Vaishno Devi- Jammu Kashmir: Jai Mata Di
Vaishno Devi, Jammu Kashmir located in the serene and picturesque lower Himalayas, is perhaps India’s most visited pilgrimage temple. Dedicated to Vaishnavi, the human manifestation of Goddess Shakti, the main shrine of Vaishno Devi is actually located in a cave. The main cave temple contains three pinds (small stone protrudings) that are deemed by Hindus across the globe to be among the holy places in India.
The actual pilgrimage, also referred to as yatra, begins from Katra itself. To reach the cave temple shrine, devotees and pilgrims have to cover a 13 km walk/trek across the mountains. The old temple shrine is referred to as Mata ka Darbar (literally, the mother’s court). Devotees and pilgrims complete the holy pilgrimage chanting the slogan “Jai Mata Di” (Meaning ‘Victory to the Mother Goddess’). Note that the route is well laid and features many shortcuts and stairways. The entire route is well lit and regularly clean. Utilities such as seating arrangements, shelters, drinking water coolers and toilets are interspersed throughout the route. At many places, one can even find accommodation. Vaishno Devi temple complex is also one of the richest religious institutions in the country.
DESTINATIONS around Vaishno Devi temple- TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Vaishno Devi pilgrimage not only covers the main cave temple, but also includes many other peripheral Hindu temples and historical temple caves. Prominent among these are the Ban Ganga temple, Charan Paduka temple and Ardh Kuwari.
- The Ban Ganga temple is located 3 kms away from Katra and is the source of a holy river. Legend says that the river started flowing after the goddess shot an arrow into the stone to fulfil the thirst of her devotee.
- Located 1.5 kms away from Ban Ganga is the Charan Paduka temple. Charun Paduka is literally translated as “holy footprint” and the temple is said to house the goddess’ own footprints.
- Located further upward and 4.5 kms away from the Charan Paduka temple is Ardh Kuwari, the halfway point of the pilgrimage. The return trip is via a different route, and it is on this route that one comes across the Bhairon Nath temple. This temple is dedicated to Bhairon Nath, the same demon who wished to assassinate the goddess. It is said that any pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi is incomplete without a visit to the Ardh Kuwari or the historical temple of Bhairon Nath.
Vaishno Devi pilgrim- TRAVEL TIPS
- Languages: Hindi and English are widely spoken.
- Accommodation: Due to Vaishno Devi’s spiritual prominence, there are many ashrams and meditation centres around this ancient temple city and famous pilgrimage centre.
- Cuisine: Katra is home to many restaurants and Indian cuisine catering to all tastes and stomachs is readily available. Note that Vaishno Devi tours are offered by all leading travel operators of India.
Vaishno Devi is a must-stop for any temple tourism initiative or temple tour in India.
BEST TIME to visit Vaishno Devi
The famous temple of Vaishno Devi can be visited any time of the year. However, winters here can be quite cold. Snowfall is somewhat common considering the high altitude at which the shrine is situated. During winter, the trek/walk to the shrine is often more difficult due to heavy rain or snowfall. Find Travel Agents suiting your travel on Tripraja.com
BEST WAY to reach Vaishno Devi
- By Air: Jammu, located 48 kms away, is the nearest airport.
- By Rail: Currently, the nearest railway station is Jammu. However, after the completion of the Kashmir Railway, Katra will be the nearest railhead.
- By Road: Katra, the nearest town to the settlement, is well connected to all the important cities in the region. Buses are plenty from all towns/cities in the region.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels and rooms are available to suit all budgets. One can obtain excellent discounts on accommodation via temple pilgrimage tours and temple tours and also on Vaishno Devi package tours.