About the Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir in Katra, Jammu
The most visited Hindu pilgrimage destination in India, Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Temple is situated in the Trikuta Hills in Katra, Jammu & Kashmir. Hindu devotees from all over the world visit this famed religious site where the Mother Goddess or Mata Vaishno Devi is said to fulfil their wishes. This religious place is considered the most important Shaktipeeth as it is believed; here the skull of the Goddess Sati fell.
At Mata Vaishno Devi Cave, the goddess is in the form of a five and a half feet tall rock which has three heads or the Pindies. On the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, devotees make traditional offerings to Mata of chunri, sarees, dry fruits, silver or gold ornaments, Cholas, flowers etc.
History of Shri Vaishno Devi
Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board was formed in 1986 and ever since this most popular religious site in Jammu started to attract a lot of Hindu pilgrims.
The holy cave of Mata Vaishno Devi is said to have been discovered by Pandit Sridhar, a Hindu priest. Goddess Vaishnavi appeared in the dream of the priest and instructed him on how to find her abode in Trikuta Hills. The priest following her instruction heads out for the journey after the dream and finds the cave as instructed earlier. Mata Vaishno Devi appeared to him and blessed him with four sons. She also gave him the boon of being the custodian of the cave. Even today, Pandit Shridhar’s descendants abide by the commitment.
Legends of Mata Vaishno Devi Temple
Mata Vaishno Devi was born as Vaishnavi and was asked by the goddesses who created her to live on earth and spend her time attaining a high level of consciousness. She was then later directed by Lord Rama to set up an Ashram at the base of Trikuta Hills, meditate and grow spiritually; and she did as she was directed.
When the goddess started to stay in Trikuta Hills in Katra, Mahayogi Guru Goraksh Nathji sent his disciple, Bhairon Nath to test if the goddess had attained a higher level of spirituality yet. However, Bhairon Nath gradually lost the sense of purpose fell in love with her, and started to annoy her to marry him.
To continue her Tapasya/meditation undisturbed, Vaishnavi fled to the mountains but was chased by Bhairon Nath. The goddess killed him and while dying, Bhairon Nath realized his mistake, and thus, asked for forgiveness. Mata Vaishno Devi not only forgave him but also granted him a boon. Each devotee performing a pilgrimage needs to have the Darshan of Bhairon after the goddess’; and only then would the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra be complete.
General Guidelines for Visiting Mata Vaishno Devi Temple
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A trek of 13 km takes one to Mata Vaishno Devi, however, for those who are unable to walk, ponies are also available.
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A ropeway is constructed between Mata Vaishno Devi Cave and Bhairon Ghati.
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Alcohol is strictly banned in Katra and vegetarian food is available in the town.
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Cameras are not allowed on the trek, thus, one should leave them in their hotels.
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A Yatra slip has to be obtained from the Yatra Registration Counter near Bus Station in Katra. One is not allowed to visit Mata Vaishno Devi without the yatra slip.
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Confirm the rates of porters, palanquins, and ponies before hiring them.