Vaishno Devi, Katra: The Famous Holy Shrine

The visit to the Holy Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is an exquisite journey through the sites where Mata Vaishnavi spent time while doing various spiritual disciplines and penances. This voyage comes to an end at the Holy Cave, where She combined her Human form with the astral forms of Her origins, the three Supreme Energies.(Holy Pindies.)

Table of Contents

1. About Vaishno Devi mandir, Katra
2. History of Maa Vaishno Devi
3. Story of Mata Vaishno devi temple
4. Prasad offered at Mata Vaishno Devi temple
5. How to reach the Mata Vaishno devi temple?
6. Best time to visit the temple
7. Things to know before visiting the temple

About Vaishno Devi Mandir, Katra

Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Temple, the second-most popular Hindu pilgrimage site in India, is located in the Trikuta Hills of Katra, Jammu and Kashmir. Hindu devotees from all over the world come to this famous religious location, where the Mother Goddess, or Mata Vaishno Devi, is claimed to grant their wishes. This sacred site is regarded the most important Shaktipeeth since it is supposed to be where the Goddess Sati's skull fell. At Mata Vaishno Devi Cave, the goddess takes the appearance of a five and a half-foot-tall rock with three heads, known as the Pindies. On the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, devotees bring customary offerings to Mata, including chunri (a red drape), sarees, dry fruits, silver or gold ornaments, cholas, flowers, and so on.

History of Maa Vaishno Devi

Vaishno Devi Shrine Board was created in 1986, and since then, this most prominent religious destination in Jammu has attracted a large number of Hindu pilgrims. The holy cave of Mata Vaishno Devi is claimed to have been found by a Hindu priest named Pandit Sridhar. Goddess Vaishnavi appeared in the priest's dream and advised him on how to discover her residence on the Trikuta Hills. Following her instructions, the priest embarks on the journey after the dream and locates the cave as previously directed. Mata Vaishno Devi appeared before him and blessed him with four sons. She also granted him the honour of being the cave's custodian. Even today, Pandit Shridhar's descendants honour the vow.

Story of Mata Vaishno Devi Temple

Mata Vaishno Devi was born as Vaishnavi, and the goddesses who created her requested her to live on Earth and devote her time to achieving a high degree of consciousness. Lord Rama later commanded her to begin an Ashram at the base of the Trikuta Hills, meditate, and grow spiritually, and she followed his instructions. When the goddess began to reside in Trikuta Hills in Katra, Mahayogi Guru Gorakhnath Ji dispatched his pupil, Bhairon Nath, to see if the goddess had acquired a higher level of spirituality yet. However, Bhairon Nath gradually lost his sense of purpose, fell in love with her, and began to bother her to marry him.
To continue her Tapasya/meditation undisturbed, Vaishnavi fled to the mountains, but was pursued by Bhairon Nath. The goddess slayed him, and as he died, Bhairon Nath recognized his error and prayed for forgiveness. Mata Vaishno Devi not only forgave him, but also bestowed upon him a blessing. Each devotee on a pilgrimage must get the Darshan of Bhairon after the goddess; only then will the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra be complete.

Prasad offered at Mata Vaishno Devi Temple

Traditional offerings to Maa Vaishno Devi include chunari (a scarlet stole), saree, jewellery, dry fruits, and flowers. The chunari is the most sacred of all, and most yatris wear it on their foreheads throughout the journey.
Restricted items.
1. Sweets and food items are not permitted within the Holy Cave, so do not purchase them.
2. Coconuts are not permitted to be broken inside the holy cave. It can, however, be placed at a counter in the main waiting hall for a token. After the darshan, the coconut can be reclaimed from a counter near the cave's exit.

How to reach the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple?

A 13-kilometre hike from Katra, Jammu Region, leads to the Mata Vaishno Devi religious site, where the goddess shows herself in the natural rock formation (holy pindies) in the sanctum sanctorum (cave). The worshipers constructed a tunnel to reach the sanctum sanctorum of this holy location in Jammu. However, because of its narrowness, two additional tunnels are being erected to aid in the efficient passage of pilgrims lining up here.

Helicopter Service for Mata Vaishno Devi Temple.

A helicopter service from Katra to Sanjhichatt, where the temple is only 2.5 kilometres distance.

Best Time to visit the Temple

Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is open all year, however the ideal time to visit is between March and October. Devotees also want to arrange their pilgrimages during the holy month of Navratri. 

Things to Know Before Visiting the Temple

1. A 13-kilometre hike leads to Mata Vaishno Devi; however, horses are provided for those who are unable to walk.
2. A ropeway connects Mata Vaishno Devi Cave with Bhairon Ghati.
3. Alcohol is completely prohibited in Katra, and vegetarian cuisine is accessible throughout the town.
4. Cameras are not permitted on the hike, so guests should leave them at their hotels.
5. A yatra slip must be collected from the Yatra Registration Counter located near Katra's bus station.
6. Visitors are not permitted to see Mata Vaishno Devi without a yatra slip.
7. Prior to hiring porters, palanquins, and ponies, confirm their pricing.