JODIYA DI MATA TEMPLE, KATHUA
Jodiya Di Mata Temple is a religious temple that is visited by several pilgrims during the festival of Navratri. Jodiya Di Mata Temple is located at a distance of around 4 kilometers away from Banjal in Kathua District. The Jodiya Di Mata is situated in the village Jodiyan. The Jodiyan Di Mata temple is dedicated to the Goddess Durga. Jodiyan Di Mata temple is located at Banjal (Himalaya) around 80 kilometers away from Basholi Town. The inhabitants of Jodiyan and nearby villages trusted that Goddess Durga preserves the flora and fauna of the hills.
A few decades ago, while moving with the cattle a Shepherd found the place. He observed that his cattle go into deep slumber when left around the area. He got inquisitive and with the help of a sacred leader found that this place is pious. From the story, it is clear that the pious thoughts of the community are connected with the place. It is a vivid area with plenty of flowers blooming and this area is also called “Garden of Natural Flowers”. Visitors can go by bus or their private vehicle till village Poond. From Poond village the visitors have to trek. Jodiyan Di Mata Temple is a pious center that is visited by hundreds of devotees during the festival of Navratras. The people of voluntary groups help in providing the basic facilities to the devotees. The temple is situated at an altitude of about 7000 ft. Jodiyan Di Mata is a very beautiful and attractive place that is full of natural beauty. Jodiyan Di Mata Temple orders a lot of trust from the local people.
The trekking area from the Poond village to the Jodiya Di Mata Temple is approx 15 kilometers. The best time to visit the Jodiya Di Mata Temple is during the festival of Navratras or at the month of Chet and Sarad Ritu Month as per the Hindu calendar. At that time everyone can see the snow-topped peak of the Himalayas of Mani Mahesh or Lord Shiva from the Jodiya Di Mata Temple. An antechamber to stay in is available beside the temple. The visitors who visit the temple have to adopt the lifestyle of the village while visiting because there are no roads, hotels, restaurants in the area near the temple. Because of those reasons trekking is the most favorite part of Jodiya Di Mata for the visitors like youngsters and those who love adventures. Slowly this place is getting famous for these popular activities like camping, adventure trips, and trekking. From the initial point of trekking till Jodiya Di Mata Temple there are some small villages and the people of these villages gross their livelihood by supplying services like toys, food, pony/ horse rides, etc. to the travelers and the visitors.
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