Yatra - Step by Step

Jammu City is the railhead of Shalimar Express, Sealdah Express, Jammu Mail, Jhelum Express, Himgiri, Gorakhpur Express, Madras Express, Himsagar Express, Jammu Super-fast, Saroydya Express, Happa Express, Navyug Express, lohit Express and Ferozpur Express. On this Railway Station taxis are presented for Katra, 48 K.M., a peak town of Mata Vaishno Devi or you may come to the common bus stand and get a bus prepared for Katra. Jammu City is also fine linked by Indian airlines from Delhi, Chandigarh and Amritsar with their normal service.


 On reaching Katra, Yatri is necessary to obtain a Yatra Parchi from the M. V. D. B. office at the bus stand before he starts his Yatra, on foot or on pony or in the Daandy which are readily accessible. Katra is a small town having all the services of good hotels; Yatri Nivas, Sarais or you may stay with the local people who extend required services for onward journey. It is superior if you use a Canvas Shoe for upward journey.

The Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is being manage by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board for which the Governor of Jammu & Kashmir State is the ex-officio Chairman under whom the Chief supervisory Officer and its office works at Katra itself. The entire 13 Kms. route from Katra to Bhawan as too the 3. 2 Kms. track of Bharion Ghati has been well laid with pacca tiles and railing fixed. There are 32 shelter-sheds to take shelter from sun or rain on the direction. Medical Units are functioning at Bal Ganga, Adhi Kanwari, and Sanji Chhat and at the Shrine. The entire direction is impressive with 700 Sodium vapor lamps that have made night trip very relaxing. There are over 60 water points all along the direction.

Good accommodation is accessible at the Bhawan, free in the Yatri Niwas and at Rs. 150/- per room (VIP rooms) and Rs. 200/- for a hut welt furnish with flush latrines and bathrooms. It is better to get these VIP rooms and huts booked by the office of the Shrine Board at Katra to avoid dissatisfaction at Bhawan. Good food and other eatables are simply accessible at Katra, Adhi Kanwari and at Bhawan and on the route on logical rates.

At the Bhawan, blankets are accessible free of charge, but beside a safety of Rs. 60/- for each blanket. line number for Darshan is selected at the Bhawan against the Yatra Parchi.

To allow the Yatris to pay out they’re waiting time in an easy manner well

Known religious TV serials such as, Ramayana and Adi Shankracharya are shown at the Yatri Niwas to the public.

Now, there are two outlet tunnels for the Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Shrine,

Second being finished on 28th July 1991. The intake capacity of the Cave Shrine has been improved from nearly 9000 to 15000 pilgrims per day. The pilgrims will now have Darshan if the sanctum sanctorum more opportunely and speedily.

You can enjoy natural good looks all approximately and after Darshan may stay at the Bhawan, Adhi Kanwari or Katra or have a journey to Salal Project or Patnitop and so many other tourist spots near which depends on your time timetable. It is always superior to schedule your tour Yatra fine in advance. Nature has bestowed sufficient wealth of tourist interest in and around the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.

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Mata Vaishno Bhawan

The cave shrine of Mata Vasihnodeviji or Trikuta Bhagwati (alt: 5,200 ft.) has been a beacon of faith and fulfilment to millions of devotees from all over the world. The pilgrimage to the Shrine holds great significance for the pilgrims.

Katra Town, lying in the foot of Trikuta Mountains, 48 kms. from Jammu, serves as the base camp for visiting the famous shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, which is approachable on foot along a 13 kms long well laid footpath. Every year, more than 4.5 million pilgrims pass through Katra on their way to the holy shrine.

The Legend of Mata Vaishnodeviji - Everyday of the year throngs of people surge up the steep pathways that cut across the Trikuta hillsides for mile after mile. This show of faith is finely interwoven with the cultural strands of the Indian subcontinent, and these pathways have been trod on for many centuries now. Popular belief holds that anybody who walks the Himalayan trail to the goddesses's abode to ask for a boon rarely goes back disappointed. Whatever be it, a new enterprise or a forthcoming examination, marriage or birth, the devout look up to the Mata For blessings and guidance. There are many who journey year after year to pay obeisance regardless of their faith or belief, creed or class, caste or religion.

The Yatra to the holy shrine is as fascinating as the legend associated with it. It goes that thousands of years ago, a comely maiden called "Vaishnavi" have been created by the three lords attained human form and was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Having taken a vow of celibacy, she spent almost all her life in meditation and prayers. In time she attained enormous spiritual powers and is believed to have extracted an assurance from Lord Rama that he will marry her in Kali-Yug if she persisted in her spiritual quest.

