Mata Vaishno Devi Temple Darshan is a dream for every true Hindu devotee which is nestled in the lap of a steep mountain near Jammu. This famous temple is known to be home to one of the most powerful and kind goddesses of all – Mata Vaishno Devi or Mata Vaishnavi. The Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir is open throughout the year and visiting the Goddess to see her blessings is considered an act of great devotion for pilgrims of all ages and gender. It is said that Mata Vaishno Devi has the power to forgive all sins and if she is pleased, might even free a devotee from the cycle of rebirth. There is a strict Puja Vidhi that is followed at Mata Vaishno Devi temple and many devotees keep a fast before visiting her shrine. 

Trekking Through the Himalayas: A Spiritual Adventure to Mata Vaishno Devi Temple

It need not be said aloud then, that the number of pilgrims who come to visit Mata Vaishno Devi temple almost every single day is unbelievably huge. While this gigantic crowd of pilgrims, distribution of prasad, and singing of Kirtan are all beautiful experiences to be a part of, this crowd can cause a lot of confusion for an individual or a group of travellers who are going to Mata Vaishno Devi for the first time. But, no need to worry anymore, because we have brought to you the one and only Mata Vaishno Devi travel guide that you will ever need. This Guide to Mata Vaishno Devi temple covers everything from the itinerary, route, timings, nearby places to visit and things to do, required items and documentation for smooth travelling, etc. Keep reading and happy journey!

Mata Vaishno Devi Temple – About, History, and Legend

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Dham is located near Jammu and can be accessed through the pilgrimage town of Katra. It is located on Trikuta Hill and is one of the most famous of all 108 Maha Shakti Peeth Dhams of India. While many people consider Mata Vaishno Devi to be a form of Goddess Parvati or Goddess Durga, ancient scriptures also believe that Mata Vaishno Devi is a culminated incarnation of Goddess Kali, Goddess Saraswati and Goddess Lakshmi. 

The temple was built in 28 AD by Vikram Samvat, as believed by most modern historians. The geological study of Mata Vaishno Devi cave has revealed that the cave itself is around a million years old. According to the legends however, the temple Bhawan was first built by the Pandavas as a sign of gratitude Goddess Vaishno Devi blessed Arjuna before the Mahabharata war.

Locals believe that Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ji Shrine was discovered by Pandit Shridhar 700 years ago after Mata supported and blessed him to organize a holy Bhandara to reduce his burden of sins. Mata herself appeared in his dream and showed him the way to the cave. This is why it is said that when Mata Vaishno Devi calls you, you should never ignore her call!

The modern Vaishno Devi temple was built in 1846. This majestic building was given form by Maharaja Gulab Singh. Around a hundred years later, the regulating board Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board was formed which made it much easier for devotees to come to Mata Vaishno Devi, although there has been a number of controversies about the existence of this board and the changes that have come about it.

Importance of the Bhaironath Temple

According to the proper devotional procedures, pilgrims are supposed to visit Katra Bhairav temple after visiting the Vaishno Devi temple. It is believed that pilgrims cannot return to the temple of Mata unless they travel 8 km downwards to Katra Bhairav mandir. 

Some people believe that after Mata Vaishno Devi gave Katra Bhairav and gave him the promise of Nirvana, she also made it clear to all three worlds that Katra Bhairav is to be worshipped like a god at the Trikuta hills and her visions and blessings will not be complete if a devotee skips visiting the Bhairav mandir. 

This is the reason why every devotee who goes to Mata Vaishno Devi Temple also goes to Katra Bhairav or Bhaironath Temple. The pilgrimage is incomplete until both temples are visited one after the other.

Vaishno Devi Temple Weather Conditions

Vaishno Devi mandir is located on the slopes of Katra which is relatively warmer than other areas of Kashmir. Due to this reason, while it is always cold in Jammu, the temple is accessible throughout the year. Sometimes during heavy rainfall or heavy snow in the winter, accessing the Mata Vaishno Devi temple route becomes a little difficult. During rainfall or snowfall, helicopters ideally do not fly and it is a bit difficult to get palki or ponies as well. The area around Katra can at times get extremely humid, especially after late summer or early monsoon rainfall!

How many days are required for Mata Vaishno Devi Temple Temple?

Ideally, a Vaishno Devi temple journey can be completed in 3 to 4 days. But if you want to ask, how many days for Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra at minimum, the answer could be reduced to 2 days as well! While planning the time taken to visit Mata Vaishno Devi, do remember the days that it will take for you to come back from Katra to Jammu and then from Jammu to your hometown. Depending on where you stay this can take an additional three or four days!

