NorthJammu and KashmirVaishno Devi

Vaishno Devi

The holy cave shrine of Vaishno devi is situated in a beautiful racess of the Trikuta Mountains forming a part of the lower Himalayas as in the state of Jammu & Kashmir at an altitude of over 5000 feet. In the cave there are images of three dieties viz. the Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. The shrine can be visited throughout the year, but during the winter season the route is often blocked by snow-fall.

How to get there

Air Air:
Jammu (62 kms) is the nearest airport as well as the nearest railway station. 
Road

Road:
Jammu-Katra 48 kms (by road) and Katra-Vaishno Devi 14 kms (on foot). Route from Katra to Vaishno Devi: Katra - Ban Ganga (1.5 kms) Ban Ganga - Charan Paduka (1.5 kms) Charan Paduka - Adhkunwari (3 kms) Adhkunwari - Bhavan (8 kms) The 14 kms track from Katra to the shrine has been relaid and tiled. Railings have also been installed for protection. The 100 feet cave is very narrow with an average height of 5.5 feet only and has ankle deep water. The pilgrims are allowed in batches through the cave. A newly constructed exit makes the process of going out of the shrine easier. Buses leave for Katra from the General Bus Stand (Jammu), throughout the day. During peak season buses are also available from Jammu-Tawi railway station. Journey time 2 hours. Taxis are also available from Jammu. 

Places of Interest

  • Bhumika Temple
  • Darshani Darwaza
  • Ban Ganga Temple
  • Charan Paduka
  • Adhkunwari Temple
  • Kalika Temple
  • Ram Mandir
  • Shiva Goompha
Note: All pilgrims/tourists require a pass to enable them entre to the shrine. The pass is to be collected at Katra as it will be required at Ban Ganga and later at the shrine itself 

Festivals at Jammu

  • Lohri (January)
  • Baishakhi (April)
  • Bahu Mela (March-April and September-October)
  • Chaitre Chaudash (March-April)
  • Purmandal Mela (February-March. 39 km from Jammu)
  • Chaitre Chaudash (March-April. At Uttar Baihni, 25 km from Jammu)
  • Jhiri Mela (October-November. At Jhiri 14 kms from Jammu)

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