Vaishno Devi
Introduction :
| Indian Spiritual tradition has propounded four Purusharth (objectives) of a human life. These being Dharm (Righteousness), Arth (Material Pursuits), Kaam (Contentment) and Moksh (Enlightenment). Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is believed to grant all the four boons to those who visit Her Holy Shrine. She is considered to fulfill anything and everything that a person wishes for in life, in a righteous way. It is an experience of all, that no one goes empty handed from Her Great Pilgrimage. The journey to the Holy Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is thus an enchanting journey of the places where Mata Vaishnavi had spent some time while observing various spiritual disciplines and penances. The culmination of this journey is at the Holy Cave where She merged Her Human form with the astral form of Her creators, the three Supreme Energies |
History of the Holy Shrine Vaishno Devi Mandir :
Every hour, every day, every year a mass of humanity surges up steep pathways that cut across the hillside for mile after mile. Popular belief holds that anybody who walks the Himalayan trail to her abode to ask for a boon rarely goes back disappointed. There are many who journey here year after year to pay obeisance regardless of their faith or belief, creed or class, caste or religion, for Mata Vaishno Devi transcends all such barriers.
As the legend goes, more than 700 years ago Vaishno Devi a devotee of Lord Vishnu, used to pray to Lord Rama and had taken vow of celibacy. Bhairon Nath, a tantric (demon-God) tried to behold Her. Making use of his tantric powers, Bhairon Nath was able to see Her going towards the Trikuta mountains and gave chase. The Goddess felt thirsty at Banganga and shot an arrow into the earth from where water gushed out. Charan Paduka, marked by the imprints of Her feet, is the place where she rested. The Goddess then meditated in the cave at Adhkawari. It took Bhairon Nath nine months to locate Her, the reason why the cave is known as Garbh Joon. Mata Vaishno Devi blasted an opening at the other end of the cave with Her Trident when the demon-God located Her.
On arriving at the Holy Cave at Darbar, she assumed the form of Maha Kali and cut off Bhairon Nath's head which was flung up the mountain by the force of the blow and fell at the place where the Bhairon Temple is now located. The boulder at the mouth of the Holy Cave according to the legend is the petrified torso of Bhairon Nath who was granted divine forgiveness by the benevolent Mata in his dying moments
Appropriate Season :
The shrine is visited all through the year, but the path is difficult during the winters due to snowfall. Now the whole path from katra to Vaishno Devi Shrine is covered with metal roof. Hence there is very limited snow on the path. You might also find main entrance of Shrine Cave open during winter season due to less no of pilgrims visiting shrine in winter .The heaviest rush is during the Navratra periods in March-April and September-October.
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| Mata Rani's bhavan during snowfall |
How to Reach...
Airway :Nearest airport - Jammu (48 km from Katra)
Daily Flights are available from Delhi and Srinagar. These flights (Indian Airlines, Go Air, Air Deccan, Jet Airways, Spicejet, Kingfisher) connect Chandigarh & Amritsar on some days of the week.
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| JAMMU RAILYWAY STATION |
Railway :Nearest Railway Station - Jammu By rail, Jammu is directly connected cities like Mumbai, Delhi Kolkatta and Chennai. Besides, it is connected with other major cities of the country.
Roadways :Jammu is the terminus of a large number of Inter State Bus Services.
Jammu to Katra :Buses leave for Katra every 10 minutes from the main bus stand at Jammu between 5.30 am to 8.30 pm. During rush periods, additional buses are also pressed into service between Jammu and Katra. Private Taxis are also available for hire between Jammu and Katra. These can be hired from Jammu Airport, Jammu Railway Station and the Tourist Reception Centre at Jammu. Private taxis charges are according to no of passengers They cost from Rs 850 to Rs 1500 according to different cars and passengers they can carry .
Where to stay :
JammuYatri Niwas managed by the Shrine Board. Various private hotels, the room rent ranging from Rs.300/- per day to Rs.3000/- per day.
Katra
Yatri Niwas managed by the Shrine Board, Rest Houses maintained by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, other Hotels. Sarais, managed by the Shrine Board offer free accommodations at Adhkawari, Sanjichhat and Darbar. Dharamshala, run by various organizations offer reasonable accommodation to the pilgrims. Yatris are however advised to keep themselves away from touts promising free Dharamshala accommodations .