How to reach Mata Vaishno Devi temple?

This question can be answered by looking at 4 major ways in which pilgrims travel from the base camp Katra to the Mata Vaishno Devi temple premises which are located almost near the peak of the hills. 

• On foot: Travelling to Mata Vaishno Devi temple on foot is the ancient way of visiting this holy Shrine and even to this date most pilgrims prefer this option. It is said that visiting Mata Vaishno Devi temple on foot has a huge spiritual significance and this journey almost acts as a cleansing ritual for the soul. You will find huge crowds walking towards Mata Vaishno Devi temple from Katra any time of the year. 
• Pony Ride: Pony rides are specifically designed for those people who want to visit Mata Vaishno Devi temple but are not capable of walking the whole way. Riding on a pony to Mata Vaishno Devi temple is completely accepted and in many ancient scriptures, it has been said that young Princes and Kings have mounted their horses to journey up to Mata Vaishno Devi. The route for ponies is a different one than the route that takes pilgrims on foot to the temple. While the road is longer it is much more comfortable and individuals are charged around 650 INR to 850 INR for a one-way journey.
• Palki: The palki is a little basket in which people are made to sit while one or two palki bearers handle the barrel and take it up to the very doors of the temple. This is a safe option of travel for children and the elderly for whom even the pony is not comfortable enough. Usually grown men and women avoid the palki as it is too stressful for the bearers. However one must keep an eye on the palki if young children or elderly women are boarding it. Palki porters also charge similar to the pony rides and it is somewhere around 600 INR to 900 INR.
• Helicopter: Helicopters are one of the most comfortable and expensive options to get to Mata Vaishno Devi temple. Some pilgrims do not like the helicopter since it is a recent addition to such an ancient place and it feels sincere to ride a helicopter. On the other hand, many people consider it a lifetime opportunity and definitely partake in the helicopter ride when they get to Katra. While it is possible to rent a whole helicopter, the charges are generally on a per-person basis. One individual is charged 2090 INR. It is an excellent option for those pilgrims who are suffering from mobility disorders and need the utmost comfort so that they can visit the Shine itself.

Things To Do Near Mata Vaishno Devi Temple for Best Divine Experience

1. Obtain the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi

No wonder the primary objective of visiting Katra for most pilgrims is to obtain the blessings of the one and only Mata Vaishno Devi. The Mata Vaishno Devi temple is one of a kind in the whole world and only here can you truly ask for whatever you want from Mata Vaishno Devi herself and even seek forgiveness for all past sins. It is said that the walk to Mata Vaishno Devi temple from Katra is a walk of great Punya, and the prasad obtained when the puja is over can quench any hunger and bring wealth to every family.

Entry fee: No Entry cost

Opening and closing timings: 5:00 a.m. to 12 noon, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Time taken to visit: 2 to 3 hours

2. Pay a visit to Gauri Mandir

The temple dedicated to Mata Gauri can be visited on the way to Vaishno Devi Mandir. Locals know this Temple as Gauri Bhawan or Gouri Bhawan, and it is one of the most revered temples in Katra. Both Mata Gauri and Mata Vaishnavi are forms of Goddess Parvati herself and there are many interesting legends and stories about Shiv Gauri and Bhairon Parvati that you will come across while joining through this pilgrimage route. Don’t forget to seek the blessings and offer Pooja at Gauri Bhawan before moving on towards the main temple.

Entry fee: No Entry cost

Opening and closing timings: 5:00 a.m. to 12 noon, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Time taken to visit: 2 to 3 hours 

3. Pay a visit to Bhaironath Temple

The legend of Mata Vaishno Devi goes in the following manner – Katra Bhairav, Tantrik and the aggressive form of Lord Shiva himself followed Mata Vaishno Devi around in an attempt to harm her. It is where Bhaironath temple is located that Katra Bhairav was almost closing up on Vaishno Devi and was about to attack her – but Mata Vaishno Devi took the form of Kali and beheaded Katra Bhairav. Some say it is after the name of Katra Bhairav that the base point pilgrimage town is named. He begged forgiveness and in the end, Mata Vaishno Devi freed his soul from the cycle of reincarnation. 

