Charan Paduka, Vaishno Devi – Timings, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings
Charan Paduka is a holy site close to the Ban Ganga in Katra, Jammu & Kashmir, India. It is 6 kilometers from Katra Railway Station and 9 km from Vaishno Devi Temple. It is one of the most visited Vaishno Devi sites and is situated on the route from Katra to Vaishno Devi Temple.
The second destination on the trip to the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, also called Bhavan, is Charan Paduka. The first stop is Banganga. The footprints of Mata Vaishno Devi may be found at the temple, which is roughly 1.5 km from Banganga. According to legend, Mata Vaishno Devi stopped by this white shrine to see if Bhairon Nath, the student of Mahayogi Guru Goraksh Nathji, was still pursuing her. She is said to have left her footsteps on the rock where she stood to gaze at Bhairav Nath before to her departure.
The temple, which is 3380 feet above sea level, was once a modest shrine but has now grown into a picturesque, spacious temple. An idol of the mother is seated in the Charan Paduka temple’s main sanctum sanctorum, and beneath it is a stone that bears Mata’s footprints. On a typical day, the darshan at Charan Paduka Temple takes only a few minutes. After making respects at the footprints of Mata that are inscribed on a block of granite, one continues. In symbolic terms, it refers to touching Mata’s feet and asking for Her blessings at the beginning of the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra.
This location also houses the Shrine Board’s medical unit, which is staffed by qualified medical professionals and has all the amenities needed for medical care.
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Entry: Free