Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Temple, Jammu& Kashmir

There is no doubt that Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Temple, located in the Trikuta Hills of Jammu Kashmir, is one of the holiest pilgrimages places in India. The temple welcomes thousands of devotees per day. According to the beliefs, it is the abode of Mata Vaishno Devi, who fulfils all the wishes of her followers.

The visit to Vaishno Devi Temple is called Yatra because it is a 13 km trek from the Katra town of Jammu Kashmir to the cave where Mata Rani resides in the rock formations. Visitors earlier had to use a narrow tunnel to reach the shrine, but two more tunnels have been built for visitors’ convenience.

History & Legend about Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir

The place is considered to be the most important Shaktipeeth because Sati’s skull fell there.

According to the story, the three goddesses Maha Kali Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati collected their powers to make Vaishnavi. These goddesses asked her to attain a higher level of spirituality and merge in Vishnu.

She was evolving spiritually in an ashram at the Trikuta Hills when Mahayogi Gorakh Nath sent his disciple Bhairo Nath to see if she has attained her goal. Bhairo Nath, on the other hand, lost his heart to Vaishnavi and started wooing her for marriage.

Irritated of his actions, she fled to the hills to continue her meditation. Bhairo Nath followed her everyone and got killed.

Best Time for Vaishno Devi Yatra

The temple is open throughout the year, and visitors can trek 24/7 as the entire pathway is safe and remain lighted for visitors at night as well. Normally people visit the temple between March to October, but adventure lovers choose the winter season when the snowfall escalates the experience for better.

Major Attractions and Festivals

The temple worships goddesses and their power in the name of Shakti. Therefore, it is obvious that most devotees visit the temple during the Navratris when a different kind of madness is visible in the visitors.

How to Reach Vaishno Devi Cave Temple?

By Air – Jammu Airport is 50 km away from Katra, and regular bus or taxi would take you to your destination.
By Train – Taxis to Katra are easily available from Udhampur Railway Station.
By Bus – Visitors can either take the Jammu& Kashmir state buses or private AC buses from Jammu to Katra.
Places to see near Vaishno Devi Temple

• Dera Baba Banda
• Bhairavnath Temple
• Holy Cave of Shiv Khori

Puja and Darshan Cost:

• Normal Yarta and Darshan- Free of cost
• Individual Pooja – 1,100 INR
• Helicopter Tickets to avoid 13 km trek – 1005 INR (one-way trip)

Hotels Near Mata Vaishno Devi Temple

• Hotel Sanjeev Palace
• OYO 22075 Hotel Bali Palace
• Pushpa Residency Katra
• HOTEL Shree Hari Niwas, Katra
• Hotel Katra Residency

Tips for Visitors

• Avoid visiting in the peak season if you wish a comfortable Yatra.
• Carry Heavy woolen clothes
• Comfortable sport shoes are a must for the 13km trekking.
• Do not enter without the Yatra Parchi, which is free of cost.
• All facilities such as banks, medical help, blanket store, ATM etc. are available throughout the pathway.