Overview of Vaishnodeviji shrine complex

Katra Town, lying in the foot of Trikuta Mountains, 48 kms. from Jammu, serves as the base camp for visiting the famous shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, which is approachable on foot along a 13 kms long well laid footpath. Every year, more than 4.5 million pilgrims pass through Katra on their way to the holy shrine.

The cave shrine of Mata Vasihnodeviji or Trikuta Bhagwati (alt: 5,200 ft.) has been a beacon of faith and fulfilment to millions of devotees from all over the world. The pilgrimage to the Shrine holds great significance for the pilgrims.

The Legend of Mata Vaishnodeviji.

View of Vaishnodeviji from Bhavan

Everyday of the year throngs of people surge up the steep pathways that cut across the Trikuta hillsides for mile after mile. This show of faith is finely interwoven with the cultural strands of the Indian subcontinent, and these pathways have been trod on for many centuries now. Popular belief holds that anybody who walks the Himalayan trail to the goddesses's abode to ask for a boon rarely goes back disappointed. Whatever be it, a new enterprise or a forthcoming examination, marriage or birth, the devout look up to the Mata For blessings and guidance. There are many who journey year after year to pay obeisance regardless of their faith or belief, creed or class, caste or religion.

Night view of Vaishnodeviji Bhawan

The Yatra to the holy shrine is as fascinating as the legend associated with it. It goes that thousands of years ago, a comely maiden called "Vaishnavi" have been created by the three lords attained human form and was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Having taken a vow of celibacy, she spent almost all her life in meditation and prayers. In time she attained enormous spiritual powers and is believed to have extracted an assurance from Lord Rama that he will marry her in Kali-Yug if she persisted in her spiritual quest.

Adh Kanwari at night

This is why she is also known as Adh Kanwari or the "eternal virgin".

Mata Vaishno Devi established an ashram in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountain and began to meditate. As predicted by Lord Rama, her glory started spreading and people began to flock to her ashram to seek her blessings. As time passed, a Tantrik called Gorakh Nath (Demo God), who had a vision of the episode between Lord Rama and Mata Vaishno Devi, became curious and wanted to know more about her. Accordingly, he sent his most able disciple `Bhairon Nath' to find out. Bhairon Nath started observing her secretly and realized that despite being a `Sadhvi', she always carried a bow and arrows and was always surrounded by langoor (apes) and a ferocious looking lion. Bhairon, the demon God took a fancy to her. But the Mata spurned his advances and fled to the Himalayas to continue her spiritual quest.

Banganga

On the way the goddess felt thirsty at Banganga and shot an arrow into the earth from where water gushed out. Charan Paduka, which is marked by the imprints of her feet, is the place where she rested.

The Goddess then meditated in the cave at Adh Kanwari. It took Bhairon nine months to locate her, which is why the cave is known as Garbh Joon.

When the demon found her, Mata Vaishno Devi blasted an opening at the other end of the cave with her trident and fled to the Holy cave at Darbar (temple).

However, Bhairon was persistent and followed her there to harass her. Then goddess became very angry and assuming the form of Mata Kali, beheaded Bhairon outside the cave with the aid of the flying disc gifted to her by Lord Krishna

The severed head of Bhairon fell at a distant hilltop. In his dying moments, Bhairon begged and received divine forgiveness from the goddess. Today, it is believed that the Yatra is not complete unless the pilgrim has been to Bhairon ka Mandir (2.6 km from the main sanctum) as well, after the darshan of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi.

Pindiyan inside the Shrine

The goddess herself took up permanent abode in a cave in the Trikuta Mountains by metamorphosing herself in to three pindis (Rock). This holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is unique as it contains the holiest of holy Pindis manifesting the Mata in her three forms - Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati - each form representing a particular attribute. Maha Kali represents Tamas Guna, Tamas meaning darkness. In her manifestation of Kali the omnipotent, absolute and all pervasive, she is said to be beyond fear and finite existence and is therefore able to protect her devotees against fear and to give them limitless peace. Maha Lakshmi represents Rajas Guna, Rajas meaning prosperity. In this manifestation, the goddess blesses her devotees with wealth and prosperity for living a better life. Maha Saraswati represents Sattav Guna, Sattav meaning wisdom and knowledge. This manifestation enables her devotees to distinguish between good and bad and helps them to adopt the right path in life. The combination of these three attributes in a single Shakti is a unique combination, which is what makes it, revered all over the world.

