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The Vaishno Devi shrine is found in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir. The small town of Katra is the only way to reach the temple. The city is located on a very high plateau and is located in the foothills of the Himalayas low in the Trikuta region.
Similarly, the case is about the temple of Vaishnavdevi, located about 40 miles [61 km] from Jammu, at an altitude of about 5,500 feet [5,200 m]. The precise location of the mountain site is 14 km from the city of Katra. In reaching this point, the experience is completely different.
The spectacular views of the valleys, the lush vegetation, the swaying sounds of bees and the chirping of birds, the echoes of devotees "Jai Mata ki", "Jai Mata Di", Jai Jai Maiya and so on, always the way and the water falling with its silver glow is not to be missed.
All of that is worth seeing and watching from a distance from the mad crowd, the endless sounds of modern technology and cars. To reach the top of the hill one has to go up any of the routes found there. Devotees from all over India and abroad come here to have the 'Darshan' of the Goddess in charge of the hills.
The Pilgrims of the previous day used to start their journey during the days of ‘Navaratri’ (a special night in September) and continue for three months in a row. During these three months in Katra, Vaishnavdevi and other temples hold many beautiful programs dedicated to the Goddess.
'Homos' and 'Yagnas' (traditions) are celebrated by devotees and pilgrims. There is an undeniable belief about sacred places or Teerthasthal that they provide much-needed help, peace, and happiness to the visitor who has come under the protection of the Virgin from the daily turmoil of life.
Before going to Darshan of Goddess one should bathe in various forms.
There are various baths designed for the same purpose. There is also a ‘Charanganga’ order from the sacred cave. People can use this water for bathing. After the guests sit down according to the serial number on the given slip and wait for their chance to have a Darshan of Goddess.
It should be noted that pilgrims are not allowed to carry any leather goods, cigarettes or any other alcoholic beverages while visiting the sanctuary.
At the entrance to the cave, there is a large stone lying called the body of Bhairav. There is a continuous flow of water from this cave. One will not be able to stand straight anywhere in the cave. In fact nobody can withstand the rigors of the shape of the cave, the sanctuary, and other objects in Vaishnavdevi.
The only one who has been given the grace of the Queen in her Darshan can understand this natural state. Here in the cave of the hills, the goddess Vaishnavdevi leads the god to his abode on earth by the Mahalakshmi, Mashasaraswati, and Mahakali species.
Some people say that of the three deities in existence, the most prominent person in the body is the goddess Vaishnavdevi. Speaking of the cave, space would be enough for 3-4 people. Sitting right here in the same place Pundit takes the offerings of the devotees to the Goddess and gives the devotees the 'Prasad'.
After taking Darshan people to have to go out despite the new exit, which was made a few years ago to make it easier for travelers through the Shrine Board. After leaving the temple the people worshiped the little girls and worshiped Puri and Halwah (prasad). After visiting the goddess Vaishnavdevi, the people begin their journey back to Katra with Darshan of Bhairavnath where their journey ends.
Interesting places around Katra:
Batote: 125 kms from Jammu Located at an altitude of 1560 meters on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the view is surrounded by forested slopes of Mount Patnitop, overlooking Gorge lies The area is a well-developed tourist destination with many trading areas and facilities.
Jhajjar Kotli: 35 Kms on the National Highway to Srinagar is the Jhajjar Kotli Tourist Complex, located on the banks of the Jhajjar River. The clear, clear waters of Jhajjar attract many picnics in the summer. The Tourist Cafetaria and the Small Tourist Bungalow are centers offered here by JKTDC.
Kud: 106 kms from Jammu, this famous site is located on the main road Jammu-Srinagar, at an altitude of 1738 meters. Ideal picnic area this area has a nice climate. Heavy winter is needed in winter while light/medium clothing is needed in summer. A well-developed hill station in Udhampur district and receives heavy rainfall during the rainy season.
Mantalaii: Located a few miles from Sudh Mahadev, Mantalaii is surrounded by lush forests, at an altitude of more than 2,000 feet [2000 m]. It is believed that King Shiva was married to the goddess Parvati here.
Patni High: 112 km from Jammu. This famous hill station is famous for its beautiful plain, at an altitude of 2024 meters at the crossroads of the Jammu-Srinagar highway. Covered by dense jungles, Patnitop offers magnificent picnic areas, peaceful walks, and spectacular views of the Chenab basin. In winter, the resort is often covered with dense snow, thus providing an opportunity for a variety of snow sports, including skiing.
It is a highly developed tourist destination and is second only to nature, climate, pine forests, and green cover. Slums and mud Bangalow are full of summer months.
There is a move by the Patnitop Development Authority to develop Patnitop, Kud, Sud-Mahadev, Mantalai districts. Reconstruction of Kud Road in Kud is also proposed. The route from Kud to Patnitop-Sanasar has already been completed.
The complete tourist region includes Jammu-Katra-VaishnoDeviji, Kud-Sanasar, Patnitop-Gourikund, Sudmahadev, Mantali, from Latti-Dhuna.
Sanasar: 119 kms. from Jammu and only 17 kms. from Patnitop, Sanasar is a cup-shaped cap surrounded by large conifers. A popular holiday destination, the pasture has been built as a golf course. It also offers para-gliding opportunities.
Shiv Khori: There are many important tourist and religious sites around Katra. Devotees come to darshans to the gods who can make their journey by visiting these places.
Especially during the chase when there is a lot of noise in Katra and Yatries they have to wait a while before they are allowed to continue in Bawan, they can spend their time visiting these places. The residence of the Holy Cave of Lord Shiva is located at a distance of 70 kms from Katra.
The cave is a real viewing area and is approximately 4 km high from the Shiv-lingam naturally built in the center of the Sanctum Sanctorum.
The cave is in the shape of Lord Shiva's Damroo eg wide on both sides while it is very dense in the center. The width of the cave is so low that one can crawl into it and if it is more than 100 meters wide and very high again.
There are many features that can be seen in the cave, but the best is the clear natural waters dripping from the top to the Shiv-Ling that symbolize the eternity of the sacred river Ganga.
The venue hosts a major exhibition in Shivratri. The Shiv-Khori Shrine is well connected with Katra / Jammu by road. Volunteers can visit the area by taxi/car. Few bus services from Katra are also available.
Father Dhansar: This temple of Lord Shiva is located at a distance of about 15 Kms. from Katra to Salal Dam. Here, a large spring rises from the rocks in a dense canopy and forms a few waterfalls before finally flowing into the Holy River that meets the Chenab River.
There is a naturally formed Shivling where water droplets fall every year. A large exhibition is held here during the Shivratri. With the yatris visiting the area, the Shrine Board made some improvements including the construction of Dharamshala.
