Vaishno Devi - The Holy Caves

The well-known Vaishno Devi Mandir is located in the religious town of Vaishno Devi. This well-known shrine draws millions of pilgrims from all over the world. It is situated in the Trikuta Hills, 13 kilometres from Katra (in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir). Vaishno Devi, sometimes referred to as Mata Rani, Vaishnavi, and Trikuta, is a form of the Hindu goddess Durga. It is thought that Goddesses visit the Holy Cave to honour Mata Rani during the pooja and aarti. Believers assert that the goddess herself summons the followers to this location.

According to legend, Vaishno Devi is Moonh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata, or the mother who grants her children's requests. In the sacred cave, Maa Vaishno Devi's darshan takes the shape of three pindies, or naturally occurring rocks. Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati, and Maha Lakshmi are the three manifestations of the goddess that these pindies represent. Every year, almost one crore people pay a visit to the Vaishno Devi shrine.

Must Know Before You Travel to Vaishno Devi

• Katra to Bhawan is 13km. It takes 5-8 hours to climb and 3-6 hours to ascend
• Katra is the base camp for Vaishno Devi Yatra. Bus, taxi and train is available to Katra. Flight is available to Jammu
• 2 routes from Katra to Ardhkuwari (mid-point of the trek). The old route is 5.5km. This has Charan Paduka temple enroute. The new route is 7.5km. This is better to come down as it is steeper
• Ardhkuwari to Vaishno Devi Bhawan has 2 routes. One is 6.5km steep uphill. The other one is shorter 5.5 km and less steep
• Katra to Bhawan: Mule: INR 1250 one side/per person, Palki: INR 3150 one side/pp, Pitthoo: INR 540 one side/pp
• Ropeway: INR 100 two way/pp from Bhawan to Bhairon Nath Temple
• Helicopter: INR 1730 from Katra to Sanjichhat (1.5km from Bhawan). Ponies are also available from Helipad to Bhavan
• Massage chairs available on the entire route. Cost around INR 50 for 15 minutes.
• Toilets available on every 300-400 mts
• Shrine board Yatri Niwas near Katra bus stop ideal for a short stay of few hours
• Shrine board shop near Bhawan is best to buy prasad
• Mobile, wallets, cameras and belts are not allowed inside the Ardhkuwari temple and main bhawan.
• Free and paid basic accommodation is available at Katra, Ardhkuwari, Sanjichhat and Bhawan. The reservation has to be made at the Enquiry and Reservation Counter at Niharika Complex located near the Katra Bus Stand.

Know More on Vaishno Devi

Trek From Katra to Vaishno Devi

The Vaishno Devi Bhawan is accessible to devotees for 365 days, and the Bhawan's governing board has made it possible to complete the walk in twenty-four hours. For devotees, the entire trekking track is illuminated. The Katra bus stop offers views of the brilliantly illuminated route. Numerous stands along the hiking path provide food, drinks, tea, drinking water, medical assistance, cosy benches, restrooms, and other amenities. Periodically, there are also police checkpoints. A baggage inspection and security check are done at the Banganga checkpost at the start of the trek. Horses are capable of finishing the trek; they can traverse half of it.

Vaishno Devi Helicopter Services

Popular helicopter trips to Vaishnodevi provide visitors with a breathtaking flight to the temple amid the clouds. The approximately eight-minute service begins near the slopes of the Katra and ends at Sanjhichatti. The distance between the temple and Sanjhichatti's helipad is about 2.5 km. A single flight can carry five to six people, and the cost of a one-way ticket is INR 1730, while a round-trip ticket is INR 3460 per person. At the heli-ticket counters, where legitimate identification documents and proof of identity are required, tickets can be obtained. Online reservations are also available for the tickets at: https://online.maavaishnodevi.org/#/login

Legend of Vaishno Devi

The most widely acknowledged narrative surrounding the finding of the Holy Cave of Vaishno Devi is the one about Pandit Sridhar's expedition there. Goddess Vaishnavi blessed Pandit Shridhar, a pious priest from the nearby village of Hansali, for arranging a Bhandara in her honour. Shridhar was so devastated by her abrupt departure that he fasted till he died, praying for the Goddess to return.

Goddess Vaishnavi, distressed by his pledge, appeared to him again in a dream and gave him directions to find her dwelling place in the cave on Trikuta Hills. He began his journey to the Holy Cave as soon as he stood up. He discovered the Cave after labouring for days and trekking great distances. At that moment, Goddess Vaishnavi took on her actual form, bestowing upon him the blessing of four sons as well as the title of official guardian of her Holy Cave. The next Pandit Shridhar generations still uphold this promise.

How To Reach Vaishno Devi

Best Time To Visit Vaishno Devi