Vaishno Devi Temple

The temple is located near Katra in the Trikuta Mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the most revered and visited pilgrimage sites in India. Pilgrims undertake a trek to reach the sacred cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani. Devotees believe that a pilgrimage to the temple fulfills their wishes. Pilgrims typically undertake a trek of approximately 13.5 kilometers from Katra to reach the cave shrine. The trek passes through various points, including Banganga, Charan Paduka, Adhkuwari, and Sanjichhat. The cave shrine, known as the Bhavan, houses three natural rock formations called Pindis, representing the three manifestations of Goddess Mahalakshmi—Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati, and Maha Lakshmi. Regular aarti and pooja ceremonies are performed at the cave shrine, and devotees participate in these rituals with deep reverence. The festival of Navratra witnesses a significant influx of pilgrims to Vaishno Devi Temple. The period is considered auspicious for Mata Vaishno Devi's worship. Pilgrims need to register for the yatra (journey) to Vaishno Devi, and the Yatra Registration Counter is located in Katra. Vaishno Devi Temple is situated in the northern part of India, in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, it is quite a distance from Manali in Himachal Pradesh.