Nandkesari – An Important Halt in Maa Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra

Location of Nandkesari

Nandkesari is a small town located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand. It lies on the Karnprayag–Tharali route, not on the Karnprayag–Joshimath highway as often confused. The place is surrounded by the serene valleys of the Alaknanda River and has a beautiful old temple dedicated to Maa Nanda Devi.

Place in the Yatra Route

In the sequence of halts of the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, Nandkesari comes right after Kulsari. The procession carrying Maa Nanda’s doli rests here before moving further ahead. This halt is not just a stop for food and rest but also an important spiritual pause where special puja is performed, and locals join in large numbers to welcome the yatra.

Historic Moment in the 2000 Raj Jat

Nandkesari became a point of historic importance in the 2000 Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra. This was the moment when the Kumaoni yatra met the main Nauti yatra at this very place. Such a meeting had not happened for 75 years, making it a once-in-a-lifetime event. After this merging, both the Garhwali and Kumaoni yatras continued together towards Homkund, symbolizing unity between the two regions of Uttarakhand.

Arrival of Another Doli from Kurud

Nandkesari is also the place where one more doli joins the main yatra. This doli comes from the Siddh Peeth Kurud temple and is called the Badanh doli.
In total, three main doli parties leave for the Raj Jat from Kurud:

1. 1. Badanh Doli

   2. Band doli

   3. Dasoli doli

The Band and Dasoli doli later join together at Ramani village, where they are accompanied by the Painkhand doli (which comes from Lata and Salud Dungra village). This way, several routes and local traditions merge into the larger Raj Jat, making Nandkesari a central connecting point.

The Story Behind the Name – Nandkesari

Every halt in the Raj Jat Yatra carries a story, and so does Nandkesari. Local folk songs and traditional geet tell us that when Maa Nanda was going to Kailash, her hair got entangled in a tree at this place. It is said that a demon had caught hold of her hair and stopped her. Maa Nanda called upon Shiva for help, but even he could not free her at first. Then Bhairav Baba was invoked, who fought with the demon, killed him, and freed Maa Nanda from the trap.\

From this incident, the place got its name Nandkesari – where Kesari or Kesh (hair) of Nanda got caught. This story is still sung in folk songs, and during the yatra, many locals recall this tale with devotion.

Importance of Nandkesari in the Raj Jat

The halt at Nandkesari has both ritual and cultural importance.

• • Spiritual rituals: At the Nanda Devi temple here, the doli rests and special puja, aarti, and bhent are offered.

  • Unity of regions: After this halt, the Garhwali and Kumaoni yatras walk together, symbolizing harmony of both regions under Maa Nanda’s grace.

  • Cultural gathering: A large mela (fair) is held here when the Raj Jat passes. Villagers from nearby areas join with folk songs, dance, and devotional performances.

  • Traditional storytelling: The katha of Nandkesari’s name and other folk legends are recited here, keeping alive the oral traditions of the Himalayas.

Nandkesari and the Bigger Picture of Raj Jat

The Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is not just a religious journey, it is a walk through history, culture, and mythology of Uttarakhand. Each halt tells a different part of Maa Nanda’s journey to Kailash. At Kulsari, the doli is worshipped in the temple; at Nandkesari, the joining of yatras and the story of Maa’s hair being freed are remembered; and ahead at Homkund, the final rituals take place before Maa Nanda is bid farewell.

Nandkesari, therefore, stands as a symbol of struggle and freedom, where Maa Nanda herself had to face challenges on her way. It also marks the meeting point of Garhwal and Kumaon, making it one of the most celebrated halts of the whole Raj Jat.

Conclusion

Nandkesari is not just a small halt on the way to Homkund, but a place filled with faith, stories, and unity. With its mythological background, historic importance, and cultural richness, it remains one of the most sacred points of the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra.

If you want to read in detail about the complete journey, its route, history, and mythological significance, I have already written a dedicated article on it:
Maa Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra 2026 – A Sacred Himalayan Pilgrimage – mohitbangari.com

– Mohit Banagari