What to remember

• Obtain a yatra slip only from the yatra registration counter at the Tourist Reception Centre at the Katra bus stand and nowhere else. Without an authentic yatra slip, crossing of the Ban Ganga check post is not permitted.
•  Take official receipts for all payments made to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMV Shrine Board) as well as those made to private vendors. Demand to see official rate lists when making payments.
• Use only the donation boxes provided by the SMV Shrine Board. In case of donations at the donation counters of the board at Katra (central office), Adhkawari, Sanji Chhat and various points at the Bhawan and obtain a formal receipt for the same.
• Donations to the shrine are exempt from income tax under the Income Tax Act. Do contact the central office of the Shrine Board located at Katra, or the Sub Divisional Magistrate or Tehsildar in Room No. 8, Kalika Bhawan, Durbar, or write to the Chief executive Officer, SMV Shrine Board for any suggestions/complaints.
• Avoid over straining yourself on the climb. Walk on the paved track, instead of the stairs. Do not relax at points where warning notices are displayed. Do not break traffic discipline or try to over take others at difficult stretches.
• Good accommodation, with bedding facilities is provided by the SMV Shrine Board on payment. Facilities for booking of such accommodation fixed rates are available at various offices of the Board.
• To maintain the sanctity of the place do not indulge in playing cards, smoking or chewing betel (paan) at Bhawan or enroute. Do not paint, stick posters or disfigure signboards, and also avoid littering the area.
• Fellow pilgrims are bound to you by their faith in the Mata. Avoid playing transistors or tape recorders too loudly or creating blockage or hindrances in the passages meant for circulation of the yatris.
• Qualified doctors are available at the Primary Health Centre, Katra and at the dispensaries at Adhkawari and Bhawan, round the clock. They are also available at the evening clinic at Katra bus stand; open 2 p.m to 8 p.m. Medical Aid Centres run by the SMV Shrine Board provide necessary assistance to the pilgrims at the Katra bus stand, Banganga and Sanji Chhat.

Clothing

Light woollens are required at night even during summer. During the remaining parts of the year heavy woollens are require.

How to reach

Jammu, 48 kms from Katra, is the nearest airport, railhead and inter-state bus terminus. Buses leave for Katra at 10 minute intervals between 5:30 a.m and 8:30 p.m. During peak season, additional buses are pressed into service.

View of Katra Town

Helicopter Service

Pawan Hans operates two flights daily from Jammu and 5 flights from Katra to Shrine.
Capacity: 6 persons per flight. (The service stands discontinued for the time being)

For further information contact Pawan Hans Ltd at Jammu Airport.
Telephone Nos:- 0191-456537, 0191-435305, 0191-435306

The distance from Katra town to Vaishno Devi (Durbar) is 13 kms, which has to be traversed by pony, ‘dandi’ or on foot. ‘Pithus’ (coolies) are also available.

The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMV Shrine Board) runs a large number of cafeterias and viewing points along the trail between Katra and the shrine where snacks, coffee and cold drinks are provided to the yatris on a no-profit-no-loss basis. The Shrine Board also runs ‘bhojanalyas’ at Katra, Adhkawari, Sanji Chhat and at the Bhawan / shrine for providing hygienically prepared food to the yatris on a no-profit-no-loss basis.

Upon reaching the Bhawan, a group number is allotted to the pilgrims at the slip (‘parchi’) counter against the yatra slip issued at Katra. The yatri is required to stand in queue at Gate Number 2 till the announcement of the group’s number is made to proceed to the sanctum sanctorum. While inside the cave, one should concentrate on the darshan of the mother goddess in her three-pindi forms – Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi or Maha Vaishnavi and Maha Saraswati. The holy water coming from the feet of the Mata can be collected on the way back.

Where to Stay in Katra

At Katra accommodation to suite all pockets and preferences is available in hotels, guest houses, sarais, and hostels. The SMVD Shrine Board provides accommodation and other services en-route and near the Bhawan. The J&K TDC also offers furnished accommodation of various categories in its properties at Katra. Following is the list of various types of accommodation in the private sector at Katra: -

Hotels : Katra town offers hotel accommodation to suite various pockets & preferences - for detailed list of hotels. Following is the list of hotels in Katra.

