Vaishno Devi Temple located near the town of Katra, Resai dist.Jammu and Kashmir. The shrine is at a height of 5300 feet from sea level and at distance of approximately 12 kilometers from Katra.
This holy place is worshiped as a Shakti Peetha which beliefs its association towards the mythology of Daksha yaga and Sati’s self-immolations its origin. Shakti Peethas are shrines enshrined with the presence of Shakti due to the falling of body parts of the corpse of Sati Devi when Lord Shiva carried it and wandered throughout in sorrow. There are 51 Shakti Peeth linking to the 51 alphabets in Sanskrit. However as per Chandi Purana, Vaishno Devi is not counted among 52 shakti peethas, this peeth is counted among 64 shakti peetha listed in Devi Bhagwat Purana and 108 Shakti Pethas listed in Chandi Purana. The sources claim that vardaayini haath [Blessing Hand] of Maa Sati fell here.
Reach Maa Vaishno Devi temple from Katra a small but busy town around 45 km. from Jammu.
From Katra, you have to take the “Yatra Parchi” (Journey Slip) for darshan, then after devotees can proceed to the Bhavan.
The way to Bhavan is vertical and requires a long climbing walk. Alternatively, ponies and palanquins [Palkhi] are also available. Helicopter services are also available for a large part of the trip. The Trust offers a comfortable stay for pilgrims.
There exist various versions regarding the origin and legend of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji. There seems unanimity on the discovery of Shrine around 700 years back by the Pandit Shridhar, at whose place Mata had helped to arrange a Bhandara. When she left amidst the Bhandaara to escape Bhairon Nath, Pandit Shridhar is felt as if he has lost everything in his life. He felt in huge grief and gave up the food or even water intake and closed himself in a room of his house, enthusiastically praying for Vaishnavi to reappear.
Then Mata Vaishnavi appeared in his vision (dream) and tells him to search her at the Holy Cave situated on Trikuta Mountain. She shows the way to the Holy Cave and insisted Pandit Shridhar to break his fast. Pandit Shridhar then go on to find out the Holy Cave in the mountains. Every time he seems to lose the way, the vision of his dreams reappeared again in his eyes and lastly, he reached his objective. In the Caves, he found three rock forms with three heads atop it.
At that moment Mata Vaishno Devi appeared before him with all her glory (another version says, the Supreme Energies of Mata Maha Saraswati, Mata Maha Lakshmi, and Mata Maha Kali appeared in this Holy Cave) and introduced him to the three heads (now known as the Holy Pindies) of the rock form along with various other identification marks in the Holy Cave. She sanctified him with a gain of four sons and a right to worship her manifestation and asked him to spread out the glory of this Holy temple all over. Pandit Shridhar spent his remaining life in the service of Mata Devi at the Holy Cave.
Prefer winter or summertime to visit the Vaishno Devi Holy temple instead of monsoon.
The Holy Cave remains open during this period and one may have a unique experience during this period. Shrine area residue very cold even in the summertime also hence the temple Trust provides blankets to all pilgrims.
Have a look at the Do’s and Don’ts of this Yatra.
Do’s Follow The Vaishno Devi Yatra Rule strictly
- Approach the registration counter to obtain the “Yatra Parchi” at Katra and especially while you are at trekking to enter into the temple.
- Without of this “Yatra Parchi,” it’s not possible to cross beyond the Ban Ganga check post.
- Do confirm rates of Palanquins, Ponies, and Porters in advance which are crucial for hassle-free pilgrimage.
- The Vaishno Devi trust provides facilities for drinking water, blanket and food are supplied at free of cost, so leave the unnecessary items at Katra itself.
- Wait for an announcement about your group number to start the Darshan process.
- Go to the main waiting hall and deposit coconut there. [for coconut take a token there]
- Visit the Bhairon temple in the last stage as Darshans at Holy Cave.
- Don’ts
Don’t
- Don't keep any electronic item like a mobile camera, video camera because such items in the track that are not allowed.
- Avoid offensive dressing and simple and traditional wearing.
- Maintained strictly the holiness of this journey.
- Do understand the sentiments of co-pilgrims while in the Vaishno Devi Yatra and maintain thorough cooperation for best possible security.
- Offering Dakshina or tip to anybody especially temple employees is highly discouraged.
The Do’s and Don’ts of this Yata also focuses on ensuring that the temple premises isn’t damaged anyway especially the property.
Make sure to wear canvas shoes on the tour for the sake of getting better support to climb. Keep a stick to simplicity the climbing process. These items are available in Katra
