Ban Ganga, Vaishno Devi – Timings, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings
Ban Ganga is a holy site close to Vaishno Devi, Katra in Jammu & Kashmir, India. It is 6 kilometers from Katra Railway Station and 10 km from Vaishno Devi Temple. It is one of the sacred sites to visit at Vaishno Devi and is situated on the route from Katra to Vaishno Devi Temple.
Before beginning the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra, devotees at Katra enjoy to immerse in the holy Ban Ganga. The Ban Ganga River, which rises from the southern side of the Himalayan Shivalik Range, features two ghats where many Hindu pilgrims bathe in sacred water. The name Ban Ganga, a major tributary of the Chenab River, is derived from two words: Ganga, which stands for the sacred Ganges river in India, and Ban, which means arrow.
Hindu Vaishnavas and other devotees find spiritual meaning in the river. As to the mythology, Mata Vaishnavi was once on her way to her cave dwelling when the monkey that was with her became thirsty. Since there was no water nearby, the goddess stabbed the earth with an arrow, and the Ganga emerged. It was named Ban (arrow) Ganga as a result. Interestingly, because it is thought that Maa washed her hair in there, it is also known as Bal (hair) Ganga. Devotees can unwind at Ban or Bal Ganga while trekking to the sacred cave known as Bhawan. Before continuing your travel to other Katra tourist destinations, take a plunge and feel rejuvenated and content.
The Banganga temple is at a prime location where visitors may take in the captivating scenery and gorgeous hills that provide an enthralling experience. The river is always filled with water, with the exception of periods during the monsoon and winter when there is a severe lack of precipitation.
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Entry: Free