This is why she is also known as Adh Kanwari or the "eternal virgin".

Mata Vaishno Devi established an ashram in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountain and began to meditate. As predicted by Lord Rama, her glory started spreading and people began to flock to her ashram to seek her blessings. As time passed, a Tantrik called Gorakh Nath (Demo God), who had a vision of the episode between Lord Rama and Mata Vaishno Devi, became curious and wanted to know more about her. Accordingly, he sent his most able disciple `Bhairon Nath' to find out. Bhairon Nath started observing her secretly and realized that despite being a `Sadhvi', she always carried a bow and arrows and was always surrounded by langoor (apes) and a ferocious looking lion. Bhairon, the demon God took a fancy to her. But the Mata spurned his advances and fled to the Himalayas to continue her spiritual quest.

On the way the goddess felt thirsty at Banganga and shot an arrow into the earth from where water gushed out. Charan Paduka, which is marked by the imprints of her feet, is the place where she rested.

The Goddess then meditated in the cave at Adh Kanwari. It took Bhairon nine months to locate her, which is why the cave is known as Garbh Joon.

When the demon found her, Mata Vaishno Devi blasted an opening at the other end of the cave with her trident and fled to the Holy cave at Darbar (temple).

However, Bhairon was persistent and followed her there to harass her. Then goddess became very angry and assuming the form of Mata Kali, beheaded Bhairon outside the cave with the aid of the flying disc gifted to her by Lord Krishna

The severed head of Bhairon fell at a distant hilltop. In his dying moments, Bhairon begged and received divine forgiveness from the goddess. Today, it is believed that the Yatra is not complete unless the pilgrim has been to Bhairon ka Mandir (2.6 km from the main sanctum) as well, after the darshan of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi.

The goddess herself took up permanent abode in a cave in the Trikuta Mountains by metamorphosing herself in to three pindis (Rock). This holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is unique as it contains the holiest of holy Pindis manifesting the Mata in her three forms - Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati - each form representing a particular attribute. Maha Kali represents Tamas Guna, Tamas meaning darkness. In her manifestation of Kali the omnipotent, absolute and all pervasive, she is said to be beyond fear and finite existence and is therefore able to protect her devotees against fear and to give them limitless peace. Maha Lakshmi represents Rajas Guna, Rajas meaning prosperity. In this manifestation, the goddess blesses her devotees with wealth and prosperity for living a better life. Maha Saraswati represents Sattav Guna, Sattav meaning wisdom and knowledge. This manifestation enables her devotees to distinguish between good and bad and helps them to adopt the right path in life. The combination of these three attributes in a single Shakti is a unique combination, which is what makes it, revered all over the world.

What to remember

Obtain a yatra slip only from the yatra registration counter at the Tourist Reception Centre at the Katra bus stand and nowhere else. Without an authentic yatra slip, crossing of the Ban Ganga check post is not permitted.

Take official receipts for all payments made to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVSB) as well as those made to private vendors. Demand to see official rate lists when making payments.

utilize only the contribution boxes provided by the SMVSB. In case of contributions at the contribution counters of the board at Katra (central office), Adhkawari, Sanji Chhat and various points at the Bhawan and obtain a formal receipt for the same.

Contributions to the shrine are excused from income tax under the Income Tax Act. Do contact the central office of the Shrine Board located at Katra, or the Sub Divisional Magistrate or Tehsildar in Room No. 8, Kalika Bhawan, Durbar, or write to the Chief executive Officer, SMVSB for any suggestion/complaint.

Avoid over straining yourself on the climb. Walk on the paved track, instead of the stairs. Do not relax at points where warning notices are displayed. Do not break traffic discipline or try to overtake others at hard stretch.

To maintain the sanctity of the place do not indulge in playing cards, smoking or chewing betel (paan) at Bhawan or enroute. Do not paint, stick posters or disfigure signboards, and also avoid littering the area.

Fellow pilgrims are bound to you by their faith in the Mata. Avoid playing transistors or tape recorders too loudly or creating blockage or hindrances in the passages meant for circulation of the yatris.

Capable health middle is accessible at the Primary Health Centre, Katra and at the dispensaries at Adhkawari and Bhawan, round the clock. They are also accessible at the evening clinic at Katra bus stand; open 2 p.m to 8 p.m. Medical Aid Centres run by the SMVSB provide necessary assistance to the pilgrims at the Katra bus stand, Banganga and Sanji Chhat.

