Information about Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Darshan

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, which is approachable on foot along a 13 kms long well laid footpath. The famous shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is located in Jammu. Every year, more than 4.5 million pilgrims pass through Katra on their way to the holy shrine. The cave shrine of Mata Vasihnodeviji or Trikuta Bhagwati at the height of 5,200 feet has been a beacon of faith and fulfillment to millions of devotees from all over the world. The pilgrimage to the Shrine holds great significance for the pilgrims.

Everyday of the year throngs of people surge up the steep pathways that cut across the Trikuta hillsides for mile after mile. This show of faith is finely interwoven with the cultural strands of the Indian subcontinent, and these pathways have been trod on for many centuries now. Popular belief holds that anybody who walks the Himalayan trail to the goddess abode to ask for a boon

Vaishno Devi Yatra rarely goes back disappointed. Whatever be it, a new enterprise or a forthcoming examination, marriage or birth, the devout look up to the Mata for blessings and guidance. There are many who journey year after year to pay obeisance regardless of their faith or belief, creed or class, caste or religion.

Upon reaching Katra, please obtain a Yatra slip only from the Yatra registration counter at the Tourist Reception Centre at the Katra bus stand. Without an authentic Yatra slip, crossing of the Ban Ganga check post is not permitted. Upon reaching the Bhawan, a group number is allotted to the pilgrims at the slip (‘parchi’) counter against the Yatra slip issued at Katra. The Yatris are required to stand in queue at Gate Number 2 till the announcement of the group’s number is made to proceed to the sanctum sanctorum. While inside the cave, one should concentrate on the Darshan of the mother goddess in her three Pindi forms – Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi or Maha Vaishnavi and Maha Saraswati. The holy water coming from the feet of the Mata can be collected on the way back.

The Legend of Mata Vaishnodeviji
Vaishno Devi begged and received divine forgiveness from the goddess. Today, it is believed that the Yatra is not complete unless the pilgrim has been to Bhairon ka Mandir (2.6 km from the main sanctum) as well, after the darshan of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi.

The goddess herself took up permanent abode in a cave in the Trikuta Mountains by metamorphosing herself in to three pindis (Rock). This holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is unique as it contains the holiest of holy Pindis manifesting the Mata in her three forms - Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati - each form representing a particular attribute. Maha Kali represents Tamas Guna, Tamas means darkness. In her manifestation of Kali the omnipotent, absolute and all pervasive, she is said to be beyond fear and finite existence and is therefore able to protect her devotees against fear and give them peace.

Maha Lakshmi represents Rajas Guna, Rajas means prosperity. In this manifestation, the goddess blesses her devotees with wealth and prosperity for living a better life. Maha Saraswati represents Sattav Guna, Sattav means wisdom and knowledge. This manifestation enables her devotees to distinguish between good and bad and helps them to adopt the right path in life. The combination of these three attributes in a single Shakti is a unique combination, which makes it revered all over the world.

Helicopter Service
Pawan Hans operates two flights daily from Jammu and 5 flights from Katra to Shrine. Its capacity is of 6 persons per flight. This service has been discontinued for the time being..

How to reach here from Katra
The distance from Katra town to Vaishno Devi (Durbar) is 13 kms, which has to be traversed by pony, ‘dandi’ or on foot. ‘Pithus’ (coolies) are also available.