The Katra Vaishno Devi temple in Katra, also known as Mata Vaishno Devi temple is one of the most popular pilgrimages in India. Located in Trikuta hills, this highly revered shrine allures thousands of devotees from all over the world.
The temple is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Mata Vaishno devi or Mata Rani. Katra is the base camp of Vaishno Devi Yatra. The yatra begins at Banganga, 1.5-2 km from Katra’s main city. This yatra involves a 13 km trek from the base camp at Katra.
The yatra concludes at a Holy Cave also known as Bhawan with the darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi in the form of three naturally formed rocks which are known as pindies. These pinnies represent the three forms of Goddess Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati, and Maha Lakshmi.
Along the trekking path, there are many stalls offering food, tea, refreshments, drinking water, medical aid, sitting arrangements, washrooms, etc.
The road from Katra to Vaishno Devi is filled with scenic surprises and each stop has something unique to offer. The beautiful green valleys, birds chirping and the pleasant air flowing across add more charm to the journey.
History of Katra & Vaishno Devi
Vaishno Devi is a temple town that is home to the famous Vaishno Devi Mandir. Devotees from all over India visit this spiritual temple, especially during the auspicious occasion of Navratri and other Hindu festivities.
Popularly known as Mata Rani, Vaishnavi, and Trikuta, Vaishno Devi is a manifestation of Hindu Goddess Durga.
It is a belief among Hindu devotees that during pooja and aarti, goddess Durga arrives at the Holy cave to pay their respect to Mata Rani. Pilgrims believe that the goddess herself calls them to the cave to pay homage to the revered shrine.
Many devotees believe that paying visit to Vaishno devi fulfills all of their wishes. For this reason, Mata Vaishno Devi is called ‘Moonh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata’(a mother who fulfills the wishes of her children).
As per Hindu mythology, Mata Vaishno devi is a manifestation of Goddess Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Maha Saraswati. The ancient legends say that during the period of turmoil, a devil named Bhairon Nath chased Vaishno Devi who took refuge in a cave in the Trikuta mountains. She embraced the form of Maha Kali in a fierce battle and killed Bhairon Nath.
Ultimately, the cave then became her eternal abode.
The Vaishno Devi Mandir in Katra
The Vaishno Devi Mandir is one of the most popular Hindu temples in India. It is located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, in the town of Katra. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Vaishno Devi, who is also known as the “Mother Goddess”.
Every year, millions of pilgrims visit the Vaishno Devi Mandir to seek the blessings of the Mother Goddess. The temple is situated at an altitude of 5,200 feet (1,600 meters), and is accessible by a steep climb of more than 13 kilometers (8 miles). The journey to the temple typically takes 2-3 days.
The Vaishno Devi Mandir is a highly revered religious site, and is considered to be one of the most sacred places in Hinduism. The temple is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.
The best time to visit Katra
if you want to book a Vaishno Devi Trip you should to know The best time to visit the shrine depends on various factors such as weather, crowd size, and personal choices.
Spring (March to May)- if you want to pay homage to the shrine in a peaceful and less crowd, then consider visiting the temple in the spring season from March to may. During spring, the weather is pleasant and the crowd size is relatively small. Also, the calm weather offers opportunities for outdoor activities like trekking.
Summer (June to August)- this is the peak season for Vaishno devi yatra. During these months, the crowd is large due to summer vacations and festivals like Navratri etc.
How to reach Katra Vaishno devi
There are a number of ways to reach Vaishno Devi temple such as by foot, helicopter, pony, or portal. You can book a regular bus to Katra which is available from Jammu and New Delhi.
Once you reach Katra you can trek which is a 13 km long trek to the holy cave. The trek can be taken on a pony, palki, or foot.
Katra to Ardhkuwari- there are two routes to Ardhkuwari. The old route is 5.5 km. it has Charan Paduka temple enroute. Also has Geeta Mandir bathing ghat.
The new route is 7.5 km which is much wider and easy to navigate. It is better to come down as it is steeper.
Ardhkuwari to Vaishno Devi- There are two routes to Vaishno Devi Bhawan, one is a 6.5 km steep uphill route. Another one is a 5.5 km short route.
By helicopter- a helicopter to Vaishno Devi temple is available from Katra to Sanjichhat. The helipad is at Udhampur road which is 2 km from Katra bus stand. It will take you to the revered shrine in just 30 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to trek to Vaishno Devi temple?
The trekking distance from Katra to the Vaishno Devi temple is about 13 kilometers. Depending on your pace and fitness level, it can take approximately 4 to 6 hours to trek one way.
How to reach Katra?
The main base camp for Vaishno Devi is Katra, which is well-connected by road, rail, and air. From Katra, pilgrims can trek about 12 kilometers to reach the temple or opt for helicopter services or palanquins carried by porters.
What are the helicopter charges and timing for Vaishno Devi?
One way charges are Rs,. 1730 from Katra to Sanjichhat and Rs. 3460 per person for both ways. For children below 2 years of age, there are no charges and they can travel in the lap of an adult. Helicopter services start at 08:30 AM, and it takes 08 minutes to reach Sanjichhat from Katra. The service remains active till approximately 07:00 PM with helicopters taking off about every 20 minutes or so from Katra as well as Sanjichhat.
Is the Vaishno Devi temple in Katra open throughout the year?
Yes, the Vaishno Devi temple remains open throughout the year for pilgrims. However, weather conditions, especially during winters with snowfall, may affect the trekking route and helicopter services.