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Jai mata di

Katra placed at an altitude of over 2,800 feet and ensconced in a mountain set-up has scenic good looks, natural water and salubrious moderate climate. It is a good summer alternative.

The atmospheres abound in a good number of sacred sites, other than the Vaishno Devi Cave, and charming normal spots. Pilgrims can simply join their visit to the holy cave with sojourns at other beautiful sites and add to their bliss.

Here are some of these sacred and scenic spots.

PINDIAN: A few miles away from Katra is, Pindian at the foot of the Trikutta range. This spot is also dedicated to Vaishno Devi and in substance is second only to the holy cave since here also are the lithic symbols of the trinity of the goddesses representative Vaishno Devi. However, not having been so well known to the pilgrims, few people go there. Now it is very near from the vehicular road linking Katra with Tikri and the approach has become easy.

SHANKARACHARYA HILL: It is an really fascinating mount characteristic, at the end of the town itself, and very good-looking for short-distance trekking and

Picnics. Chamba and Garhi Kalka are two other spots worth visit very near Katra.

DEVA MAI TEMPLE: It is about three miles short of Katra town a little in the interior from the main road. Many devotees treat it as a extremely holy site and go there to achieve paeans. The temple is placed on the old footpath to Katra and Vaishno Devi.

AGAR BAWA JITO: It is a sacred site dedicated to Bawa Jito (described earlier) about 8 Kms. onward from Katra on the way to Reasi and at the foot of the Trikutta range.

There is a small shrine with carved murtis of Bawa Jito, where devotees offer prayers. Bawa Jito was born here and it is here that he started confrontation with the repressive landlords who, however, affected him to travel to Kahnachack where his samadhi is now placed.

From this place also a bridle passageway leads to the holy cave. It is somewhat longer but easier.

DERA BABA BANDA: About 27 Kms from Katra is the well-known shrine of the well-known saint-warrior Banda Vir Bhairagi who has earned immortal fame in the Indian chronicles. He gave a heroic fight to the later Mughal kings as the right arm of Guru Govind Singh. His life has aroused great controversy but none can deny his intrepidity in the battlefield. In his last days he retires to this sequester hamlet alongside river Chenab.

Now an impressive Gurdwara stands over his samadhi elaborately decorated with mural paintings, some of which show his life. Large numbers of persons, particularly those coming for Vaishno Devi Yatra also visit this shrine and pay homage there. Vir Bhairagi had earned high name both in the religious and battlefields.

An early incident in his life made him hate the worldly existence and he became a sadhu wandering in various part of the country. Guru Govind Singh went to the South especially in look for for him. By the inspiring influence of the Guru, Bhairagi agreed to martial life and head the Sikh army alongside the Mughals. later than the death of the Guru, dissension’s rent the Sikh unity and heart-broken Banda Bhairagi returned to his spiritual life choosing this beautiful spot in the lap of virgin nature as his final resort.

About 20 Kms from Katra a link road leads to Dera Baba Banda Sahib where along with the elegant Gurdwara stand some just the once building for the stay of the pilgrims. Bhairagi’s descendants look after the management of the shrine.

REASI: A town 28 Kms. From Katra is known for chief historical associations.

The fort-cum-palace of General Zorawar Singh who had worsted Chinese designs of conquering Ladakh and Kashmir in the thirties of the final century and gave them a hot chase into their own territory, stands impressively on a spur beside river Chenab near Reasi. Though Zorawar Singh sacrificed his own life in these death-defying, campaigns, his endeavors forced the Chinese for the first time to delineate boundaries with India. Another big fort at Reasi is that of Bhimgarh.

Excellent old wall paintings in yet another palatial building at Reasi add to the attractions of this town.

SHIV KHORI CAVE: One can also visit the wonder cave of Shiv Khori i.e. the abode of Lord Shiva, about 25 Kms from Reasi by a vehicular road.

The cave is about three furlongs lengthy and very difficult to negotiate. At the end there is a hard work 'hall' wherein a natural tapering Shiv-lingam is the destination of the devotees. It is about four feet high and water from the cave ceiling continue dripping on it. The ceiling also has some representative formation which devotee’s worship.