The Katra Yatri Niwas

JK TDC's Tourist Bungalow at Katra

J&K TDC Accommodation

The tariff of accommodation in J&K TDC establishments at Katra is as follows:

Tourist Bungalow
 

New Block (Saraswati Inn)	Rs.350/- per room/ day
Old Complex	Rs.300/- per room/day
Deluxe Rooms	Rs.450/- per room/day

Tourist Retiring Centre
 

Double room (Sakshi Inn)	Rs. 400/- per day
8-bedded rooms	Rs. 350/- per day
4-bedded rooms	Rs. 250/- per day
Dormitory for 10 pax	Rs. 300/- per day
Common Hall	Rs. 20/- per head
Cloak Room	Rs. 4/- per article

Yatri Niwas
 

Double rooms	Rs. 300/- per day
4-bedded room (attached bath)	Rs. 400/- per day
8-bedded room (common bath room)	Rs. 350/- per day
Large Hall for 60 pax	Rs. 20/- per head

For reservation, enquiry and assistance at Katra call J&K TDC Office Tel. 01991-32309
E-mail to: shamimwani@vsnl.com

SMVD Shrine Board Accommodation

1. Niharika Guest House, Katra

i) 2-bedded room (Non-carpeted) @ Rs.250/- per day and Rs. 40/- per extra person.
ii) 4-bedded room (Non-carpeted) @Rs. 300/- per day and Rs. 40/- per extra person
iii) 2- bedded room (carpeted) @ Rs. 350/- per day and Rs. 40/- per extra person.
iv) 4-bedded room (carpeted) @ Rs. 500/- per day and Rs. 40/- per extra person.

2. Sharda Bhavan, Adhkawari:

i) Special room @ Rs. 350/- per day for 2 persons and Rs. 45/- per extra persons up-to a maximum of 2 persons.

3. Bhawan Complex:

For bookings contact or write to:

Assistant Manager (Enquiries & Reservation), Central Office of Shri Mata Vaishnodeviji Shrine Board, Katra. Ph. : 32025, 32167

Important Telephone Numbers in Katra

• SMV Shrine Board: Chief Executive Officer, 32075 / 32089; Addl. Chief Ex. Officer 32025 / 32091; Yatra Registration Counter Tele: 32092/ 323299 Fax : 32089 Email : helpdesk@maavaishnodevi.org
• Medical Officer Tele 32127; Notified Area Committee Tele 32006
• Post Office Tele 33130; J&K TDC Office Tele 32309
• Police: Additional SP 32234; Deputy SP 32052; Police Station, 32010
• Travel Agents Association; President 33356, 32044, Fax: 01991- 33044
• Hotel Association: President: 32046, Fax: 01991-33163.
• Tourist Officer: 32005 (office), 32003 (Residence)

Places to visit from Katra

Aghar Jitto

Just 5 km away from Katra is Aghar Jitto, the Shrine of Baba Jitto, a devotee of Mata Vaishno Devi and a revolutionary who led a campaign against the feudal order. According to legends, a dip in the holy spring water, flowing in front of the shrine, does miracles to pre-natal women for safe delivery of children. A path from here leads to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi.

Dera Baba Banda

Dera Baba Banda:

At about 30 kms from Katra lies this major Hindu-Sikh pilgrimage centre. Baba Banda Bairaagi was Guru Gobind Singh's favourite 'Saint-soldier', who had the gurudwara constructed on the banks of river Chenab, where he spent his last days.

Baba Dhansar

Baba Dhansar

Located 10 kms from Katra (1 km on foot) is Baba Dhansar, a beautiful and cool picnic spot. Here, a huge spring gushes out of the mountainside in a thick grove of trees and forms a number of small waterfalls before flowing into the holy Banganga. Next to the spring in a small grove in the rock face is a naturally formed ‘Shivling’ on which droplets of water fall naturally all the year round. A major ‘mela’ (fair) is held here during Shivratri.

Shiv Khori

This holy cave is nearly a kilometre long and houses a 4 ft high, naturally formed ‘Shivling’. It is considered second only to the shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi in religious importance. There are stalactites & stalagmites dripping milky limestone water from the ceiling. Situated at a distance of about 100 kms from Jammu and about 75 kms from Katra, Shiv Khori hosts a major fair on Shivratri day every year.