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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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
