Vaishno Devi Mandir, a popular Hindu temple, can be found in the Trikuta Mountains close to Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, roughly 13 km from the Katra base camp and 63 km from Jammu city. It is for the worship of the Hindu Goddess Vaishno Devi, and has been run by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board since the year 1986.
One interesting feature about Vaishno Devi Mandir has to do with the goddess who devotees believe has the power to transform into “Moonh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata.” More than 95 lakh of the pilgrims worshipped at Vaishno Devi Mandir in the year 2023. These numbers do not lie and it has given a boost to Kashmir tourism. Because of its location in one of the most beautiful spots, Vaishno Devi is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir.
Best time to visit Vaishno Devi Temple Mandir?
Within the time frame, there is always a diverse mix of visitors at Vaishno Devi Mandir, so you don’t worry too much as there is no ideal time for your visit. But the summer season is best recommended when dry sunny days aid in a plethora of activities throughout the mountains. If it’s the winter season or more specifically during the monsoons, weather forecasts are more dangerous. Special occasions like the new year, navratra’s, summertime breaks, and various other cultural festivals bring in larger than usual crowds deferring waiting periods into longer waits. Going toe to toe with patience is acrobatic and unnecessary, so it’s best to avoid these times.
Registration
In order to participate in a Yatra, you must first go through the prerequisite of registration. To get this registration slip, you must visit the Yatra registration counter located at Katra. You won’t have to worry about the registration fees as there won’t be any. As soon as you have the Yatra Registration Slip, you are required to move over to the crossover post which is located in Banganga and has to be completed within six hours of slip issuance.
Walk the roads
Being able to cover the distance from Katra to the temple which is approximately 12 kilometers is a great achievement. Due to the temple’s elevation which is around 52000 feet, be prepared for an extensive workout. The push from the temple is considerable as the experience was easy going thanks to how good the way was paved. For those of you who do not want to walk on the slope, there’s the option of climbing the steep stairs. But it is recommended to start the trek at sunset so that you get the stunning viewpoint of the Sun when it rises above the tents in the mountains and the valley is fully illuminated.
Poni ya Doli Rides
If you are not comfortable on foot or traveling with the elderly, there is also the possibility of using a pony. The ponies are uniform in price and as to their availability and prices, you can find this information on the various signboards or at the Assistance Centres located in Katra, Banganga and other areas. For the elderly battery powered autos are provided during daytime.
Flying in the sky
Vaishno Devi Mandir By Helicopter Is Another Option Another option is to travel in a helicopter, which can be picked up from Katra and dropped off at Sanjhichatt helipad. It is also advisable to pre book the service as there is a great pressure to purchase these rides.
Pray at ArdhKuwari Temple
Prayers in the cave of ArdhKuwari Temple – This Temple is interesting to see in between the journey of The Holy Shrine. This pilgrimage Snan in Vaishnodevi can never be completed without visiting this temple. It has been the habit for most of the people that Mata Vaishnodevi stayed in the ArdhKuwari Gufa for about 9 months doing her mum meditation then shifted to the Vaishno Devi Mandir Bhavan after killing the demon Bhairavnath.
Stop at Sanjichhat
Sanjichhat is a wonderful location about 3.25 kilometers away from Ardhkunwari. It is possible to see the mesmerising view of the valley and the snow capped Himalayan range from this point.
Food Places
Along the road that the Shrine Board manages, there is an abundance of outlets and catering services. Delicious rajma rice, puri chole, dosa, kadipakoda and dahi vada are served in the Bhojanalayas. Ensure to eat and drink plenty of water during the journey
Bhawan
The significant structure Bhawan comprises of free and payable accommodations, vegetarian cafeterias, pharmacy, blanket shops, dressing rooms and shops for religious and souvenir items.
Inside the cave, there are three pindis which represent Goddesses Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati. The Goddess Vaishnodevi represents the amalgamation of these three as she possesses their powers. If you want to avoid the hassle of planning your trip to Vaishno Devi Mandir, we at SOTC can assist you.
FAQs
Ques1. Are there any charges to visit the temple?
Ans. Yes, they do charge Rs.1oo to everybody who goes indoors. It is an offline booking.
Ques2. Am I allowed to take my camera the Vaishno Devi Mandir?
Ans. Digital cameras, phones and any other type of electronics are prohibited within the temple.
Ques3. Are there any medical facilities available at the temple?
Ans. There are medical aid centres available at the temple. These are located at Katra, Sanjichhat, Himkoti, Adhkuwari and Bharion. Additionally, the viewpoint coffeehouses as well as the Bhojanalaya are stocked with first aid supplies. In case there is a medical emergency, please go to the nearest medical aid center as soon as possible.
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