Visited by millions of people every year, Vaishno Devi Temple located at the northern part of Jammu is believed to be very auspicious among the Hindus worldwide. Existing from time immemorial, Vaishno Devi temple finds references from the oldest epics like Rigveda Mahabaratha. There is a scene narrated I Mahharatha where Lord Krishna instructs Arjuna, who is one of Pancha Pandavas to worship Goddess Vaishno Devi to reap victory in the historic Kurukshetra war. From this we can come to know about the age of this temple. Further, an archaeological survey says that the rocks around this temple are at least a million years old. There are many legends and historic references for the existence temple. Though there has not any authentic evidences for the conduct of rituals and worships here, the descendants of Pandit Shridhar say that the temple was found out by him around 700 years ago and the right to do poojas to Goddess Vaishno Devi is passed on through his successive generations. This practice is still followed though there is a separate Shrine Board taking care of all the activities related to the temple.

The temple is situated at an altitude of 5200 ft above the sea level. Vaishno Devi sits in the form of a five feet tall stone with three heads naturally formed and are called as pindis. The temple is at the culmination of three mountains adjacent to each other called Trikoot or Trikuta hills. Starting from the base camp at Katra, one can reach the temple either by the natural rocky pathway or by using stairs. There is no idol or statue in the sanctum sanctorum, instead, the devotees worship the three stones representing manifestations of Goddess Shakthi, the different forms of cosmic energy. It is believed that the slightly whitish stone is revered as Goddess Maha Saraswati, rightmost black colored stone is worshipped as Goddess Maha Kali and the yellow stone in the middle represents Goddess Maha Lakshmi.

Festivals :

Everyday is like a festive day in Vaishno Devi Temple. On an average one crore people visit the temple and during Navaratri days, the number surges drastically. Navratra, the nine days to celebrate the manifestations of Goddess shakthi is celebrated twice in this temple in a grand manner.

Best Time To Visit Vaishno Devi Temple:

October to July will be the ideal period to visit Vaishno Devi Temple. Still, festival days like Navaratra and New Year’s eve are heavily crowded when you may have wait in a very long queue. So, plan a trip Vaishno Devi Temple accordingly.

Things to Remember While visiting Vaishno Devi Temple :

1. As the temple is at 5200 ft above the sea level, plan to visit there with proper attire, protecting you from the climatic conditions atop.
2. Yatra Slip valid for six hours is the one you get once you register at Katra to visit Vaishno Devi temple. Be sure that you cross the first check post at Banganga within six hours of getting Yatra Slip.
3. You may have to walk long distances, so wear comfortable footwear. Another option is to climb steep stairs. It is better to start your trek with nightfall and your heart will skip a beat witnessing the most gorgeous sunrise clasping the entire valley with the golden rays of sunshine.
4. Poni rides and Helicopter options are also available to reach the temple. Be sure your trips are pre-booked to fly owing to rising demand.
5. Keep yourself nourished and hydrated throughout the trek. But you need not carry anything. There are plenty of eateries and refreshments throughout the way are well maintained by the shrine Board at very reasonable prices.
6. The main complex of the temple premise called Bhavan houses all free and paid facilities for devotee visiting Vaishno Devi temple.

Tourist attractions near Vaishno Devi Temple :

• Bhaba Dhansar – Shiva Temple at a distance of 15kms from Devi Shrine
• Bhoomika Mandir – 700 years old temple, normally visited by devotees before starting their trek to Devi Shrine
• Batote, Patnitop, Kud, Mantalaii are the other popular attractions which can be visited depending on your schedule.

How to Reach Vaishno Devi Temple? :

By Air: Airport nearest to Vaishno Devi Temple is at Jammu. From there you can hire cabs to reach Katra, which is at a distance of 50kms.

By Train :Jammu is well connected with all Indian cities by Rail. Chennai and Pune have direct connectivity with Jammu and others have to travel via New Delhi.

By Road :Bus services to Jammu are available from various cities of India, especially from New Delhi and Chandigarh. Those who have travel options through other major cities may have take a diversion at some point to reach Jammu in a hassle free journey