The Nishayan Yatra, ‘Nishan Yatra,’ is one of the most prominent and revered pilgrimage tours taken by the followers of Shyam Baba. This pilgrimage encompasses immense faith, appreciation, and devotion, as participants offer Nishan to Baba Khatu Shyam Ji by foot.
Every year, during the Falgun Mela, the mega festival of Shyam Baba, devotees from all walks of life join in the Nishan Yatra. The Mela will take place from February 28 to March 11 in 2025.
What is Nishan Yatra?
The Nishan Yatra is a tribute (padyatra) in the form of “Nishan,” which is a sacred flag that is carried forth to the Khatu Shyam Temple located in Rajasthan. Most participants in this offer praise to Baba Shyam, pray for victory and thankfulness, and receive the flag.
As they travel, most of them will go through Ringas, which is the starting point of the pilgrimage, where most devotees start chanting “Jai Shri Shyam!” on their way to Khatu. The devotees are offered a warm welcome filled with kirtans, bhajans, celebrations, and other forms of Jheer, making the whole experience much more enjoyable for everyone.
Nishan Yatra 2025 Dates to Remember
For people planning their Nishan Yatra in 2025, these are the important dates to note:
- Falgun Mela 2025: February 28 to March 11, 2025
- Ekadashi (Most Auspicious Day for Nishan Yatra): March 10, 2025
- Dwadashi: March 11, 2025
Falgun Mela Khatu Shyam 2025: Dates, Significance, and Celebration Details
What is the Nishan of Khatu Shyam Ji?
Nishan of Khatu Shyam Ji is an emblem of offering that carries a lot of importance. Devotees offer it as a symbol of their unwavering faith and devotion to Lord Shyam. This Nishan is holy because it is shaped as a flag made in multiple colors such as saffron, orange, blue, red, and white, which are indicative of some spirit. People often embellish the Nishan with Shyam Baba, peacock feathers, coconuts, and Krishan images. Devotees wearingDuring a pilgrimage to Khatu Shyam Ji’s temple, devotees who wear the Nishan demonstrate great devotion, leading to the grant of blessings and wishes.how their respect by offering Nishans made of gold and silver. Offering and sacrificing these Nishans proves to be a valuable act and furthers their devotion to Baba Shyam. Instead of being just a ritual, carrying and offering the Nishan is a heartfelt act of devotion, love, and grace.
How to Do the Khatu Shyam Nishan Yatra?
- Preparation Before the Yatra
Devotees clean themselves through a holy bath before beginning the Nishan Yatra. They then purchase the holy Nishan from Ringas or other locations. While performing a small puja, devotees seek blessings to help them during the journey and begin the yatra.
- Starting the Pilgrimage
Devotees start their journey from Ringas, where they begin an 18-kilometer walk to reach the Khatu Shyam Temple. Many prefer to walk without shoes, while others choose to do the more difficult Dandavat Pranam (prostration walk). Devotees sing “”Shyam Baba”” and bhajans along with dancing, turning the yatra into a lively spiritual experience.
- Rules for Nishan Yatra
While holding the Nishan, devotees have to follow specific rules. The Nishan must always be kept upright, and those carrying it are not allowed to touch the ground. Furthermore, non-vegetarian food and alcohol must be avoided to maintain purity. Before continuing on the yatra, a devotee must place the Nishan in a clean space for a break.
- Presentation of the Nishan at Khatu Shyam Ji Temple
Once devotees reach the Khatu Shyam Ji Temple, they offer the Nishan in the prescribed place. They express their gratitude to Baba Shyam and make their wishes. Many devotees also do parikrama around the temple before they go for darshan of the idol. The Nishan Yatra is not merely a pilgrimage but an act of faith and devotion that fulfills the spiritual needs of those who perform it.
Why is Nishan Offered to Baba Shyam?
- Symbol of Devotion: Offering a Nishan is an act of deep faith with deep surrender to Baba Shyam.
- Gratitude for Blessings: Many devotees participate in the Nishan Yatra as a way to express their gratitude for the answers to their prayers.
- Victory of Dharma: The Nishan is emblematic of the victory of good over evil (dharma).
- Spiritual Cleansing: Walking barefoot while chanting Baba’s name purifies the body, mind, and soul.
The Importance of the Nishan Yatra
The Nishan Yatra has a huge physical value because it is believed that devotees who complete it will have their wishes fulfilled. When the Nishan is taken to Baba Shyam, devotees report getting special blessings that bring peace, prosperity, and success to their lives. The journey is said to peel away negative energies and sorrow. As a result, a devotee is able to find inner strength and positivity.
In addition, owing to the ancient nature of the Nishan Yatra, it serves as a potent tool for devotees to elevate their faith and devotion for Baba Shyam. The Nishan Yatra for Khatu Shyam Ji is a holy yatra of faith and love. It is not merely a pilgrimage but a demonstration of uncompromising belief in the grace of Baba Shyam. It does not matter whether the Yatra is undertaken in hope of a wish being granted or as thanksgiving for a wish fulfilled; it fills the devotee with peace, joy, and holy grace.
If you are looking to visit Khatu Shyam Ji in 2025, don’t forget to start your journey at Ringas while completing the relevant and correct rituals for the most blessed experience.
Jai Shri Shyam! May Baba bless you with health, happiness, and prosperity!
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