Yatra to Darbar :
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| Pilgrims at yatra |
The Yatra begins at Katra and pilgrims have to cover 13 km. of terrain on foot to reach the Darbar. One kilometer away from Katra, you would find Banganga, place where Mata quenched her thirst and at 6 km., the holy cave at Adhkawari.
Yatris are advised to obtain a yatra slip only from the Yatra Registration Counter at the Tourism Reception Centre, Katra Bus Stand and nowhere else.
Without an authentic yatra slip, crossing of Banganga check post will not be allowed. The Yatra Slip is absolutely free but is necessary to commence the Yatra.
Without an authentic yatra slip, crossing of Banganga check post will not be allowed. The Yatra Slip is absolutely free but is necessary to commence the Yatra.
You can obtain caps, canvas shoes, sticks etc. on hire for the Yatra. Pithus (people who carry weight on their backs) can be hired for carrying your luggage.
Those who have problems in climbing on the mountains, can hire the services of a pony or dandi (palenquin). Pithus can be hired for carrying the children on shoulders. It is advised that you should avail of the services of only registered people be it the pithu, pony or the dandiwalla and keep his token for the period he is engaged.
The entire 13 km route is quite wide and tiled. Besides, the whole path is lit up every night by powerful sodium vapor lamps.
The whole route is swept and cleaned from time to time throughout the day. Yatris are requested to keep the path clean.
Shelter cum sheds and shelter cum cafeterias are setup throughout the route. Pure vegetarian food is available at these outlets. Price charts are exhibited at all these outlets prominently.
After 6 km. of trekking, you would reach Adhkawari, the holy cave where Mata meditated for nine months. Do visit the cave.
After 9.5 km., you would reach Sanji Chhat where you can rest for sometime. Accommodation is also available at this place. Bhawan is just 3.5 km. away.
On reaching Bhawan, show your Yatra Slip at the Registration Office and obtain the Batch no. provided on the slip. This number is important as it will determine your place in the queue for darshan.
On reaching Bhawan, have a bath and change your clothes. Be sure to get your luggage and leather items booked in the cloak rooms and obtain the receipt. Book the valuables separately and obtain the receipt.
You can also get blankets on refundable deposit for Rs.100/Blanket.
Buy Prasad, Chunri and Coconuts from the shops situated at the entrance of the Bhawan..
Mata Rani's Bhavan :
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| Mata Rani's Bhavan from top in night |
On reaching Bhavan, buy prasad and other offerings. Show the Yatra Ticket at the office and collect the Token No., and check the group No. and time for your turn. Have a bath and change clothes before the darshan.
Deposit your belongings in the cloak room.
Stand in the queue for darshan according to your Group No. at gate No. 2. Keep chanting Jai Mata Di.In case of overcrowding, it may take sometime in the queue. Please wait patiently.You would not be allowed to carry the Cocunut in the cave. Before entering the cave, deposit the coconut and collect a token for each of such coconuts deposited. When you come out, be sure to collect an offered coconut from the other side by depositing the coconut. Do not lose the token.
Keep the prasad in your hands, and chant Jai Matadi inside the cave. While inside the cave, please concentrate on the darshan of mother goddess in her three pindi forms - Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati.
The holy water coming from the feet of the mata can be collected while you come out near the exit gate.
Deposit the token and collect your coconut from the counter near the exit.
It is believed that the Yatra is complete only after visiting the shrine of Bhairon while returning. Bhairon's Shrine is 2.5 km. from Bhavan. Please collect your belongings before going to the shrine, as the path of return is different.
The return path is just 13 km. as the return path from the Bhairon Shrine joins the main path at Sanjhi Chhat.
