VAISHNO DEVI YATRA Location : 16 km north of Jammu and 13 km of Katra Mythology : Incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, Kali and Saraswati Purpose : To fulfill All Your Wishes By Visiting The Cave of Mata Prime Attractions : The Bhairav Nath Cave and Other Caves Of Religious Importance

Vaishno Devi Yatra – The Incarnation Of The 'Pindis'

Besides the holy shrine of Amarnath, Kashmir also homes one of the most religious and holy pilgrimage of Hindus, Maa Vaishnodevi's sanctorium.

Vaishno Devi : The Legend

Vaishnavi, born to a Ratnakar, was the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, Goddess Kali and Goddess Saraswati, with the purpose of the destruction of Demon Mahishasura. At a very tender age, she acquired great knowledge and became the devotee of Lord Vishnu. When she went to jungle for meditation, a man named Bhairavnath, enchanted by her beauty, started pestering her to marry him. She fled from the jungle to shun him. After being elusive for nine months she confronted him outside a cave and decapitated him. After being beheaded he sought for forgiveness and Vaishnodevi forgave him. Since then this is regarded as the temple of Bhairavnath. The credit of the unveiling of the cave goes to a Brahmin, Pandit Sridhar, who lived in Hansali village at the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains. Faced by circumstances he went to find Vaishnavi in the mountains, but instead found that Vaishnavi was transmuted into a eight armed beauty sitting on a lion, with a leg on each side. She imparted to him that she was an embodiment of Goddess Lakshmi, Kali and Saraswati. Since then this cave came to be regarded as the holy cave.

Location

16 km north of Jammu and 13 km of Katra, in the mountains of Trikuta Hills, resides the Goddess. Located at an altitude of 1,700 mt, the cave is 30 mt long and 1.5 mt high. The best time to visit this shrine in in March and April or September and October, as it is very cold for the rest of the year. It is a four hour long walk to the cave and thousands of people came to visit this holy sanctum every year.

Routes to Trek

Pilgrimage

Monasteries

Amarnath Yatra

The route from Katra to the Bhawan (the abode) is 13 kms. The first stop is Banganga, which is around 1 km. from the point of commencement. Here people take the holy bath and free food (Langar) is served. This trek avails of some of the ancient temples and the surrounding is scenic.
Charanpadhuka, the next stop is 2.5 km from Banganga and boasts of containing the footprints of Mata. The third stop Adkuwari is 3 km from Charanpaduka, and marks the end of half of the journey. You can visit the Garbhajoon, where Mata is believed to have hid from Bhairavnath, for nine months.
Sanjichat, which at a distance of 4 km from Adkuwari, is the last halt. Situated at a very steep height, it gives an ethereal view of the Katra, Udhampur, Reasi and Jammu. Then at a distance of 2.5 km declivitous is the Bhawan, which further at a distance of 2 kms, leads it to the Bhairavnath temple. For the adventure enthusiasts, this track leads to a impenetrable and dense jungle where one can find different species of wild animals like monkeys, langoors and feral birds.

Shop Around The Edifying Sanctorium

Shopping

Art and Culture

Cuisine

The souvenir shops at Bhawan, Sanjichhat, Adhkuwari, Katra bus stand and at Vaishnavi Dham (Jammu) sell, bric – a – brac and religious kitch. Chunnis (piece of colorful clothes), Sarees, Shawals and even authentic gold and silver coins engraved with the replica of the Devi are sold, which are offered to the goddess. You can also buy jute bags, bangles and coconuts. Do not forget to buy Walnuts, that are famous all over the world.

Peregrinate Around Katra

Patnitop

Gulmarg

Sonamarg

Besides the holy shrine there are lot many places around Katra, that one can enjoy. Each renowned for its own specialty. While paying your homage to the shrines, you can also enjoy your vacation by sauntering in these areas.

Batote – that overlook the Chenab gorge. It is a very well developed tourist resort with cozy accommodation and is world renowned for its kidney beans (Rajma).

Patni Top – At an altitude of 2024 m., it is 112 km from Jammu. Encircled by deep chested wooden forest, it is a perfect picnic spot for your family. It is a winter resort and provides facilities to indulge in sports like trekking, golfing, skiing and aerosports. As far as accommodation is concerned there is availability of bungalows and tourist huts.

Sansar – 117 km from Jammu and 17 km from Patni Top, lies this cup shaped meadow which is the perfect destination for the golf lovers. It also a terminus for para gliders. The Nag temple is also worth a watch.