About Vaishno Devi

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine is one of the oldest shrines of India, located at a height of 5300 feet on the holy Trikuta Hills of the Shivalik Hill Range. The holy cave is 13 km from the Base Camp Katra. The town of Katra is 50 km away from Jammu and 35 km from District HQ Udhampur, and is well connected by road. The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine is one of the most popular shrines of India.

The Goddess Mata Vaishno Devi's abode is a 100-foot-long cave with a narrow opening. The holy cold and crystal-clear water washes the lotus feet of the Mata's "Pindian". There are three natural Pindies representing Maha Saraswati, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Kali, which symbolize the creative, preservative, and destructive aspects of the superpower. This is an ancient shrine whose reference is found in the Vedas and ancient scriptures.

The Vaishno Devi temple is recognized as one of the "Shakti Peeths" of Goddess Durga. This holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, situated in the folds of mighty Trikuta Hills, attracts lakhs of devotees from all parts of India and abroad.

People who visit the shrine come from all walks of life, including the wealthy and poor, young and old, men and women from within and outside the country. The Shrine of Goddess Vaishno Devi is reached by an arduous climb.

The scenic beauty, the landscape around, and the constant chanting of 'Jai Mata Di' leave a mystic effect on the devotees. At the culmination of their pilgrimage, the devotees are blessed with the 'Darshans' of the deity in her three manifestations as three Pindies, located inside the sanctum sanctorum, which is open for devotees throughout the year in all seasons.

It is truly a spiritually uplifting experience to witness the faith of the devotees, who are motivated by the chant of three words for ages.

Location and Accessibility

The nearest railway station and airport are in Jammu, 50 km from the base camp Katra. Regular bus services ply from Railway Station, Airport, and General Bus Stand Jammu to Katra. Also, numerous taxis, tourist vans, and deluxe buses are available at these locations. Additionally, inter-state buses are available for Katra from almost all major cities of North India.

The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine is linked to the Base Camp Katra with a 13 km track. The entire uphill journey from Katra to Bhawan is on foot; however, one can hire ponies, palkies, or pithoo for ease of journey. Recently, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has started air taxi services between Jammu, Katra, and Sanjichat at normal rates.

Route to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi

The 13 km hilly track between Katra and Bhawan contains several ancient temples and viewpoints for resting and enjoying the natural beauty. The journey is divided into several stops:

• Banganga: 1 km from Katra, where one can have a holy bath in Banganga and enjoy Langar/Prasad (free food) run by the famous T-series Industries.
• Charanpadhuka: About 2.5 km from Banganga, it is believed that Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji took rest here while moving towards the Trikuta Hills. The place contains the footprints of the Goddess, hence the name Charanpadhuka Temple.
• Adkuwari: About 3 km from Charanpadhuka, Adkuwari is where devotees can stay for the night as half of the journey is over. Here, devotees can also visit Adkuwari Temple and Garbhjoon (an ancient 20-feet cave) where it is believed that Mata Vaishno Devi Ji hid from Bairon Nath for 9 months.
• Sanjichat: A steep climb of about 4 km from Adkuwari leads to Sanjichat, the highest point on the track. One can enjoy an aerial view of Katra, Udhampur, Reasi, and Jammu.
• Bhawan: From Sanjichat, about 2.5 km of downhill track leads to Bhawan, the holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. About 0.5 km from Bhawan on the Bhawan-Sanjichat track, a 2 km link track leads to the Bairon Nath temple.

Guidelines for Devotees

• Register yourself at the booking counter in Katra and get the Yatra slip.
• Get permission for a video camera, if interested.
• Check the identity card of the Pithoo, Pony, and Palki before hiring them.
• Travel as light as possible since all facilities are available on the track.
• Avoid using polythene bags to protect the environment.
• Throw waste in the waste bins available along the track.
• Walk on the track only and enjoy the beauty of nature. Taking a wrong track can lead to disastrous results.
• Before leaving for Darshan of the Holy Shrine, deposit your belongings in the cloakrooms and get the receipt.
• Donations should be made at the donation counters, and you should get a receipt duly signed.