Mata Vaishnodevi's Darshan :
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| Maa Vaishno Devi's Pindis |
High, High to the north, amidst snow capped mountains and sprawling forests arise from within the holy shrine of Maa Vaishno Devi. Our journey takes you to this awesome wilderness, a place so holy and sacred, a place of mystery and adventure scarcely known to most in modern world. The Yatra begins at Katra and pilgrims cover 13km of terrain on foot to reach the holy Darbar. There is a common faith among the folk that Goddess-Vaishno sends a 'Call' to her devotees : and that once a person receives it, wherever he or she is, marches towards the holy shrine of the great Goddess. Howsoever difficult the passage may be : the difficult ascents, with innumerable stairs, are accomplished on foot by those who had never walked even small distances at their homes. A supernatural power seems to draw them through the mountain and they climb up those great heights step by step, chanting 'Prem se bolo, JAI MATA DI' The Holy Cave Shrine of Maa Vaishno Devi is situated in a beautiful recess of the Holy Trikuta Mountains forming a part of the lower Himalayas as in the State of Jammu and Kashmir. There are images of three deities - The Mahakali, Maa Saraswati and Maha Lakshmi.
Bhairav's Temple :
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| Bhairav's Temple |
After the Police Check Post and Yatra Parchi Check Post, the pilgrims reach a small bridge under which flows Banganga, the legendary river associated with the miracles and legends of Mata. There is water in the river all through the year except when there is an acute shortfall of rain or snow during the monsoon and winter respectively. It is considered sacred and as is normal Hindu tradition, devotees like to bathe in it before proceeding further. In the changed times, many pilgrims prefer to skip the traditional bath, but those having the time or those who are traditionally inclined and wish to follow the legends and traditions, would like to have a dip before proceeding further. There are a couple of Ghats built too, for this purpose. The first one is normally very crowded and the other is comparatively more spacious.
The name of this river comes from two terms, Ban and Ganga. Ban means Arrow and Ganga stands for the sacred river Ganges. It is believed that Mata Vaishno Devi, while on her way to the Holy Cave, created this water body with an arrow from her quiver, hence the name Banganga. It is also said that she had taken a dip in it and had washed her hair here. Thus some people also prefer to call it Bal Ganga, the term Bal meaning hair in Hindi.
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| Banganga |
Useful Information for Mata's Bhakat's :
Weather Information
Katra town is located at an altitude of nearly 2500 ft above sea level while the sanctum sanctorum is located at nearly 5200 ft. above sea level. There is obviously a significant temperature difference between the two locations. A reference to the temperature of Katra town alone may thus be misleading, for, even at the height of summer, the Bhawan area may be considerably cool. For this purpose, a chart outlining the broad range of summer/winter temperatures at both Katra and Bhawan is outlined below. The temperature figures are merely indicative and actual values may vary from year to year. Nevertheless, these values are meant to give the pilgrims a fair idea of the temperature range and to plan their yatra and clothing requirements accordingly.
Distances from Katra, Altitude w.r.t. Mean Sea Level & Average Temperature
Location
Altitudes(ft)
Temperature °C
Winter
Summer
Min.
Max.
Min.
Max.
Katra 2500
03
15
20
40
Banganga 2800 Charan Paduka 3380 Adhkuwari 4800 01 14 16 35 Himkoti 5120 Sanjichhat 6200 Bhawan 5200 - 02 13 15 30 Bhairon Ghati (Via Bhawan) 6619 - 03 11 12 25
Bhojanalyas & Refreshment Units :
Refreshments like biscuits, cold-drinks tea, coffee, milk, mineral water,etc. are available along the way at refreshment Units of the Shrine Board. Nearly all of these units are located at carefully selected locations from where one can have a panoramic view of the valley. Therefore, they are also known as View Points. There are a total of 12 such view points. 9 of these refreshment units (or view points) are located on the old track while 3 are located on the alternate track to Bhawan. All the items offered at these view points are on a no-profit basis thus ensuring proper quality and value for the money paid by the pilgrims.
Medical Facilities
While no specific medical certificate is needed to undertake the Yatra, those suffering from heart, breathing or similar ailments are advised to proceed with the Yatra only after due medical checkup and advice. Cardiac, asthmatic and orthopedic problems are known to get aggravated due to the strenuous climb. In any case, these patients are strongly advised against using the stairs. To cater to the medical needs of the yatries there is a block hospital at Katra as well as a 24 hours charitable dispensary run under the aegis of the Shrine Board. Emergency needs can be taken care of by basic medical facilities at Banganga, Adkuwari, Sanjichhat and Bhawan. Oxygen cylinders and emergency drugs are also available. A dispensary and 24-hr ICU is also available at Bhawan. Specialized and advanced medical treatment is however available only at Jammu.
