Vaishno Devi Temple Timings:
Morning: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Vaishno Devi Temple is situated on the mighty Trikuta mountain, 61 kilometers north of Jammu and at a height of 5,200 feet above sea level, in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir in India. Thousands of people visit the temple throughout the year. In the winter season, the path is challenging because of snowfall. Vaishno Devi is also known as Mata Rani, Trikuta and Vaishnavi.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple Legend:
As per legend, over 700 years ago there was a Vishnu devotee named Vaishno Devi who used to pray to Lord Rama and had taken the pledge of celibacy. A demon-God (tantric) called Bhairon Nath used to watch her. Using his tantric powers, he could see her going towards the Trikuta Mountains and he chased her. The cave known as Garbh Joon was a complex one, and it took nine months for Bhairon Nath to locate Her. At the other end of the cave, Mata Vaishno Devi blasted an opening with Her Trident when Bhairon Nath located Her.
Reaching the Holy Cave at Darbar, she transformed into the form of Maha Kali and cut off the demon-god’s head, which by the force of the blow was tossed up the mountain. It was at that place where his head fell the Bhairon Temple is now located. As per legend, the rock at the mouth of the Holy Cave is the terrified torso of Bhairon Nath, who was forgiven by the compassionate Mother Vaishno Devi in his dying moments.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple Yatra:
One has to reach Katra from where the journey to the mountain top begins. Darbar is at 13 km away from Katra and the pilgrims have to cover this distance on foot. After one kilometer away from Katra is a place called Banganga, where Mata quenched her thirst and after 6 km is the holy cave at Adhkawari where Mata meditated for nine months.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple Darshan:
The journey through extensive forests and snowcapped mountains arises from within the holy temple of Mata Vaishno Devi. It is a common belief that Mata Vaishno Devi sends a ‘Call’ to her devotee at an appropriate time, and once that person hears the divine voice, he or she will start the journey towards the holy shrine of the great Goddess without any doubt. It seems that a supernatural power attracts them through the mountain and they ascend those great heights step by step, chanting ‘Prem se bolo, Jai Mata Di’ with deep devotion in their heart. At the shrine, there are images of three deities – The Mahakali, Maa Saraswati and Maha Lakshmi.
How to Reach Vaishno Devi Temple:
By Air:
Jammu airport is the nearest and is 67 km from the Temple.
By Train:
The nearest railway station to Vaishno Devi Temple is Udhampur railway station 57 km.
By Road:
J&K State Road Transport Corporation buses are operated from Jammu to Katra at regular intervals.
Vaishno Devi Temple Address:
Katra Road,
Reasi District,
Katra,
Jammu & Kashmir – 182301.
Phone: 01991 234 053