Day 50 - Jai Maa Vaishno Devi

Katra is mainly famous because it serves as a base for other tourist locations in the region. The region is mainly famous for being a base for pilgrims from all around the country, due to its proximity to the Vaishno Devi shrine.The shrine is mainly dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, whose idol is housed in a very small cave shrine. Vaishno Devi is yet another name for Goddess Shakthi, more popularly known as Lord Shiva’s consort. The temple is also located at an intimidating altitude of around 5200 feet.


How to reach here: 

By Foot: The shrine is located at a distance of fourteen kilometres from Katra, and the journey uphill can be carried out either through foot or through palanquins and ponies.

By Air: Pawan Hans and Global Vectra helicopter services from Katra on the foothills and the flight will drop you at Sanjhichatt. The flight from Katra to Vaishnodevi takes a total of 08 minutes.


Places you must visit:

Mata Vaishno Devi is a manifestation of Mother Goddess and is popularly known as Mata Rani and Vaishnavi. The Holy Cave of Mata Vaishno Devi is located at an altitude of 5,200 ft in the Trikuta Hills, which is known as the Bhawan.The deity is in the shape of three natural rock form known as Pindies. Maha Kali, Maha Laxmi and Maha Saraswati constitute the holy Pindies.The cave does not have any idols, pictures and statues inside. It is believed that the cave presents with darshan of about 330 million Hindu Gods and Goddesses, who are said to have worshipped Mata Rani. Moreover, it is believed that during pujan and aarti, all the Gods and Goddesses arrive to pay their respect to the Mother.





Darshani Darwaza or Darshani Deodhi, situated 2,800 ft above sea level, is the entry gate to the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra. Located about 1 km from the bus stand, it is from this point that tourists can have a complete view of the Trikuta mountain. As per the legends, Mata Vaishno Devi met Pandit Sridhar at this point in the form of a girl child.There are two gates at this point; the older gate leads to a flight of stairs and the newer gate has a colonnaded porch with parking private vehicles.




Bhairon Temple is situated at the highest point of the adjacent hill at an altitude of 6,619 ft. This temple also involves a steep climb which can be undertaken by foot, ponies or palanquins.It is believed that the journey to Mata Vaishno Devi is not complete without the darshan in Bhairon Temple. According to the legends, Bhairon Nath was killed by Vaishno Devi and while seeking an apology, was given a boon of being the last link of the pilgrimage.Darshan inside Bhairon Temple is also in the rock form. It is believed that when Mata killed Bhairon Nath, his head fell at this place while his body remained at the entrance of the holy cave.  There is also a Havan Kund at the temple, whose ashes are considered to be sacred.
 


Banganga river is said to be associated with the miracles and legends of Mata Vaishno Devi. Water remains in the river throughout the year except when there is an acute shortage in rainfall or snow during monsoon and winter seasons.It is believed that Mata Vaishno Devi on her way to holy cave created this river with an arrow from her quiver. Being sacred, devotees take a dip into this holy water before proceeding their journey. For this purpose, two ghats have been built.



Charanpaduka is located at about 2.5 km from Banganga at an altitude of 3,380 ft. It is believed that the imprints of Mata’s feet are engraved on a rock slab.It is here that Mata stood after disappearing from Pandit Sridhar bhandara to see if Bhairon Nath is following her. To further proceed the journey, tourists touch the footprints of Mata to seek her blessings.



Ardhkunwari is located about 6 km from Katra, at an altitude of 4,800 ft. It is a half way mark to the journey to holy cave. Adhkunwari is considered to be one of the most important darshans where Mata Vaishno Devi is believed to have meditated for nine months.An exit on the other end of the cave was created by Mata with her trident, when Bhairon Nath approached the cave. The cave is shaped like a womb and is very narrow. Only one person can pass through this cave at a time.Darshan in Adhkunwari include darshans of Nav Durga and Bhakt Hanuman.




Jhajjar Kotli is a tourist complex built at the banks of river Jhajjar.The clear, cold water of Jhajjar is the main attraction. Jhajjar Kotli is a tourist picnic spot, which is known for its natural beauty. There is a luxurious tourist bungalow maintained by Jammu & Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation.




Sanjichhat is a beautiful spot located at a distance of 3.25 km from Adhkunwari. The beautiful view of the valley and snow covered peak of Himalayas can be seen from this spot. It is the highest point on the old track and an end point to the uphill climb. Sanjichhat is an important place as the helipad is also located here.
 



Baba Dhansar Temple is located 15 km away from Katra on way to Salal Dam. A huge spring emerging from the rocks forms a number of small cascading waterfalls before flowing into the holy river that merges with the Chenab River. At Baba Dhansar Temple, devotees find a naturally formed Shivling, on which droplets of water fall at a constant pace throughout the year.