Vaishno Devi is a temple town that’s home to the famous Vaishno Devi Mandir. Located in Trikuta hills, 13 kms from Katra(Jammu and Kashmir) this renowned shrine allures millions of devotees from all over the world. Popularly known as Mata Rani, Vaishnavi and Trikuta, Vaishno Devi is a manifestation of the Hindu Goddess Durga. It is believed that during the pooja and aarti, Goddesses arrive at the Holy cave to pay their respect to Mata Rani. Devotees believe the goddess herself calls the devotees to reach here. Every year there are thousands and lacs of people visiting this holy place in the Jammu district near Katra to offer prayers to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi.
Vaishno Devi is said to be Moonh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata (the mother who fulfils the wishes of her children). The darshan of Maa Vaishno Devi in the holy cave is in the form of three naturally formed rocks which are known as pindies. These pindies manifest the three forms of the goddess as Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati and Maha Lakshmi. More than one crore devotees visit the Vaishno Devi temple each year.
Vaishno Devi is said to be Moonh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata (the mother who fulfils the wishes of her children). The darshan of Maa Vaishno Devi in the holy cave is in the form of three naturally formed rocks which are known as pindies. These pindies manifest the three forms of the goddess as Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati and Maha Lakshmi. More than one crore devotees visit the Vaishno Devi temple each year.
Langar has situated nearly 3 km from the starting point of the pilgrimage, which is the new Tarakote Route. As the local Dogra food is kept in the menu i.e; Black Chana-Puri, Halwa, tea and traditional Dogri food including Daal, rice,Kadhi and Ambal will be served at lunch
Mineral water and snacks like biscuits, cold drinks, tea, coffee and milk are available along the way up the hill at refreshment units run by the Shrine Board. These units are located at specific locations called View Points.
Helicopter for Vaishno Devi yatra is available from Katra (the starting point of yatra) to Sanjhichatt. 5-6 passengers can be accommodated at a time while the flight takes approximate 8 minutes. The Katra helipad is at Udhampur Road, 2km from Bus Stand Katra.
From the Sanjhichatt helipad, it takes a 30-minute hike to reach the Vaishno Devi Bhawan, which is around 2.5kms. Ponies, Palkis and are also available to reach the Bhawan from Sanjhichatt.
No journey to Katra is complete without having visited Bhairavnath Mandir. The cave temple of Bhairavnath is dedicated to Baba Bhairavnath and is constructed at the site where he is believed to have breathed his last. A steep 3km journey from the Bhawan leads you to Bhairavnath temple.