 

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THE DIVINE GIRL

www.vaishno-infoblogspot.in

According to a fashionable description about the begin of the pilgrimage to the holy cave, it is said that a extremely pious Brahmin of Katra, Sri Dhar by name, once held a yagya in which one unidentified schoolgirl of divine good looks be also see. On being asked who she was and where she came from, she blessed the pious Brahmin and asked him to trail her. He had no choice under the impact of her divine powers. She led him to the holy cave and ordaining him to visit the cave frequently she departed within. That started the pilgrimage to the holy cave of Shri Vaishno Devi. But when did this event take place? Again one draws blank in that regard because except repeating the well-known version of the above account, none can say as to when did it happen. The story is present among the people who claim to be the descendants of Sri Dhar and pew-fellows who were all shares in the offerings made at the shrine. The practice had been stopped now with the establishment of the statutory Shrine Board that manages the shrine entirely.

The site where the divinity gave Darshan to Sri Dhar is known as " Dharshani Darwaza " or may be it is so known because it is the first spot. From where the magnificent view of the whole range of the Trikutta mountain along with the gushing Bal Ganga streamlet at its feet, lays itself bare in all its over-whelming majesty stunning the devotees.

Possibly the oldest suggestion to the appointment of a high dignitary to the holy cave is that of Guru Gobind Singh who is said to have gone there via Purmandal. The old foot track to the holy cave passed through this well-known tirtha, about 40 Kms. from Jammu City.

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THE HOLY CAVE

 From Bhairav Ghati, one starts on a down path and later than trek for about 3 Kms one reach the end, the Holy Cave of Shri Vaishno Devi.

The cave site has been a lot developed in current years to provide accommodation and one-time services to the pilgrims. The rush, however, is growing each year so fast that improvement are always compulsory here.

The atmosphere here is one of total mystic calm. Mostly the sounds heard are those of " Jaikaras " or group songs in praise of the Devi, locally called " Bhaintan ". Most people carry on stirring all night doing kirtan.

In face of the cave there is a platform on which about 200 people can be accommodated at a time. But not more than a dozen persons can enter the cave in one grouping and have the darshan of the goddess. The relax carry on lyrics on the stage external and enter the narrow cave by turns.

Before entering the cave devotees have purificatory bath with the water coming out of the cave and trained into pipes, which open in bathing ghat nearby.

The mouth of the cave is so narrow that only one person can pass through it at a time and that also, by crouching and crawling,

within also it is too narrow for any person of usual size to walk erect or exclusive of brushing the sides. On one side the rock is sloping and if two persons happen to meet while coming from opposite sides, one must go up the sloping side to let the other pass. Just near the top of the sloping side there are some mini rock formations which pilgrims worship as holy symbols.

Knee-deep cool water gushes out of the cave. After wading through this water for about 100 feet, one has to go up three steps to reach a very small stage on which are the three small " Pindis " or rock protuberances. Consecrated as Maha Lakshmi, Maha Kali and Maha Sarswati or collectively known as Vaishno Devi, the Yog-Maya of Vishnu, the Mother of mountain. By fathoming whose mystery even asuras become saints.

Uttering doxologies and paeans at this sacred spot, making contributions and supplicating the goddess for peace and affluence in life, the pilgrims return in ecstasy forgetting all the agony they had to undergo negotiating the tiresome foot track. Sometimes some devotees get so rapturous as to begin lyrics and dance and noise "Jaikaras" as if possessed.

Every evening and morning the entry of the pilgrims in the cave is closed for a few hours for " Arti " or presentation of worship by the pujaris. for the duration of this

Time the rocks constituting the platform and the ceiling are thoroughly washed with water coming out from beneath the platform. This has a very salutary effect in removing the air pollution from inside the cave caused by constant visit of the worshippers and burning of essences. This phenomenon was sometimes so accentuated that even the " Jyoti " or the holy flame could not be lighted inside. Things had much improved in this behalf with the construction of second tunnel for several years past.

Many other improvements have, however, been made in the surroundings of the cave in the recent years to make pilgrims comfy viz. accommodation has been considerably increased, number of shops added, sanitation improved and bathing appointments extended. Even telephone and wireless have also be install there and medical and police appointments made.

It is believed by many that the cave in fact does not end at the revered platform but goes deeper into the mountain. Some believe it going even to Kashmir. There is none, however, who has gone beyond the sacred " Pindis " and all these accounts appear imaginative tales.

There are a few tough climbers who also visiting the holy cave, have gone superior on the Trikutta peaks and agreed some very shocking tales about the spot and the trek to it. But all tell of the never-to-be-forgotten effulgent Aurora.

  

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