapses in maintaining the sanctity of sacred places. While such views stem from faith-based beliefs, they underscore the importance people attach to preserving religious discipline and age-old customs associated with the Machail Mata shrine.
The administration has appealed to the general public and devotees to extend full cooperation and respect the religious customs and traditions associated with the shrine. Any violation of the order shall invite action as per law.
The order has been circulated to the Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Senior Superintendent of Police Kishtwar, Tehsildar Machail, and DySP/SHO Atholi for information and necessary action.
