While escaping the clutches of Bhairon during the Bhandaara(community meal) organised by Pandit Sridhar, Mata Vaishnavi ran to Trikuta mountain where she later killed Bhairon. Answering Sridhar's fervent prayers, Vaishnavi appeared in his dream and gave him the vision of the holy cave where she resided. Sridhar reached the cave where he found a rock form with three heads. Vaishnavi appeared before her devotee, blessed him and asked him to spread ...View more
Vaishno devi is said to be a powerful deity that fulfils the wishes of her devotees. She is said to cure diseases, bless childless couples and bestow prosperity. The breathtaking scenery around the trek and the temple, is an experience to cherish.
Navratri, the festival month of Chaitra (Mar/April) see special celebration and festivities in the temple.
The shrine is opened through out the year. The peak seasons are May-July, Navratri and New Year vacations. If physically fit, monsoon and winter are the best time to visit for the scenic beauty along with darshan.
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Duration
The yatra takes around 2-3 days from Jammu. There are various packages that cover the nearby temples which would effect around 5-7 days duration. |
| Katra can be reached from Jammu by road or rail. The 13 km trek from Katra to the temple can be done on foot, horses, palanquins or helicopter. |
Katra can be reached from Jammu by road or rail. The 13 km trek from Katra to the temple can be done on foot, horses, palanquins or helicopter.
The shrine records around a crore of devotees in a year. During Navratri, new year holidays and in the summer months, there is a heavy rush and devotees have to wait 12-20 hours for darshan
Navratri, the festival month of Chaitra (Mar/April) see special celebrations and festivities in the temple
The devotees are advised to wear light cotton clothing if travelling in summers. During winter, heavy woollen wear will be required. Comfortable canvas shoes or footwear are essential. It is important to carry essential medicines, torches, walking stick etc. The climb is long and hard, so travel as light as possible. Unnecessary clothing, heavy luggage should be left at Katra. Devotees can avail food, blankets, drinks at the stalls to avoid carrying it.
Those with serious medical problems, cardiac diseases, high blood pressure or asthma are advised against using stairs. They can avail ponies or palanquins.
The temple lies in the Himalayan hills and witness cold winter with sub zero temperatures. Snowfall can be expected in the months of Dec-Feb. Summers are pleasant with the average temperature in the twenties.
