Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani, Trikuta and Vaishnavi, is a manifestation of the Hindu Goddess Mata Adi Shakti/Adi Parashakti. The words “Maa” and “Mata” are commonly used in India for mother, and thus are often heavily used in connection with Vaishno Devi.Temple is located in Jammu & Kashmir
Vaishno Devi Mandir is a Hindu temple located in Katra at the Trikuta Mountains within the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Hindu mythology , in the Treta Yuga, when the earth was overburdened by the wicked and tyrannical rule of the demons
The Goddess Vaishnavi was created when Uma (Mahakali), Rama (MahaLakshmi), and Vaani (MahaSaraswati) decided to combine their energies to rid the earth of impending doom
Seeing his devotee distraught, Rama promised her that he would return to her one day, and if she recognized him, she could marry him. Rama went on to rescue Sita and become the king of Ayodhya, all while Vaishnavi waited for his return. One such day, she was approached by an old man who asked the beautiful Vaishnavi to be his wife
Rama left, and Vaishnavi continued to spend years in meditation, moving from place to place, solving the troubles of all who asked, with her Siddhis. This threatened the popularity of a local Tantrik who sent his disciple Bhairon Nath to find out more about her. But Bhairon Nath was stupefied by her beauty and lustfully stalked her wherever she went.
To reach the shrine, one has to obtain a Yatra Parchi from one of the registration counters and embark on a trek of about 13km from Katra. Most devotees walk both ways, some prefer to ride a pony, while palanquins are also available for the sick and elderly. A helicopter service operates from Katra to Sanjhichatt, from where the shrine is just 2.5 kilometers.
The Spiritual Yatra
Trekking uphill to the holy cave, amidst reverberating chants of ‘Jai Mata Di’ and beautiful views of the entire valley, the yatra to Mata Vaishno Devi’s temple is a spiritual journey like no other. Upon reaching the main shrine after the long arduous trek, the spirit of devotion and vibrant positivity around is truly mesmerizing, easing out all the fatigue and exhaustion of the journey.
Things to Do
Visit the Ardh Kuwari Cave, located midway on the old route to the Bhawan. This narrow cave is popular not only for its religious significance, but also as a pitstop for devotees undertaking the yatra. One has to crawl on the knees to get to the other side where the main shrine dedicated to the goddesses is located. According to belief, Mata Vaishnodevi took refuge here while she was hiding from Bhairav Nath for 9 months.
Upon reaching the Bhawan, a bath in the holy water of the bathing ghat is considered the ideal cleansing before the holy darshan.
Experience the famed aarti held at the Bhawan before sunrise and after sunset. This sacred aarti is performed by pujaris before the holy deity and then brought outside for the devotees. Darshan remains halted during this time. The temple also offers facilities for individual hawan/poojan for devotees, for which slots have to be booked in advance.
Apart from the darshan of the three Pindies in the holy cave, there are a number of other holy darshans in the original cave, such as the symbols of Lord Ganesh, Lord Hanuman, Bhairon Nath, the five Pandavs etc. These darshans are only possible during lean season when the original cave is used. Also explore temples dedicated to Mata Durga, Lord Shiv and Lord Ram within the Bhawan complex
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Where to Stay
The Vaishno Devi Shrine Board provides a number of economical accommodation options at Jammu and Katra. However, owing to the large number of pilgrims all year round, these need to be booked well in advance. Choose between the low-priced Hotel Bhavini, Hotel Arya, and New Parkash Guest House, all conveniently located near the Banganga Check Post, the starting point of the yatra.
When to Go
The shrine is open throughout the year, with Navratras being the peak season. For a comfortable trek, visit Vaishno Devi between March and October when the weather is cool and pleasant. For those who can brave the cold, snowfall during the winter months makes the experience even more charming.
Getting There
By Air: Jammu Airport is well connected to major Indian airports and is just 50 kilometers from Katra. Regular taxis and cabs from Jammu to Katra are easily available.
By Train: Udhampur Railway Sation is the nearest railway station, from where taxis to Katra are easily available.
By Road: A number of Jammu & Kashmir State Transport buses, as well as private air-conditioned buses operate between Jammu and Katra.
Indian Mythology 