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Vaishnodevi Temple is one of the most prominent pilgrimage sites in India. Devotees from across the world visit this place to seek the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi. It is believed that Vaishno Devi Mata is a manifestation of the Hindu Goddess Durga and she bestows the wishes of devotees who visit the shrine with complete faith and belief. The holy cave of Vaishno Devi has three naturally formed rocks called Pindies. These Pindies are believed to be the three forms of Durga – Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati, and Maha Lakshmi.
Location
Photo: Porus Stationery / Wikimedia Commons
Vaishno Devi shrine is located in Trikuta Hills, at a distance of around 13 km from Katra. The Vaishnodevi temple address is given from Katra, which is at the base of Trikuta hills. Katra lies at a distance of 63 km from Jammu City. The holy shrine, located on the Trikuta mountain, is at a height of 5000 feet. The location of this temple offers breathtaking views of the mountains around it and a very serene atmosphere.
Suggested Read: Jammu Temples
How To Reach Vaishnodevi Temple
Photo: Abhishek Chandra / Wikimedia Commons
The holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi can be reached by air, road, or railway. It is very well-connected to all the cities. Tourists can choose any of the following means to reach this temple:
By Air: Jammu Airport is located 50 km away from Katra from where the tourists can take a taxi to reach Katra. Board a helicopter from Katra which will drop at Sanjhichat, which is just 2.5 km walking distance from the Devi Bhawan.
By Road: Jammu is well connected to Katra by Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport buses. Devotees can travel by bus or by taxi from Jammu to Katra.
By Train: Tourists can also reach Katra railway station or Jammu Tawi Railway station by train from major Indian cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai.
Once you reach Katra, you can reach the Vaishno Devi Bhawan in the following ways:
By Foot: Devotees can also cover the entire climb of 12 km from the Katra base up to the shrine by foot.
Places To Visit Near Vaishnodevi Temple
Devotees who visit the temple can also explore the following places to have a heavenly experience:
1. Ardhkuwari
Photo: Santosh178 / Wikimedia Commons
Ardhkuwari is situated halfway between Katra and the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. This place holds a profound significance as the place where the goddess sought refuge while hiding from the demon Bhairon Nath. She spent nine months here in a state of meditation and austerity. A 52 ft. long cave, also known as Garbha Joon due to the resemblance of its shape to a mother’s womb, is located in Ardhkunwari. The blessings taken from this site hold great importance for devotees. Also, the pilgrims often rest here on the way to trekking up the main shrine.
Suggested Read: Ardhkuwari Temple
2. Vaishno Devi Mandir: The Main Bhawan
Photo: Dishant Thapa / Unsplash
The Mata Vaishno Devi shrine is nestled among picturesque surroundings and provides awestruck views of the hills and lush green trees. This temple is the main sacred place where Goddess Durga shed her human avatar and turned into three Pindies. The three Pindies hold divine power and bless the devotees who visit with pure heart. The whole tiring trek to this cave feels complete after witnessing the magic inside the cave. Pilgrims feel rejuvenated and rejoiced after visiting the temple and bathing in the holy waters here. The Vaishnodevi temple timings are not something to worry about as it is open at all times.
3. Bhairon Nath Temple
Photo: Abhishek Chandra / Wikimedia Commons
Dedicated to Bhairon Nath, a manifestation of Lord Shiva, this temple is located around 1.5 km from the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. The trek to this temple is very scenic and offers a spiritual awakening for many pilgrims. Many people consider paying homage to Bhairuon Nath to be essential to complete their pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi. As per Hindu mythology, Bhairon Nath was a devotee of Mata Vaishno Devi but pursued her to marry her. However, the Goddess fled and ultimately beheaded him. Tourists visit this temple while covering a steep trek to seek blessings and experience divinity.
Suggested Read: Shankaracharya Temple
Where To Stay
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Katra has a huge number of hotels and lodging places for a comfortable stay for tourists. These stays offer all the facilities required by travellers in addition to warm hospitality. Holiday Inn, Ramada by Wyndham, and Lemon Tree Hotel are some luxury hotels in Katra. For budget-friendly stays, there are multiple options like Hotel Lords Paradise, Hotel Mahaluxmi, Hotel Shree Shakti, Hotel The Vaishki, and many more. Tourists can find guest houses and lodging places in abundance here.
Devotees who wish to stay near the shrine, on top of the hill, can book a room from the website of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. There are only 15 rooms in total for which the booking opens at 10 am and it is advised to book a room at least 4 months in advance.
Where To Eat
Photo: Prithvi Soma / Wikimedia Commons
Katra offers an amazing variety of food that caters to the taste of all the tourists that visit here. Some of the good eating joints are – Pooja Vaishno Dhaba, Jewel’s Restaurant, Nathu’s Sweets, Rajasthani & Gujarati Restaurant, Lazeez Restaurant, Madhuban Saatvik Restaurant, and many more. The pilgrims can have a good and hearty meal at Katra before embarking on the journey to the holy shrine.
Suggested Read: Food in Kashmir
Best Time To Visit Vaishnodevi Temple
Photo: Amishariya Singh / Wikimedia Commons
The pilgrimage is open for devotees throughout the year, but the best time to visit Vaishno Devi is from March to October to enjoy cool and pleasant weather. The route up to the holy shrine offers amazing views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Most devotees plan their trip during the Navratris, i.e., in the months of March-April and October-November.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Annie Spratt / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
It is advised to keep in mind the following factors while planning for a trip to Vaishno Devi to make your plan fruitful and successful:
Average Cost Of The Trip: The total cost of the trip depends on many factors like accommodation, food & transportation used to reach Katra and the holy shrine. The ropeway from the Bhawan to Bhairon Baba Temple costs around INR 100, the Helicopter ride costs INR 1730, the Mule ride costs INR 1250, the Pitthoo costs INR 540, and Palki costs INR 3150 (all per person rates). Overall, the cost is very reasonable and light to the pocket of the devotees.
Tips For Travellers: The pilgrims must keep the following points in mind:
- Mobiles, wallets, cameras, and belts are not allowed inside the temple. Vaishnodevi Temple photos can be purchased from the local shops where professional photographs are being sold.
- You can also avail yourself of free and basic accommodation near Katra, Sanjhichat, Bhawan, and Ardhkuwari.
- Carry an umbrella or wear a cap if you are taking the journey during the daytime.
- Wear comfortable & decent clothing and shoes for an easy uphill and downhill journey.
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A soulful trip to Vaishnodevi Temple will fill your heart with joy and peace. The powerful Goddess here is believed to listen to the prayers made by heart and she offers her blessings to one and all. Devotees throng in huge numbers to visit this holy shrine and witness the magic of this heavenly place. Plan for this divine trip with TripXL and witness the wonders of being close to God.
Cover Photo: Rishabh V Yadav / Wikimedia Commons
