About Mata Vaishno Devi Temple
India is a land of pilgrims and pilgrimages. Pilgrimages have an inter- relation with the ancient hindu spiritual practices since Vedic times. Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is the second most visited pilgrimage site in India, and is situated in the Trikuta Hills in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir. This prominent religious site is visited by Hindu devotees from all over the globe, and it is believed that Mother Goddess or Mata Vaishno Devi fulfils their wishes. This temple is considered to be the most important Shaktipeeth, as it is believed that the skull of Goddess Sati fell here.
The Goddess lies in the form of a five and a half feet tall rock which has three heads or the Pindies, inside Mata Vaishno Devi Cave. Traditional offerings are made by the devotees to Mata, like chunri (a red coloured drape), sarees, cholas, flowers, silver or gold ornaments, dry fruits, etc.
History of Mata Vaishno Devi Temple
In 1986, Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine board was formed and since then this religious site began to attract a lot of Hindu pilgrims as well as tourist from around the world.
A Hindu priest named Pandit Sridhar is believed to have discovered the sacred cave of Mata Vaishno Devi. In the priest’s dream, Goddess Vaisnavi had appeared and guided him on how to locate her dwelling on Trikuta Hills. After receiving her instructions, the priest sets out on the journey and found the cave as directed in his dreams. The Goddess appeared to him and gave him the gift of four sons. She also bestowed to him the guardianship of the cave. Pandit Sridhar’s descendants still uphold the the duty of guardianship of the cave.
Mythology of Mata Vaishno Devi Temple
The Goddess who created Mata Vaisno devi requested her to live on earth and spend her time attaining higher levels of consciousness. She was born as Vaishnavi , and was later dirested by Lord Rama to build an Ashram at the base of Trikuta Hills, practice meditation and grow spiritually, and she followed his direction.
Mahayogi Guru Goraksh Nathji sent his student Bhairo Nath to Trikuta Hills to test if the Goddess has attained to higher level of spirituality. But as time progressed, Bhairo Nath lost his sense of purpose and fell in love with her, and started to nag her to marry him.
Vaishnavi fled to the mountains to continue her Tapasya/meditation unhindered, by Bhairon Nath pursued her. Bhairon Nath was killed by the goddess, while dying he realized his mistake and asked for forgiveness. Not only did Mata Vaishno Devi forgave him but also offered him a blessing. While performing a pilgrimage, each devotee will have the darshan of Bhairo Nath after the Goddess, and only then the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra will be complete.
How to Reach Mata Vaishno Devi Temple?
The pilgrimage destination of Mata Vaishno Devi, where the goddess shows herself in the natural rock formation (holy pindies) in the sanctum sanctorum, is accessible through a 13-kilometer hike from Katra town in the Jammu Region (cave). The pilgrims entered the sanctum sanctorum of this sacred shrine in Jammu through a tunnel. Two new tunnels, however, that aid in the quick passage of pilgrims who arrive here in lines, are erected because to its narrowness.
Helicopter Service for Mata Vaishno Devi Temple
The shrine is only 2.5 kilometres from Sanjhichatt, The helicopter service is from Katra to Sanjhichatt.
Best time to visit Mata Vaishno Devi Temple
Although the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is open all year round, the ideal months to go are from March through October. During the sacred Navratras season, pilgrimages are also popular among devotees.
Things to know before visiting Mata Vaishno Devi Temple
- To reach Mata Vaishno Devi, one must trek 13 kilometres; however, ponies are also provided for those who are unable to walk.
- Between Mata Vaishno Devi Cave and Bhairon Ghati, a ropeway is being built.
- In Katra, alcohol is completely prohibited, and the town offers vegetarian cuisine.
- One should leave their cameras in their hotels since they are not permitted on the journey.
- A Yatra slip must be collected from the Katra bus station’s nearby Yatra Registration Counter. Without a yatra slip, one is not permitted to see Mata Vaishno Devi.
- Prior to hiring porters, palanquins, and ponies, confirm their pricing.
- Photography and Videography is not allowed in the Temple.
Things to carry to Mata Vaishno Devi Temple
Make sure you have the appropriate attire with you depending on the time of your visit. Carry gloves, scarves, and warm clothes if you’re travelling in the winter. Also, even if you don’t intend to hike, wear comfortable shoes.