Security Arrangements :
In order to regulate the yatra and strengthen security in the area, the State administration has made elaborate arrangements including deployment of sufficient troops of the local police as well as the paramilitary forces. Regular patrolling of the track, monitoring, vigilance and necessary action with regard to suspicious elements are part of the security drill. The security staff of SMVDSB (Shrine Board) is utilized for regulation of Yatra and adds to general area vigilance. In addition, X-Ray Baggage Inspection Systems and Door Frame Metal Detectors have been provided to ensure foolproof security of the pilgrims and the Shrine. Close Circuit TVs are installed at all vital locations.
The services of the local police can be availed of through Police Stations/Police Posts at Katra, Banganga, Adkuwari, Sanjichatt and and at Bhawan. There are senior officers of the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) who are available at Katra and Bhawan. In addition, officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy SP) or above of the paramilitary forces at also available at both Katra and Bhawan.
Palki, Ponies & Pithoos :
It may also be noted that palanquins (palkies), porters or ponies are far easier to hire at the beginning of the journey than in the middle. Palanquins can be hired from the Shrine Board assistance counter located at the Main bus stand, Katra and ponies can be hired from Chetak Bhawan located just near the Darshani Darwaza.
Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt sits on a pony, on his way to Mata Vaishnodevi
Pithoo
.gif)
Palki
Banks :
Many nationalized and private banks have their branches at Katra. The State Bank of India, Bank of Punjab and J&K Bank also provide ATM facilities at Katra. Many more banks including ICICI Bank, UTI Bank are in the process of installing their ATMs here. Many private sector banks which do not have an office at Katra, do have offices at Jammu. These include UTI Bank, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank (being opened shortly).
The J&K Bank and the Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) have their branches in the Bhawan complex also.
Helicopter Service :
Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has started online reservation of helicopter services from Katra
Vaishno Devi Helicopter services details
Helicopter about to land on Sanji chat Helipad
Pawan Hans and Global Vectra boards helicopter from Katra on the foothills and the flight will drop you at Sanjhichatt. This visit to the sacred Shrine, enveloped by the clouds is the beginning of a breathtaking heli-hop.
DAYS OF OPERATION AND TIMINGS :
- The flights operate EVERYDAY.
- Flight Timings are- 8.00 A.M to 5 P.M depending upon sun light and other related conditions. The flight from Katra to Vaishnodevi takes a total of 08 minutes.
- 5-6 passengers can be accommodated in one flight.
- One way fare from Katra to Sanjichhat or Sanjichhat to Katra Rs.699/-per passenger.
- Helipad is approx. 2 Km. from Bus Stand Katra at Udhampur Road. Vaishnodevi Bhawan is approx. 2.5 Km. from Helipad Sanjichhat.
- Pre-ponement or postponement of booking once done shall not be permissible.
Distances from Katra, Altitude w.r.t. Mean Sea Level & Average Temperature
Altitudes(ft)
Temperature °C
Winter
Summer
Min.
Max.
Min.
Max.
03
15
20
40
Bhojanalyas & Refreshment Units :
Refreshments like biscuits, cold-drinks tea, coffee, milk, mineral water,etc. are available along the way at refreshment Units of the Shrine Board. Nearly all of these units are located at carefully selected locations from where one can have a panoramic view of the valley. Therefore, they are also known as View Points. There are a total of 12 such view points. 9 of these refreshment units (or view points) are located on the old track while 3 are located on the alternate track to Bhawan. All the items offered at these view points are on a no-profit basis thus ensuring proper quality and value for the money paid by the pilgrims.
