Vaishno Devi Mandir

Vaishno Devi Mandir is a temple town that's home to the famous Vaishno Devi Mandir. Located in Trikuta hills, 13 kms from Katra (in the union territory of 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.

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.

About Vaishno Devi Temple
Considered one of the most important and sacred temples in the whole of India, Vaishno Devi temple is also an important Shaktipeeth with strong beliefs and connection to the people. In fact, Mata Vaishno Devi darshan is such a big affair among the people of India that month-long delays and overpopulated hotels are a common sight. It takes a 13 Km trek from Katra to reach the Bhawan, which diverges into two different pathways. The first path goes via the Adhkuwari Temple, which denotes that the pilgrims are halfway through the Bhawan. Its old construction is revealed through the step and narrow passageways. The newer second route goes via Himkoti and is wide enough with an ascendable gradient.

Vaishno Devi Temple History
Mata Vaishno Devi temple has rich history and heritage attached to it. The cave’s importance is depicted in folktales which tell that here was Goddess Sati’s skull had fallen and that the goddess resides here in the form of a five and a half feet tall rock which has three heads or the Pindies. It has not been possible to pinpoint the exact date or the year of the beginning of the worship of the Goddess in these caves, but it is believed to have connections with Mahabharata which hint towards the holy goddess of Jamboo Mountains, present-day Jammu. The Pandavas are believed to be the original worshipers of the Goddess in the holy cave.

The holy cave at Vaishno Devi temple is said to have been first discovered by Pandit Sridhar, a Hindu priest, who witnessed the Goddess in his dreams and was instructed to find the temple. When the priest found the holy cave, Mata Vaishno Devi appeared to him and blessed him with four sons. He was given the boon of being the custodian of the cave, a commitment locals believe his descendants follow to this day. Also located near the Vaishno Devi temple is the Bhairon Nath temple. The Bhairon Nath Temple holds great importance and is situated just 2 Km away from the main Bhawan where the Vaishno Devi cave is located. Dedicated to Bhairon Nath, legends have it that he fell off at the temple’s spot when the Goddess beheaded him.