1. Every Hindu is well-known to the holy name of
''Vaishno Devi'', one of the most preferred as well as
the most visited pilgrimages in India. It is the second
most visited religious shrine of India after Tirumala
Venkateshwara Temple.
Devis
2. Location: The dwelling of Mata Vaishno Devi is in the mountains of Trikuta
Hills of Jammu and Kashmir state at a height of 5200 feet The main site is
located inside the cave of a hill, which is located near the town of Katra in
Reasi district It is approx 14 kilometers away from Katra and 61 kilometers
from Jammu Almost 8 million devotees visit this sacred place every year
3. Maa Vaishno Devi - the Goddess of Power: The shrine is devoted to Maa
Vaishnavi, also known as the ''Goddess of Power'' Inside the cave there are
three Pindies (heads) of 5 5 feet tall rock, which is the main place of this holy
shrine These three Pindies are in the forms of Maha Kaali (Goddess of power,
darkness and anger), Maha Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth) and Maha Saraswati
(Goddess of wisdom)
4. The total length of the holy cave is approx 98 feet, in which maximum 12 to 14
people are allowed to enter at a time Legend: People believe that Goddess
Durga killed the devil Bhairo here According to a famous legend this holy
shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi was discovered by a Brahmin - 'Pandit Shridhar'
thousands year ago It is said that one can reach there, only when Maa
Vaishno calls him/her
5. Without the permission of Maa nobody can reach this holy shrine The Holy
Journey: The journey of Vaishno Devi begins at Katra, from where the pilgrims
have to cover a path of 13 kilometers to reach the shrine Most of the pilgrims
cover this distance on foot but those, who are unable to walk such distance,
may hire horses, Palki or even helicopter as per their convenience and budget
The entire way of 13 kilometers is a quite wide road, with lush green
surroundings
6. After covering 6 kilometers of path you will reach 'Ardhkanwari', it is the holy
cave where Mata meditated for 9 months Then after covering a path of total 9
5 kilometers you will reach 'Saanjhi Chhat', it is the place where you may have
some rest and refreshment
7. From Saanjhi Chhat the sacred shrine of 'Mata Vaishno Devi' is just 3 5
kilometers far Throughout the way environment is exhilarated with
enchantments of ''Jai Mata Ki''
8. To look after the activities, ''Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board'' was formed
Devis in 1986 Important Information: Nearest Airport: Jammu Airport(48 km
from Katra) Nearest Railway Station: In Jammu By Road: Jammu is
well-connected via road through all the major cities of India, also regular bus
services are available from central bus station of Jammu
