Maa Vaishno Devi is said to grant sight to the blind, strength to the weak, offspring to childless couples, and riches to the destitute. It is stated that this very powerful deity is also kind enough to grant the requests of all of her believers. This is why, despite the shrine’s remote location, devotees make it a point to visit her on a regular basis. In this article, we will discuss when and how to visit Mata Vaishno Devi Temple.
The Three Pindis In Vaishno Devi
Vaishno Devi is a Mother Goddess who is said to be a manifestation of Durga. Mata Rani, Trikuta, and Vaishnavi are some of her other names. She is considered to be a mix of Maha Saraswati, Maha Kali, and Maha Lakshmi. This is because, the goddess Vaishno Devi was created from the combined energy of the three Goddesses: Devi Mahakali, Devi Mahalakshmi, and Devi Mahasaraswati, who are symbolized by the three pindis in the Vaishno Devi temple.
Vaishno Devi Temple History
Shridhar was a fervent Ma Vaishno Devi devotee. Ma once acquired the shape of a young woman. Shridhar consented and went out to gather people after the girl urged him to organize a large feast for Vaishno Devi followers. He also called a guru, Bhairav Nath, who inquired about the arrangements.
Three hundred and sixty guests were invited to the feast and ate in his modest hut on the day of the feast. Bhairav Nath was taken aback by the small girl’s heavenly abilities and followed her to the Trikuta hills. He looked for her everywhere for nine months but was unable to find her.
Then one day he noticed the girl producing water from a stone by rapidly firing it with an arrow. She entered a cave after spotting Bhairav. Bhairav Nath dashed into the cave after her. She exited the cave by opening a route on the opposite end of the tunnel with her trident. Bhairav, on the other hand, persisted in following her.
Finally, she assumed her true identity and severed Bhairav Nath’s head. His head perished as a result of his abilities, but his body survived. He pleaded with the deity to pardon him. She not only forgave him, but she also granted him a favor, promising that devotees who came to worship her in her sacred cave would later visit his temple.
Also Read – Who Was Shridhar And How Did He Impress Maa Vaishno Devi?
How To Visit Mata Vaishno Devi Temple?
The nearest train station to the pilgrimage is Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, which is around 20 kilometers away from the Holy Bhawan. Despite the lack of direct flights, the closest airport is Jammu Tawi, which really is 46.7 kilometers from Katra by NH 144.
Regular bus services run between Katra and other Indian cities, especially from New Delhi, Jammu Tawi, Amritsar, and other places in the beginning. These are some ways for Vaishno Devi Yatra.
Also Read – Are Maa Parvati, Maa Laxmi, Maa Durga And Maa Vaishno Devi Same?
What Are The Darshan Spots In Vaishno Devi?
Vaishno Devi is one of India’s most famous Hindu pilgrimage destinations. The cave shrine of Goddess Vaishno Devi, who is the embodiment of Goddess Parvati or Shakti, is supposed to be the residence of 33 Hindu gods and is located in Jammu’s Trikuta Hills.
1. Ardhkuwari At Vaishno Devi
At Ardhkuwari, there is a separate cave with interesting mythology related to it. Vaishno Devi is reported to have been concealed for 9 months from Bhairo Nath in this isolated cave.
2. Garbhjun At Vaishno Devi
According to legend, the Goddess placed herself in the womb of her mother in the same manner an unborn child does. Garbhjun is another name for this cave. Those who enter Garbhjun cave, according to beliefs, are released from the womb forever. If one is born again/or conceived by a mother, one is exempt from any complications during labor.
3. Charan Paduka At Vaishno Devi
Pilgrims that visit Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Temple frequent the sacred spot of Charan Paduka in Katra. This white shrine is said to be where Mata Vaishno Devi/Vaishnavi paused to see if she was still being pursued by Bhairon Nath, Mahayogi Guru Goraksh Nathji’s student.
4. Sanji Chhat At Vaishno Devi
Sanji Chhat is a lovely tiny plateau two and a half kilometers from Vaishno Devi Ji’s Holy Shrine. The rising gradient finishes at this point, and the magnificent vista it provides makes this a good rest stop for pilgrims.
5. Hathi Mattha At Vaishno Devi
The Hathi Mattha region features a steep ascent that resembles the elephant’s forehead, hence the name (Hathi: Elephant, Matha: Forehead). As a result, compared to the other path, this one is harder to walk. This way, however, allows you to use Ponies, Porters, and Palanquins.
6. Vaishno Devi Bhavan
The Sanctum Sanctorum – the Holy Cave – is housed in the Holy Bhawan and is the last destination of the yatris. The Goddess has shown herself in the shape of Holy Pindies inside the Holy Cave, manifesting Mata in her three incarnations Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Mata Saraswati.
7. Bhairav Nath Mandir At Vaishno Devi
The Bahriavnath temple in Vaishno Devi is located just about a few kilometers away from the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple which is located in India’s northernmost state, Jammu and Kashmir. Katra Bhairav is considered to be a tantric according to Hindu mythology.
Also Read – Who Is Maa Patal Bhairavi? Know Her Story, Origin & How To Worship Devi Patal Bhairavi
Facts About Vaishno Devi’s Temple
- Vaishno Devi is a year-round pilgrimage that attracts more than 10 million visitors.
- Devotees choose various routes to seek Goddess’ favor and express thanks for their wishes being granted, such as going barefoot or crawling all the way up.
- Vaishno Devi is said to grant strength to the feeble, vision to the blind, riches to the needy, and offspring to childless couples.
- Visits to Mata Vaishno Devi cave shrines are regarded as the most auspicious during Navaratri. Going to visit Vaishno Devi during the Navaratri is thought to bring you closer to paradise.
- Guru Gobind Singh, the late Sikh Guru, is said to have visited Vaishno Devi at some point during his life.
- Vaishno Devi is home to three large caves, one of which is closed for most of the year.
Mata Vaishno Devi Latest Guidelines
The latest guidelines to visit Mata Vaishno Devi are
- Only the yatra registration desk at the Tourist Reception Centre just at Katra bus terminal can provide you with a yatra slip. The passing of the Ban Ganga checkpoint is not authorized without a genuine yatra slip.
- All payments to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and private merchants should be accompanied by official receipts. When making payments, insist on seeing official rate lists.
- Playing cards, smoking, or eating betel (pan) are not permitted at Bhawan or en route to preserve the sacredness of the site. Paint, stick posters, or deface signboards are all prohibited, as is polluting the area.
- By their confidence in the Mata, other pilgrims are tied to you. Avoid playing radios or tape recorders excessively loudly, as this might cause blockages or hindrances in the yatris’ circulation pathways.
Also Read – Who is Chhinnamasta And Why Did Maa Chinnamasta Cut Her Head?
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Darshan Timings
The Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu and Kashmir is available to worshippers for pilgrimage throughout the year. The temple is open from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m., after which it closes till 4 p.m., after which it reopens from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The traditional Aarti, which is the major reason for the Vaishno Devi darshan’s long lines, takes place in the mornings and nights, just before dawn and sunset.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Customer Care Number
Please call 01991-234804 to reach the Call Center.
To contact the Protocol Department, call 01991-232029, fax 01991-232089, or send an email to protocol@maavaishnodevi.net.
When To Visit Mata Vaishno Devi Temple?
Her shrine, as promised by Lord Ram, is always crowded with pilgrims throughout the year. The most auspicious time to visit her residence, however, is during Navaratri. This is also the greatest time to visit the temple because it is too chilly and inaccessible during the winter and rainy seasons. It is said that seeing Vaishno Devi during the Navaratri brings the devotee one step closer to paradise.
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