Hello Everyone, If you are planning for a spiritual and devoted vacations alone or with your loved ones. I have a very beautiful and devoted place for you, Vaishno Devi Katra. This is a place which is considered as the most visited place throughout the year by devotees.
Certainly! Let’s devolve into the mystical world of Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu and Kashmir. This sacred place, situated at the Trikuta Mountains, brings millions of devotees seeking the blessings of Goddess Vaishno Devi.
Location and Significance
Situated in the Trikuta Hills near Katra, Jammu & Kashmir. The temple venerates the three forms of Goddess Durga: Maa Kali, Maa Saraswati, and Maa Lakshmi. Every year, pilgrims crowded here to seek divine blessings and fulfill their heartfelt wishes.
The Uphill Trek
The journey spans a 13-kilometer trek from Katra to the temple. There are also some other types of ways to visit the temple. The other ways to complete the trek are via horses, palki or in a helicopter
Adhkuwari Route: The first path leads via the Adhkuwari Temple, marking the halfway point to the Bhawan. Its ancient construction reveals narrow passageways.
Himkoti Route: The newer route via Himkoti offers a wider path with a manageable gradient.
Historical Roots
The temple’s history is fully filled with folk literature. Legend has it that Goddess Sati’s skull fell here, and she resides as a five-and-a-half-feet-tall rock with three heads (the Pindies). The place is also connected to Mahabharat. However, the exact dates remain deceptive, the worship of the Goddess is believed to have links to the holy goddess of Jamboo Mountains (modern-day Jammu). The Pandavas are said to be the original devotees of holy cave. Pandit Sridhar is a Hindu priest who discovered the cave and also blessed by Mata Vaishno Devi herself. His descendants continue as gurdians to this day.
Bhairon Nath Temple
Located just 2 kilometers from the main Bhawan. Bhairon Nath, who fell at this spot when the Goddess beheaded him.
Spiritual Essence
Vaishno Devi Temple isn’t merely a place to visit; it’s an experience to live. The temple’s religious vibes blend seamlessly with Kashmir’s expansive beauty and the grand allure of the city.
Vaishno Devi Temple Timing
The Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu and Kashmir is open for the devotees throughout the year for pilgrimage. The temple premises can get entry from 5 AM till 12 PM after which the temple is shut down and again opens from 4 PM till 9 PM. The traditional Aarti, which is the main reason for huge queues in the Vaishno Devi darshan, takes place both in the mornings and evenings, right before sunrise and sunset.
Vaishno Devi Online Booking
The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has started the process of Online Yatra Registration to make the process easy and manageable for devotees.
Through online booking, devotees will be able to obtain all bookings including Yatra Registration slip, Room Bookings as well as Pooja bookings well in advance, online and without waiting in queues.
To make Vaishno Devi darshan booking online, obtain a Yatra Slip or use any other Online Service being provided on the official website of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. The users will first need to register on the website. It should be noted that this Yatra Slip is free of cost and will be required to show at Banganga Yatra check post on your arrival to undertake the Yatra to the Holy Cave Shrine, otherwise you will not be allowed to enter. The Yatra Recipt is valid for a full day to cross Banganga check post.
Best Time to Visit Vaishno Devi Temple
Although the Vaishno Devi, Jammu is open to pilgrims throughout the year. The best time to visit is during the months of March to June, and then from October to November.
These months encounter several festivals which ensure a better traditional experience. However, many pilgrims seen to visit the holy temple during these months. It is recommended to make your bookings in advance to avoid cancellations of booking.
The months of June to October are considered as non-ideal because these are prone to heavy rainfall, which brings with the risks of often landslides and road blockages also. It makes the conditions far from ideal. Similarly, the months from December to March encounter harsh winter conditions with very low temperature levels and it’s best to avoid visiting Vaishno Devi temple during these months.
Visiting Vaishno Devi is not just a religious pilgrimage but also an enriching spiritual experience for devotees, who come for seeking solace, blessings, and fulfillment of their desires from the Divine Mother.