Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani, Trikuta, and Vaishnavi, is a revered Hindu goddess and a manifestation of the Mother Goddess, embodying the combined energies of Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati. The holy shrine, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, is located in Katra, Reasi district, within the Trikuta mountain range of Jammu and Kashmir, India.
It is inside a cave.
Millions of pilgrims visit this significant pilgrimage site annually to seek blessings from the goddess. The journey to the temple involves a 13-kilometer trek from Katra to the shrine, situated at an elevation of 5,200 feet. It is one of the most revered, popular and visited pilgrimage centers of India.
According to the legend, Mata Vaishno Devi hid in the mountains to escape from Bharavnath, a demon who was chasing her. But Bharavnath followed her all the way to the mountain. Finally, outside a cave, Mata had to fight and defeat Bharavnath. When Bharavnath realized his mistakes, he asked Mata Vaishno Devi for forgiveness. Mata was kind and granted him a blessing: every person who visits her cave must also visit Bharavnath shrine to complete their pilgrimage.
After this, Mata Vaishno Devi decided to leave her human form and become part of the cave’s rock. She appeared as three heads called “Pindies” in a 5 ⅕ feet tall rock. People worship these “Pindies” in the Vaishno Devi mandir even today. There is no idol of Devi.
A geological study of this holy cave has indicated that it is almost a million years old. The first mention of this holy cave is noted in the epic Mahabharata. It was the time when the Pandavas and Kauravas were facing each other in the battlefield of Kurukshetra; upon the advice of Shri Krishna, Arjun meditated there to seek blessings for victory. This is when Arjun addresses the mother goddess as ‘Jambookatak Chityaishu Nityam Sannihitalaye’, which means ‘you who always dwell in the temple on the slope of the mountain in Jamboo’ (it is believed to be referred to as present day Jammu).
It is also believed that the Pandavas were the first to build Kol Kandoli Temple and the main Bhawan as their gratitude to the mother Goddess. Perhaps another reference to this Holy Cave is by Guru Gobind Singh, who is said to have gone there via Purmandal.
It is said that one can visit the shrine only when She calls and She is said to be a wish fulfilling Devi.
Many rich devotees have made arrangements for free food etc for devotees. With over ten million visitors per year and many donations, the temple trust is a rich one and runs schools, collages, hospitals etc freely.
The old entrance was narrow and difficult so the temple management have built a comfortable new entrance.
The Aarati and poojas are televised live and millions watch them.
The temple is situated in the Trikuta mountains, 63 km from Jammu and 29 km from Reasi.
You must register at Katra and take a ticket. The 13 KM trek is difficult so Ponies and Palanquins (Palki) are available for hire for those who can not walk the entire distance to the shrine.
By Air
63 KM from Jammu Airport. Helicopter service is available from Katra to right up to the temple.
By Train
13 KM from Katra Railway Station
By Road
13 KM from Katra Town