Entry fee: No Entry cost

Opening and closing timings: 5:00 a.m. to 12 noon, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 

Time taken to visit: 2 hours

4. Enjoy the local cuisine of Katra

The local cuisine of Katra is indeed worthy of a million applause. Since most of the visitors here are pilgrims, Katra has developed a unique ability to produce some of the best dishes without the use of any non-veg ingredients or even onion and garlic. You will find some of the most famous Kashmiri dishes like Dam Aloo and Kashmiri pulao here at Katra made especially for pilgrims. Many sweets and fruit assortments are also easily available for those pilgrims who are fasting before visiting the holy temples.

Entry fee: No Entry cost

Opening and closing timings: No official opening and closing timings

Time taken to visit: 1 hour

5. Celebrate Navratri and Ram Navami with other pilgrims

It is well known that the most famous festivals at the Mata Vaishno Devi temple and Gauri Mandir are Navratri and Ram Navami. According to the Hindu calendar, Navratri is celebrated two times in 1 year – the first one just before Baisakhi and the second one in October. During both these festivals the whole city of Katra is lit up with lamps and fairy lights. Young girls are worshipped as Kumaris and married women keep fasts. Visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi temple during this time is considered to be an act of the purest Karma.

Entry fee: No Entry cost

Opening and closing timings: open 24 hours

Time taken to visit: 10 days

How to prepare for the Mata Vaishno Devi temple pilgrimage?

Preparing correctly before embarking upon the Mata Vaishno Devi temple Yatra is extremely important. There are a number of things that you have to do to make sure your journey is completely hassle-free and exciting for everyone involved. Some of these things are

• Research about the immediate weather conditions in Jammu and Katra as well as the Mata Vaishno Devi mandir itself. 
• Prepare extra medications for children and the elderly in case of any emergencies.
• Prebook accommodation in Katra.
• Preplan the itinerary and keep one or two buffer days in case someone Falls sick or the journey has to be postponed.
• Always travel on confirmed tickets and reassure yourself that the tickets are indeed confirmed and the copies of the tickets are ready before you start on your journey.
• Confirm your reservation for each accommodation plan in Jammu and Katra before you leave for the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
• In case you have planned any special meal reservation, confirm it beforehand.
• Keep a financial buffer on your trip so that you can spend on any extra demand or desire without having to worry about the consequences.
• Decide beforehand whether you want to travel on foot, on a pony or by helicopter. Different members of the group of the family may choose different ways of travelling and that is okay!

Things To Carry

• Sturdy walking shoes
• Water-resistant clothing, gloves and raincoat
• Water-resistant cap and woollen cap
• Warm socks and warm innerwear
• Umbrella
• All individuals have prescribed medications along with a general first aid kit. Any high-altitude medication that might be recommended by your doctor before the journey
• Mosquito repellent
• General hygiene and essentials like soap and shampoo, perfume and deodorant, tissues, makeup if any, fresh underwear etc
• Thermos flask, cutlery and utensil
• Bluetooth speaker/earphones, portable Wi-Fi, power bank and charger
• Sunscreen, moisturizer, lip gloss, body lotion
• Always carry enough cash as ATMs and Internet payment is not available in all areas of the journey
• Blanket
• Air Pillow

Tips Before Mata Vaishno Devi Temple Journey

• Make sure you are meeting the medical requirements and eligibility criteria for the Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir Yatra. 
• Visit a medical professional for yourself and the entire family or group who will accompany you to Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir. Obtain a fitness certificate from the medical professional and only then decide upon this journey.
• Register with a travel agency beforehand so that you can obtain all the correct permits and keep all documentation ready.
• Make one folder of all documentation for you and your travel group. Keep attested photocopies in the same folder as well as a few passport-size photographs.
• Always start on the Mata Vaishno Devi temple journey in the morning. If you have reached Katra in the afternoon or the evening, wait till the next morning to start your journey.
• If any individual is feeling unwell, try to postpone the journey and not leave them behind unless absolutely necessary.
• If possible visit the surrounding areas and locations for sightseeing in Katra after visiting the main Mata Vaishno Devi temple.

There are many well-designed Kashmir travel packages that solely focus on The pilgrimage sites near Katra so that tourists and pilgrims can make the most use of the time and visit as many temples and shine as possible while journeying towards Mata Vaishno Devi temple. Contact the experienced professionals at TRISOJ to plan your pilgrimage trip to Mata Vaishno Devi temple in a completely customised and personalized manner today!

Frequently Asked Questions?