History of Vaishno Devi TempleJammu/Vaishno Devi Temple/Trip to Jammu, Vaishno Devi Temple/Trek route in Jammu/Trek to Trikuta Mountain

 What is the story of Vaishno Devi Temple? Why people believe it as one of the most Holiest Temple in India?

The Vaishno Devi Temple is situated in Trikuta Mountains at a height of 5000ft approx is 61 km from Jammu City and can be reached after a journey on foot from Katra on a walking distance of 13 km.

Many years ago before the invention of human in the technical world, it is till now believed that there lived the "Avatars of God and Goddess" on the Earth. Maa Vaishno Devi is the avatar of Goddesses Kali,  Maa Saraswati and Maa Lakshmi. For the sake of seeing God Ram she waits at the top of mountain at Katra in Jammu. And Ram for the sake of protecting her told God Hanuman to stay there with Goddess Vaishno Devi that is why there are so many monkeys all way to Bhawani Temple.Vaishno temple also named as Bhawan and othert name of Goddess Vaishno is "Shera wali /Maa Bhawani".

                                                       After a trek of 2 km there is a holy bath place called "Ban Ganga" . It is believed that Goddess Vaishno devi has washed her hair and Lord Hanuman has opened the river buy using his arrow. That is why the river named after it , "Ban" refers to "arrow" and "Ganga" is the holy river of "Inida." As mother " Vaishno Devi" washed her hair so it is also named as "Bal Ganga" . "Bal" refers to hair in hindi. People believe that to take a bath here will make your mind full of peace.

                                                       Then after covering 6 km of distance there is "Ardhkuwari Gufa"/TEMPLE . Maa Vaishno Devi is believed to have meditated in the Gufa for 9 months before beheading  "Bhairavnath"(initially believed to be one of the enemies of Maa Vaishno Devi). Located halfway to Bhawan(Vaishno Devi Temple), Ardhkuwari acts as a stopover for the pilgrims on their journey up to the Bhavan. Ardhkuwari is also known as Garbajoon cave, as the shape of the cave resembles a mother"s womb. The devotees believe that Maa Vaishno Devi killed Bhairav his head fly off into the valley while his body remained in the Ardh Kuwari Cave.

One has to crawl  to reach the other side  and there you can see a large shrine which is dedicated to three Goddesses- Maha Kali, Maa Lakshmi and Maa Saraswati. 

After completing darshan of Bhavan further will come a temple of "Bhairavnath" after completing a distance of 4km approx. It is believed that Maa Vaishnavi bless Bhairavbaba when he felt guilty of his deeds. It is believed that without completing his darshan Maa Vaishno Devi will not be satisfied from your worship. After Bhavan you can book cable car to reach Bhairav Temple. And again you have to come down via same route.

                                                      

Things to know before you start your journey to Bhawan :

• The best time to visit Vaishno Devi is between the months of March and October. At that time the weather is cool and pleasant. A lot of people go there during Navratri , at that time the Bhavan is decorated like a Hindu bride. But if you want to enjoy the rain and snowfall while journey then visit between the months of December and February.

• At first get your free Parchi either online or at desk. It is mandatory to draw a parchi because without that you will not be allowed to start your trek. (Yatra Parchi)

• At the beginning of the trek you will see many shopkeepers , from where people can buy stick because that will help you to take support of , while trekking.

• You will get the facilities of  palki, horses, cab to reach Bhawan. But still many people go there by walk, even the kids and old aged people go by walk to visit the holy temple. Pram facilities are also provided for toddlers. All such conveyance facilities will be available on costs such as from start to beginning the they will charge you around Rs 500-1100. You can also set your range , depends how you bargain. After all this is India and bargaining is the talent and one of the rituals in India.

• There is a very strict security for the safety of visitore and public. At every 5 mins of walking you will get dustbin over there.Washroom facilities is given at every 5-10 mins of walking.

• Along your journey you can see many shops, resturants, caffee and sit or benches for taking rest.You can purchase the chunni and prashad from shops nearby the temple. 

• The famous food of Katra (Vaishno Devi Temple) is"Rajma Chawal". You can take spme snacks or water or softdrinks with you for your journey. 

• Electronic gadgets like watches, mobile phone is allowed but you have to submit it before entering Ardhkuwari or Bhavan or any temple. Allover this place is good for God lovers, Experience seekers, Nirvana seekers, Trekkers. Taking pictures is not allowed inside the temple. You will be provided with the lockers and key will be in your hand so there is no tention of loosing your stuff. But stay alert of Pickpocketing or theft.

Arti Timing: In Summer (6:20 AM - 8:00 AM)

                                           (7:20 PM - 8:00 PM)

                        In Winter (6:20 AM - 8:00 AM)

                                         (6:20 PM - 8:00 PM)

How to reach: Take a flight or Train from your place to Jammu , from Jammu go to Katra by bus, train or private car or cab. From Katra You have to walk to reach Vaishno Devi.

Accomodation: You can get accomodation starting from 600 and so on depending on the facilities and area. Must carry an umbrella or raincoat if you are taking your journey in the monthy of December to February. You can also buy at Katra within a cost of Rs 100-300.

Cost: As per my experience the minimum cost may be of Rs 3000 approx for 3 days 2 night, depending upon the group of persons, type of accomodation and conveyances.

Timing: All days of the week

             (5:00 AM - 12:00 PM)

             (4:00 PM - 9:00 PM)

Entry fee: No entry fee 

For more details you can visit http://www.maavaishnodevi.org