The
Holy Cave Shrine
The Holy Cave Shrine of Vaishno devi is situated in a beautiful racess of the
Trikuta Mountains forming a part of the lower Himalayas as in the state of
Jammu
& Kashmir at an altitude of over 5000 feet.
A pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji is considered
to be one of the holiest pilgrimages of our times. Popular the world over
known as the Moonh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata, which means, the
Mother who fulfills whatever Her children wish for, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi
Ji resides in a Holy Cave located in the folds of the three peaked mountain
named Trikuta (pronounced as Trikoot). The Holy Cave attracts lakhs of
devotees every year. In fact, the number of Yatris visiting the Holy Shrine
annually now exceeds 5 million. This is due to the unflinching faith of the
devotees who throng the Shrine from all parts of India and abroad.
The Yatris have to undertake a trek of nearly 12 km from the base camp at
Katra. At the culmination of their pilgrimage, the yatries are blessed with
the Darshans of the Mother Goddess inside the Sanctum Sanctorum- the Holy
Cave. These Darshans are in the shape of three natural rock formations
called the Pindies. In the cave there are images of three dieties viz. the
Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. The shrine can be visited
throughout the year, but during the winter season the route is often blocked
by snow-fall.
Arriving At Vaishno Devi
By Flight : Jammu (62 kms) is the nearest airport as well
as the nearest railway station.
By Roadways : Jammu
-Katra 48 kms (by road) and Katra-Vaishno Devi 14 kms (on foot). Route from
Katra to Vaishno Devi: Katra - Ban Ganga (1.5 kms) Ban Ganga - Charan Paduka
(1.5 kms) Charan Paduka - Adhkunwari (3 kms) Adhkunwari - Bhavan (8 kms)
Track From Katra
The 14 kms track from Katra to the shrine has been relaid and tiled.
Railings have also been installed for protection. The 100 feet cave is very
narrow with an average height of 5.5 feet only and has ankle deep water. The
pilgrims are allowed in batches through the cave. A newly constructed exit
makes the process of going out of the shrine easier. Buses leave for Katra
from the General Bus Stand (Jammu), throughout the day. During peak season
buses are also available from Jammu-Tawi railway station. Journey time 2
hours. Taxis are also available from Jammu.
