Every year on Bhadarpad Krishna Dwadsi, Kablas Yatra starts from Vasuki Nag Temple Gatha for the sacred freshwater lake called Vasuki Kund or Kablas Dall, which is situated at a distance of 21 km. from Bhadarwah, lying 14000 ft. above sea level. Surrounded on three sides by 16000 feet high Bhadarkailash peaks, it has been recognised as “Abode of Nagraj Vasuki” in Vasuki Puran (Shaloka184). According to legend, Nagraj Vasuki chased by his stepbrother Maharaj Garuda followed this track to the abode of Lord Shiva at Kailash Kund. The Lord not only granted protection to Nagraj from Garuda but gifted the place to him and left for Manimahesh. According to another narrative, after ensuring the safety, security and prosperity of his subjects, Nagraj Vasuki renounced his kingdom and left for Bhadar- Kailash to worship Lord Shiva through this path. The grieving populace followed him to bring him back through the same route and the same tradition continues till date in the form of Kailash Yatra.
Arrangements for Kailash Yatra were collectively made by J&K Dharmaarth Trust & locals of Bhaderwah.The yatra from Gatha were led by Chelas carrying flower-bedecked holy mace and Nag images. They are followed by Bajantaris playing Dhouns, people carrying silk embroidered umbrellas and a large number of devotees singing hymns, shouting Jaikaras and carrying Niyoz ( cereals, fruits, vegetables and other food items as a gift for yatris) and burning incense.
The Yatra is joined by Chelas proceeding from Vasuki Nag temple to Vasuki Chowk accompanied by the procession of devotees chanting jaikaras. At Vasuki chowk the chelas from both sides greet and embrace each other and attain the zenith of Bhaar/Grihini. The huge congregation of devotees comprising of men, women, young and old with Niyoj plates in their hands and raising jaikaras, follow the chelas from Vasuki Chowk to Niyoj temple outside the town.
Then the Chelas leads the devotees.The huge congregation of devotees comprising of men, women, young and old at Niyoj Temple outside the town to see off the Yatra.
Then Holy Yatra lefts the Bhaderwah, passes through village Sungli where Yatra takes rest where imprints of Lord Vasuki present. People offers milk to the Chelas and Niyoz to other Yatris. After taking rest,the whole Yatra lefts for Haiyaan, a place where Yatra Camps at night, Langar were arranged for the Yatra, after that Jagran takes place in night.
After spending the night at Haiyaan, the yatra reaches Kablas Kund the next day after passing through Chamartapran, Gowpeda, Ganthak,Ramtund, Bolar ki Ghodi, Shankhpaddar and Rishi Bishi Dal. This day was called, “Kun Jaalt’ celebrated all over in Bhaderwah. On this day plucking of fruits/flowers from plants was prohibited in Bhaderwah.
Formed in a volcanic crater about three sq. kms. in area, the Dal is filled with crystal clear water collected from rainfall, groundwater and melted ice. The ancient idols, maces, Trishuls and other religious symbols placed on the bank of the lake were defiled and broken during the period of militancy but devotees have constructed an alluring temple and installed elegant idols of Nagraj Vasuki and Maharaj Jimootvahan in it. Massive Trishuls have also been installed and langer sheds have also been constructed at lake site. Scattered around Kailash kund are many smaller lakes named after divinities like Saraswati Dal, Bhadarkali Dal, Kalinaag Dal, Rishi-Bishi Dal and Kalinaag Dal.
After the Snaan i.e. the ritual bath is over, the chelas from different regions fix their maces, trishuls , and images at pre-allotted specific places called Mandaai in the vicinity of the temple. Throughout the night amidst singing of devotional songs and other religious activities, the chelas get into Bhar or Grihini and answer the queries of devotees. They not only give predictions but also suggest remedies for the troubles of devotees on behalf of the deities. On the morning of Chaturdashi, after the ritual bath in the lake, yatris fulfill their vows (sukhan) like animal sacrifice, mundan etc., make offerings of flowers, fruits, and coconut and have circumambulations around the Dall. They also collect and eat the sweet grass growing there. After breakfast, the yatris start their downward return journey. Yatras from other places also reach Kablas Dall on this day through other routes. The yatra of Mahalnag from Kailar and that of Shri Vasuki Nag from Dudu Basantgarh arrive through Seoj Valley while the yatra from Duggan Billawar descends through the Saraswati Dall to the Kailash Kund.
Chelas carrying Charhi Mubarak and wearing Dallabh (String of brass bells) reached Bhadarwah back from Kablas Kund. They were greeted and welcomed by devotees at Niyoz Temple and Khakhal ground. The Chelas distributed flowers and aromatic herbs like Hinyal and Shingli brought from the upper reaches to the devotees. The yatra then proceeded to Vasuki Nag Temple Vasakdehra and Gatha.
