The Holy Cave Shrine
Vaishno Devi is one of the most revered holy sights of India, visited by the people of almost all the religions. The holy shrine is visited by millions of Indians from all parts of the country. It is believed that devotees visiting the Mata or Mother for the fulfillment of their wishes, never returns empty handed. There are some visitors to Vaishno Devi for no other reason than their wish to see Mata.
Walking : From Katra it is a steep 13 km walk. You can rent a horse or be carried up from Katra. You can go up to the cave and back in the same day. It takes about 4 hours to climb up and 3 hours to come down. Pilgrims must get a Yatra-Slip from the tourist reception center near the bus stand in Katra to get pass Ban Ganga. It is a hard climb to Vaishno Devi.
Check in the Accommodations at Vaishno Devi
At Jammu
For the convenience of the pilgrims, Shrine Board offers accommodation at Jammu at its Yatri Niwas, Vaishnavi Dham located near the Railway Station. Dormitory accommodation is available. Double bedded A.C. rooms and A.C.suite accommodation is also available.
At Katra
On reaching Katra, the Yatris can get accommodation at Niharika/Vishram Ghar complex of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. Following types of accommodation are available. Double Bedded (Non-carpeted) Double Bedded (carpeted) Four Bedded (Non-carpeted) Four Bedded (carpeted). Dormitory 8 bedded and 10 Bedded are also available.
Private Hotels
Several hotels in private sector are also offering excellent facilities for boarding and lodging. Information regarding these hotels can be acquired from Travel agents in Jammu city and JKTDC assistance at TRC counters Jammu, Katra and Railway Station Jammu.
At Bhavan
Rented Rooms/Dormitories and free dormitory accommodation is available at Bhawan and various locations en route. Booking for these rooms is done from the Central Office, Katra.Rooms can also be booked by sending Demand Draft in favour of the Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Katra (J & K ).
The Holy Shrine
The holy cave shrine of Vaishno Devi is believed to have been built by the five Pandavas. The length of the cave is about 98 ft. The symbols of a many of gods and goddesses of the Hindu religion can be seen here. At the mouth of the original tunnel to the holy cave can be seen the symbols of Vakra Tunda Ganesha, Surya Dev and Chandra Dev. When one crawls into the cave by the tunnel, he/she passes over the Dhadh of Bhairon Nath. The symbol of Lord Hanuman, called Launkra Beer, can also be seen and the pilgrims have to go through water beyond the Launkra Beer point. Twenty-three feet beyond Launkra Beer, on the upper left-hand side, the roof of the cave flares out and the weight of this overhang appears to be resting on the countless heads of Shesh Nag. Immediately below Shesh Nag can be seen the symbols of Shankh, Chakra, Gada and Padam. Higher up, almost touching the ceiling of the cave, are the symbols of the five Pandavas, the Sapt Rishi, the udders of the divine cow, Kamadhenu, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva and Parvati.
Some other attractions :
Ban Ganga Temple, Charan Paduka Temple, Ardh Kuwari
Not to Overlook - Excursions
The Deva Mai temple
There are several places to see and visit near Vaishno Devi too. The Deva Mai temple is about three miles short of Katra town. Many devotees treat it as a very holy site and go there to perform paeans.
The Holy Cave of Shiv Khori
The Holy Cave of Shiv Khori is the abode of Lord Shiva, situated at a distance of 70 km from Katra. The cave is a real wonder to be seen and measures nearly a kilometer in length with a four-feet-high naturally formed Shiv-lingam at the heart of the sanctum sanctorum.
Pindian
A few miles away from Katra is Pindian at the foot of the Trikuta range. This spot is also dedicated to Vaishno Devi.
Patnitop
Patnitop is idyllic spot for recharging your batteries and relaxing with nature, which only gives and never asks for anything in return. Just sitting under the sun in the grassland can be the highlight of your holiday.
Location : Situated at an altitude of 5200 ft above sea level in the state of Jammu & Kashmir. The Vaishno Devi shrine is nestled in the Trikuta Mountain. It about 650 km from
Delhi, the capital of India.
Language : Hindi, considerable % of people speak English.
Climate : High altitude temperature - Cold
Best time to visit - Through out the year except during winter. The pilgrims prefers travelling between October and February.
Getting There
The sacred shrine lies 61 km north of Jammu in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir. Vaishno Devi cave is in the lower Himalayas. Katra, the town at the foot of the Trikuta hills is the base camp for the Vaishno Devi shrine. Vaishno Devi is located 14 km from the town of Katra and 52 km north of Jammu. Katra is situated at 2,800 feet and takes about 2 hours to each from Jammu by bus.
By Air : The nearest airport is in Jammu, which is 48 km from Katra. There is a helicopter service that departs from the airport at Sanjhi Chat in Jammu in the morning. The ride costs about Rs. 2,000 one way (baggage 2 kg, 15 minute)
By Rail : The nearest train station is in Jammu.
By Road : There are regular buses leaving for the 52 km trip from the central bus stand in Jammu to where the road ends at Katra (2 hr).
