About Vaishno Devi Temple
- Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the most famous Hindu Temple. It is situated in Katra village at Trikuta Mountains which comes under the Reasi district of Jammu & Kashmir.
- Temple is at the peak of 5200 ft. from sea level and approx 13 km. far from Katra village.
- The mandir is always open to its devotees. According to reports 10 million people per year visit here to see this temple.
- There is no statue of Maa Vaishnavi inside the cave. But there is three construction of stone inside the cave and they are called Pindis. And it is believed that these Pindis are of Maa Kali, Maa Saraswati, and Maa Laxmi.
- On a mountain bordering the Trikuta Mountains, there are five rock structures overlooking a sacred cave, the Shrine of Devi. The three-headed natural rock formation known as Saint Pindie is worshipped as a revelation of the Mother Goddess. On the same mountain is another shrine within the cave, a gateway to another dimension of superconsciousness.
Story/Mythology of Vaishno Devi Temple
- Maa Vaishnavi was born in South India at the house of Ratnakar Sagar. Her name was Trikuta. She was the devotee of Lord Vishnu. When she was nine years old she has started pray to Lord Rama at the seaside.
- At that time Rama was going to Lanka. They saw the Vaishnavi and were happy from her pray. So they blessed her and said that she will know as Vaishno Devi in the future. She wants to marry him. But Rama refuse it and said that he can’t do this. But they ensure that they will marry her in Kaliyug when they will take the avatar of Kalki.
- After that Rama told her that go into Manik Mountain in the Northeast and meditate inside a cave. After listening to this she had gone there, but their entire conversation had already been heard by Gorakhnath. He wanted to know the entire truth of Maa Vaishnavi. So he sends his student Bhairavnath. When Bhairavnath chasing the Maa Vaishnavi he got mad at her beauty. He wants to marry them. But Maa refuses him. When she was going inside the cave for meditation she said to Lord Hanuman that protect the cave and doesn’t send anyone inside the cave till 9 months. Bhairavnath tried several times but he did not succeed in his mission due to Hanuman. When the meditation period was over and Bhairavnath was still trying to enter a cave. She got angry at him and cut her head from his neck. After this, he apologized to Maa Vaishno Devi and called her Maa, and said that he doesn’t want that people remembered him for his evil work. So Maa Vaishnavi forgive him and said that my worship will remain incomplete until the people don’t remember you.
Why Vaishno Devi Temple is famous
- People believe that Maa Vaishnavi herself calls its devotees. And she fulfilled everyone’s wishes. Vaishno Devi Mandir is the richest temple in India. The temple has an annual income of 500 crores. People have unbelievable faith in this temple.
- It is believed that during Pooja and Aarti the goddesses come to this sacred cave to pay homage to Mata Rani. By divine grace, she brings her followers here for pilgrimages of religious significance. Thus Mata Vaishno Devi fulfills the wishes of her followers and no one can go to her shrine empty-handed.
- An estimated 8 million pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir visit the Vaishnodevi temple each year, making it the second most visited religious site in India after the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. The most popular Hindu pilgrimage destination in India is the Mata Vaishno Devi cave temple at Trikuta Hill in Katra, Jammu, and Kashmir. The temple is the most visited pilgrimage site in the northern half of the country and, together with Tirumala Sri Venkateshwara Temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh is one of the most visited shrines.
Vaishno Devi Yatra
- Vaishno Devi Yatra starts from the Katra village. From Katra, the temple is 13 km. You can opt for ponies and palkis from there. Even a helicopter facility is also available up to Sanji Chhat, which is 9 km far from Katra. And rest of the distance you can cover it by walking or through ponies and palkis.
- Manohar Sajnani, professor and author, said: “According to Hindu belief the original residence of Vaishno Devi was Ardha Kunwari, a place close to the city of Katra, which was a cave. The Adhkuwari Cave was the place where the goddess Vaishno meditated for nine months, observed penance, and devoted herself to Lord Shiva. As word spread, worshippers flocked to the sacred cave to pay their respects to her. The goddess believed that if no one visited her temple, she would exhibit a bulava to the followers of Mata Vaish no Devi and called upon them to visit her temple.
Vaishno Devi Temple Weather
- Weather report of Vaishno Devi Temple during –
| Summers | Mar to June | 6°c – 31°c |
| Monsoon | July to Sep | 19°c – 25°c |
| Winter | Oct to Feb. | 2°c – 23°c |
How to reach Vaishno Devi Temple
By Air
- If you are going by air you have to fly to Jammu Airport which is the nearest airport from Katra. It is approx 50 km. far from Katra. After reaching the airport you can take the bus, taxi from there to Katra Vaishno Devi Temple
By Train
- If you are going by train, you have to ticket for Katra Railway Station. After reaching Katra Station you can easily go by walking or electrical vehicle or opt helicopter facility to reach Vaishno Devi Temple.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time to visit Vaishno Devi Temple Katra?
Ans: The best time to visit Vaishno Devi Temple Katra is between March and November when the weather is pleasant.
Q: Is the trek to Vaishno Devi Temple Katra difficult?
Ans: The trek to Vaishno Devi Temple Katra is not very difficult and can be completed in 4-6 hours.
Q: Is there any dress code for visiting the temple?
Ans: There is no specific dress code for visiting the temple, but it is advisable to wear comfortable and decent clothing.
Q: Can I book helicopter tickets to Vaishno Devi Temple Katra?
Ans: Yes, helicopter tickets can be booked online in advance for a hassle-free journey.