MATA VAISHNO DEVI

Way to Vaishno Devi

Located at an altitude of 5200 feet this cave temple is very popular and most revered and the oldest shrines of this region. Its a 13.5 kms trek from Katra which is 50 kms from Jammu. It could be traversed by pony, dandi or on foot. The route up to the shrine consists of both tiled paths as well as steep staircases. At midway of Vaishno Devi is a very sacred temple 'Adhkuwari' where it is believed that the Goddess had spent nine months on her way to the mountains when she was chased by a demon called Bhaironnath.It is an obligatory part to visit the temple of Bhaironnath to complete the pilgrimage.

The route from Katra to the shrine is under 'Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board' which has undertaken massive development program to improve the services and facilities available to the yatris. The entire route has been widened and tiled and lit by powerful sodium lamps. Iron railings, public utilities, bathing facilities, medical units, cafteria, drinking water, accomodation, blankets, entertainment facilities etc. are some of the major developments done by the shrine board. Before starting for the pilgrimage all yatris are required to get passes from Katra which is available throughout the year.

The cave shrine is narrow and pilgrims have to walk through a running stream of cold water Charan Ganga to get to the sanctum sanctorum. Within, three rock-cut idols of the goddesses, Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati are venerated canopies of silver and gold. Coconuts and red scarves are offered.

Other Temples in Kashmir