Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine
Also known as: வைஷ்ணவ தேவி கோயில் · వైష్ణో దేవి ఆలయం · वैष्णो देवी मंदिर
Jammu & Kashmir Devi
A cave shrine in the Trikuta hills above Katra, reached by a trek of about 12–13 km.
- Deity
- Mata Vaishno Devi (Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati as three natural pindis)
- Tradition
- Devi
- Place
- Katra (Trikuta hills), Reasi
- State
- Jammu & Kashmir
- Sacred tank / theertham
- Banganga
- Official website
- maavaishnodevi.org
Sthala Puranam
Vaishnavi, a devotee of Rama, took to penance in the Trikuta hills. The seeker Bhairon Nath followed her. She hid in a cave and finally took the form of the Goddess. She is worshipped in the cave as three natural stone forms (pindis).
Speciality
- The Goddess is worshipped in the cave as three natural pindis, said to be Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati.
- Pilgrims walk or ride up from Katra to the Bhawan. Ponies, palanquins, battery cars and a helicopter service are available.
- Many pilgrims also visit Bhairon Temple, higher up.
Festivals
- Navaratri (Chaitra and Sharad)
How to reach
By airJammu Airport, about 50 km from Katra.
By trainShri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra station, from where the trek starts.
By roadKatra is connected by road to Jammu and the national network.
Location is approximate.
Before you go
- Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
- Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
- Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
- A yatra registration slip is needed before the trek. Register on the official Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board site.
- Carry warm clothes in winter. Keep to the official route.
Prayers for this temple
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against the sources listed above. If you find a mistake, please tell us.