Vaishno Devi: Trikuta Parvat

Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani, Trikuta, and Vaishnavi, is a manifestation of the Hindu Mother Goddess Durga. The shrine of Vaishno Devi is situated in the Trikuta Mountains in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The history of the shrine dates back to ancient times and is enveloped in mythology and folklore.

Mythological Origins

According to legend, Vaishno Devi was born as a human girl named Vaishnavi in the southern part of India. She was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu and performed intense penance to merge with him. During her meditation, Lord Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu, appeared and blessed her, promising that she would eventually become one with him in the form of Kalki, his final avatar.

After many years, Vaishnavi settled in the Trikuta Mountains, continuing her meditation and helping those in need. A demon named Bhairon Nath, attracted by her beauty and power, pursued her. To escape him, Vaishnavi entered a cave and continued her meditation. When Bhairon Nath found her, she assumed her divine form and beheaded him. His severed head fell at a distant place, where now stands the Bhairav Baba Temple. Bhairon Nath repented, and the goddess forgave him, granting him the boon that her pilgrimage would be considered incomplete without visiting his temple.

Importance

Vaishno Devi is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage destinations. It holds immense religious significance due to several reasons:

1. Divine Blessings: Devotees believe that Mata Vaishno Devi fulfills the wishes of her devotees. Many come here seeking blessings for health, wealth, and prosperity.

2. Spiritual Significance: The pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi is considered a journey of faith, devotion, and spiritual purification. The trek through the mountainous terrain symbolizes overcoming life's obstacles.

3. Cultural Heritage: The shrine is a part of India's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. It attracts millions of pilgrims annually, showcasing the diversity and unity of the country.

How to Do Yatra

Registration

Before starting the yatra (pilgrimage), it is mandatory to register either online or at the Yatra Registration Counter (YRC) in Katra. The registration is free and ensures access to various services provided by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB).

Starting Point: Katra

The yatra begins from Katra, a small town situated at the base of the Trikuta Mountains. Pilgrims often stay here overnight and begin their journey early in the morning.

Mode to Do Yatra

On Foot

1. Traditional Route: The trek from Katra to the Bhawan (main shrine) is approximately 13 kilometers. The path is well-paved and equipped with various facilities like rest houses, refreshment stalls, medical aid, and clean drinking water.

2. New Track: A newer, less crowded route offers a more comfortable journey with better facilities.

Pony, Palanquin, and Pithoo

• Ponies: Available for those who cannot walk long distances. They can be hired from authorized stands.

• Palanquins: Carried by four people, palanquins are a more comfortable, albeit more expensive, option.

• Pithoo: Porters who carry children or luggage on their backs.

Battery-Operated Vehicles

Battery-operated vehicles are available for senior citizens and differently-abled pilgrims from Ardhkuwari to the Bhawan.

Helicopter Services

Helicopter services are available from Katra to Sanjichhat, which is just 2.5 kilometers from the Bhawan. The service can be booked online in advance.

Important Stops Along the Yatra

Banganga

Banganga is the first major stop on the yatra route, about 1 kilometer from Katra. According to legend, Goddess Vaishnavi created a spring of water by shooting an arrow into the ground, providing a refreshing drink for her devotee, Langoor-Veer. Pilgrims often take a dip in the holy waters before continuing their journey.

Charan Paduka

Located about 1.5 kilometers from Banganga, Charan Paduka is where the footprints of Mata Vaishno Devi are believed to be imprinted on a rock. It is a place of great reverence, and pilgrims stop here to offer prayers and seek blessings.

Adhkuwari

Adhkuwari, situated halfway along the yatra route (around 6 kilometers from Katra), is the site of the Garbh Joon cave where Mata Vaishno Devi meditated for nine months. Pilgrims visit the cave to pay their respects and experience the divine energy. The narrow cave passage symbolizes the birth canal, and passing through it is believed to be an act of spiritual rebirth.

Bhawan

The Bhawan is the main shrine where the Holy Pindis (manifestations of Goddess Durga in her three forms – Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati) are housed. The temple complex includes various facilities for pilgrims such as cloakrooms, refreshment stalls, and accommodations. Get a locker there 1 to 15 locker areas. Then put belt, pens wallet, mobiles, keys, watches, shoes in locker. Note there is no announcement you will be sent back after standing 1 hour in line if you carry these things as they are not allowed inside temple. Pens will be thrown if u are carrying inside.

On the way down there is no shops open in the night and horse charges are not regulated they charge anything and very difficult to get horse. Be clear to agree with them to leave u right outside else they can drop you mid way or 1km before end point.

Bhairav Baba

After visiting the Bhawan, pilgrims undertake a further trek of 2.5 kilometers to the Bhairav Baba Temple. According to the legend, Bhairav Nath's soul was forgiven by the goddess, and he was granted a place of honor. Visiting this temple is considered an essential part of the yatra, completing the pilgrimage

Summary:

• Katra to Bhawan is 13km. It takes 5-8 hours to climb and 3-6 hours to ascend

• Katra is the base camp for Vaishno Devi Yatra. Bus, taxi and train is available to Katra. Flight is available to Jammu

• 2 routes from Katra to Ardhkuwari (mid-point of the trek). The old route is 5.5km. This has Charan Paduka temple enroute. The new route is 7.5km. This is better to come down as it is steeper

• Ardhkuwari to Vaishno Devi Bhawan has 2 routes. One is 6.5km steep uphill. The other one is shorter 5.5 km and less steep

• Katra to Bhawan: Mule: INR 1250 one side/per person, Palki: INR 3150 one side/pp, Pitthoo: INR 540 one side/pp

• Ropeway: INR 100 two way/pp from Bhawan to Bhairon Nath Temple

• Helicopter: INR 1730 from Katra to Sanjichhat (1.5km from Bhawan). Ponies are also available from Helipad to Bhavan

• Massage chairs available on the entire route. Cost around INR 50 for 15 minutes.

• Toilets available on every 300-400 mts

• Shrine board Yatri Niwas near Katra bus stop ideal for a short stay of few hours

• Shrine board shop near Bhawan is best to buy prasad

• Mobile, wallets, cameras and belts are not allowed inside the Ardhkuwari temple and main bhawan.

• Free and paid basic accommodation is available at Katra, Ardhkuwari, Sanjichhat and Bhawan. The reservation has to be made at the Enquiry and Reservation Counter at Niharika Complex located near the Katra Bus Stand.

Watch VaishnoDeviKatha

Watch  Bhajan