Ardhkuwari Temple: All The Details You Need To Plan Your Visit

View of pilgrims resting at night outside Ardhkuwari Temple on the trek to Vaishno Devi Temple

On the way to Mata Vaishno Devi temple on Trikuta Hill, there are several pilgrim spots that you may come across that hold special significance with the shrine. One such popular place is the Ardhkuwari Temple. This is a cave temple located in the Katra district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is the halfway point of the Mata Vaishno Devi trek. This cave temple is also known as Garbhjun Cave. It is called so because it is naturally shaped like a mother’s womb.

Quick Details About Ardhkuwari Temple, Jammu

Location: Tilak Nagar, Purana Daroor, Dhar Vaishno Devi, Ban Ganga, Jammu and Kashmir
Elevation: 4800 ft. above sea level
Timings: Open 24 hours
Entry Fees: Free
How To Reach: On foot, pony, or palanquin
Nearest Airport: Jammu airport (50 km)
Nearest Railway Station: Mata Vaishno Devi Railway Station, Katra

About Ardhkuwari Temple

Enjoy a trek to Vaishno Devi Temple via Ardhkuwari Temple located amidst natural beauty

Photo: Ridhvan Sharma / Wikimedia Commons Image For Representation Only

Located on the Trikuta Hill, Ardhkuwari Temple holds special significance for pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine. This is said to be the place where Goddess Vaishno Devi hid from Bhairo Nath in a way similar to an unborn child in his or her mother’s womb. She is said to have stayed here for 9 months meditating and attaining spiritual development. To reach the innermost sanctum of this temple, you have to crawl down a narrow path that may sometimes feel difficult and impossible to go through. It is believed that a devotee can cleanse his or her sins and become pious again just by passing through this cave. The Ardhkuwari temple timings make it suitable for devotees to visit the holy temple throughout the year.

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Jammu And Kashmir In September

Location

Visit Ardhkuwari Temple on the way to Vaishno Devi Temple situated on the Trikuta Hills

Photo: Abhishek Chandra / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Ardhkuwari Temple address is the halfway distance between Katra and Mata Vaishno Devi temple. On the way, visitors come across Ban Ganga. It is believed that to wash her hair & Charan Paduka the goddess stopped here. She stopped to check whether Bhairon Nath was still behind her. These are all important pilgrimage spots en route to the main shrine.

How To Reach Ardhkuwari Temple

Scenic view of road with rocky mountains on one side and lush greenery on the other side.

Photo: Shail Sharma / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Ardhkuwari is approximately 9 km from Katra and can be covered on foot. Additionally, from the town of Katra, the pilgrims can hire either a horse/pony or a palanquin/palki that starts from the Darshani Darwaza (the entrance gate to start the trek at Katra) which marks the starting point of the holy sojourn.

Suggested Read: Vaishnodevi Temple

Places To Visit Near Ardhkuwari Temple

In addition to the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, there are several other places to visit nearby. Here are some places tourists can visit in addition to the temple:

1. Jammu

A breathtaking view with clear skies of Jammu City with the Tawi River flowing alongside

Photo: Mustafa Fatemi / Unsplash

Famous for its natural splendour and scenic beauty, Jammu is full of wildlife destinations, snow-capped mountains, exquisite monuments, and beautiful handicraft markets. Another name for Jammu is ‘the city of temples’ due to the temples spread across the city. The Raghunath temple is a famous tourist destination where people come to seek blessings. Founded by Raja Jamboo Lochan, it was a place where the strong and weak could live together peacefully.

Distance From Ardhkuwari: 20 km
Best Time To Visit: September-March

2. Patnitop

View of Patnitop Park with lush green grass and a backdrop of cloudy skies and dense forest

Photo: My Lord / Wikimedia Commons

Known for its expansive green meadows and panoramic scenic views, Patnitop is a famous hill station in Jammu. It was known as ’Patan Da Talab’ in ancient times, meaning ‘a pond of the princess’. Patnitop is an amazing location to travel for people looking to enjoy relaxing picnics and serene walks along the Chenab River with a scenic backdrop. One can enjoy trekking here in the summers and skiing in the winters. This region has several springs, believed to have curative properties. These springs attract visitors throughout the year.

Distance From Ardhkuwari: 102 km
Best Time To Visit: Whole year

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Patnitop

3. Sanasar

View of Sanasar Lake surrounded by green landscape, dense forests, and a cloudy backdrop

Photo: Imviiku / Wikimedia Commons

This is a lesser-known hill station of Jammu and Kashmir known to be a heaven for adventure enthusiasts. One can enjoy thrilling activities like paragliding, rock climbing, trekking, and abseiling here. It is a beautiful destination located in a cup-shaped meadow. This place has very calm and beautiful surroundings. There are three freshwater springs located in this region that make it a sightseeing paradise for all tourists.

Distance From Ardhkuwari: 119 km
Best Time To Visit: April-June

4. Bhaderwah

The beauty of Bhaderwah with cloudy blue skies and dense forests captured in a picture

Photo: Sumbria Vikramaditya / Wikimedia Commons

Known as Bhaderkashi (after goddess Bhadrakali) in ancient times, this bowl-shaped valley city has some of the most beautiful views of snow-dusted mountains and green meadows. Another name for Bhaderwah is ‘Mini Kashmir’. It is located in the Doda district of Jammu and Kashmir. With its snow-capped mountains, lush green grasslands, and beautiful valleys, it is a much-loved place both by the tourists as well as the locals.

Distance From Ardhkuwari: 177 km
Best Time To Visit: October-February

Suggested Read: Famous Festivals In Jammu And Kashmir

Where To Stay

Enjoy a comfortable stay at hotels near the Ardhkuwari Temple and have a peaceful trip.

Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

There are many hotels, resorts and B&Bs located near the Ardhkuwari temple in Katra. There are high-end options like Radisson Blu Jammu, Vivanta Jammu, Lemon Tree Katra, and many more for people looking to travel in luxury. For people looking for more pocket-friendly options, there are small hotels like New Sham Guest House, Jai Deva Guest House, Suman Guest House, and many more.

Where To Eat

A picture of delicious North Indian food that is served on a round plate at a restaurant

Photo: Gayatri Malhotra / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Katra City is home to some of the best restaurants like Vaishno Dhaba and Punjabi Haveli. There are fine-dining hotels as well as regular family restaurants & dhabas. The city caters to the taste of every tourist with its culinary delights.

Suggested Read: Best Food in Kashmir

Ardhkuwari Temple is located amidst the serene natural beauty of mountains and is quite known for providing panoramic views in addition to spiritual enlightenment. This is a must-visit place on the way to Mata Vaishno Devi temple on Trikuta Parvat in Jammu and Kashmir. Plan your trip today with TripXL and close the bookings with the best deals and rates.

Cover Photo: Santosh178 / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

No. There are no online bookings for the temple. However, planning your trip with TripXL for the best accommodations and travel options to the temple is best.
The road to the temple is quite smooth and well-maintained.
Helicopter rides must be pre-booked well in advance as they are always in huge demand. The service is available from Katra to Sanjhichatt.
It is allowed to click pictures outside the temple but digital cameras as well as videography are not allowed inside the temple premises.
Yes. Due to several pilgrims visiting the temple daily, medical aid centres are available at regular intervals during the complete hike to the temple.

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