Medical Facilities
While no specific medical certificate is needed to undertake the Yatra, those suffering from heart, breathing or similar ailments are advised to proceed with the Yatra only after due medical checkup and advice. Cardiac, asthmatic and orthopedic problems are known to get aggravated due to the strenuous climb. In any case, these patients are strongly advised against using the stairs. To cater to the medical needs of the yatries there is a block hospital at Katra as well as a 24 hours charitable dispensary run under the aegis of the Shrine Board. Emergency needs can be taken care of by basic medical facilities at Banganga, Adkuwari, Sanjichhat and Bhawan. Oxygen cylinders and emergency drugs are also available. A dispensary and 24-hr ICU is also available at Bhawan. Specialized and advanced medical treatment is however available only at Jammu.
Security Arrangements :
In order to regulate the yatra and strengthen security in the area, the State administration has made elaborate arrangements including deployment of sufficient troops of the local police as well as the paramilitary forces. Regular patrolling of the track, monitoring, vigilance and necessary action with regard to suspicious elements are part of the security drill. The security staff of SMVDSB (Shrine Board) is utilized for regulation of Yatra and adds to general area vigilance. In addition, X-Ray Baggage Inspection Systems and Door Frame Metal Detectors have been provided to ensure foolproof security of the pilgrims and the Shrine. Close Circuit TVs are installed at all vital locations.
The services of the local police can be availed of through Police Stations/Police Posts at Katra, Banganga, Adkuwari, Sanjichatt and and at Bhawan. There are senior officers of the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) who are available at Katra and Bhawan. In addition, officers of the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy SP) or above of the paramilitary forces at also available at both Katra and Bhawan.
Palki, Ponies & Pithoos :
It may also be noted that palanquins (palkies), porters or ponies are far easier to hire at the beginning of the journey than in the middle. Palanquins can be hired from the Shrine Board assistance counter located at the Main bus stand, Katra and ponies can be hired from Chetak Bhawan located just near the Darshani Darwaza.
|
| Bollywood star Sanjay Dutt sits on a pony, on his way to Mata Vaishnodevi |
 |
| Pithoo |
.gif) |
| Palki |
Banks :
Many nationalized and private banks have their branches at Katra. The State Bank of India, Bank of Punjab and J&K Bank also provide ATM facilities at Katra. Many more banks including ICICI Bank, UTI Bank are in the process of installing their ATMs here. Many private sector banks which do not have an office at Katra, do have offices at Jammu. These include UTI Bank, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank (being opened shortly).
The J&K Bank and the Oriental Bank of Commerce (OBC) have their branches in the Bhawan complex also.
Helicopter Service :
Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has started online reservation of helicopter services from Katra
Vaishno Devi Helicopter services details
 |
| Helicopter about to land on Sanji chat Helipad |
Pawan Hans and Global Vectra boards helicopter from Katra on the foothills and the flight will drop you at Sanjhichatt. This visit to the sacred Shrine, enveloped by the clouds is the beginning of a breathtaking heli-hop.
DAYS OF OPERATION AND TIMINGS :
- The flights operate EVERYDAY.
- Flight Timings are- 8.00 A.M to 5 P.M depending upon sun light and other related conditions. The flight from Katra to Vaishnodevi takes a total of 08 minutes.
- 5-6 passengers can be accommodated in one flight.
- One way fare from Katra to Sanjichhat or Sanjichhat to Katra Rs.699/-per passenger.
- Helipad is approx. 2 Km. from Bus Stand Katra at Udhampur Road. Vaishnodevi Bhawan is approx. 2.5 Km. from Helipad Sanjichhat.
- Pre-ponement or postponement of booking once done shall not be permissible.
- The flights operate EVERYDAY.
- Flight Timings are- 8.00 A.M to 5 P.M depending upon sun light and other related conditions. The flight from Katra to Vaishnodevi takes a total of 08 minutes.
- 5-6 passengers can be accommodated in one flight.
- One way fare from Katra to Sanjichhat or Sanjichhat to Katra Rs.699/-per passenger.
- Helipad is approx. 2 Km. from Bus Stand Katra at Udhampur Road. Vaishnodevi Bhawan is approx. 2.5 Km. from Helipad Sanjichhat.
- Pre-ponement or postponement of booking once done shall not be permissible.
JAI MATA DI : Jaikara Sherawali da - bolo sache darbaar ke jai !
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