Spiritual Guide: Things to Know Before Visiting Vaishno Devi

Located in the Trikuta Mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, Mata Vaishno Devi is one of the most revered Hindu shrines in India. Every year, millions of devotees make the arduous journey to the holy cave temple, where they seek the blessings of the Mother Goddess, who is believed to grant the wishes of her devotees. If you are planning to visit Vaishno Devi, here are some things you should know before you embark on this spiritual journey.Also read: Ayodhya to Vaishno Devi all you need to know about Indian Railways' 'Uttar Bharat Darshan' tour.Register For The YatraBefore you begin your pilgrimage you must complete a vital step: registering for the Yatra at the dedicated counter in Katra. The registration process is complimentary and provides you with a Yatra Slip. This slip is your key to navigating the checkpoints along the way. The Yatra slip is valid for 6 hours from the time of issue so make sure to reach the first milestone, Ban Ganga, within this period. For added convenience, you can also secure your Yatra Slip digitally through the official website of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.What To Expect On The WayThe distance from Katra to the temple is about 12 km, which can take anywhere from 4 to 8 hours, depending on your pace and stamina. The path is well-maintained, offering amenities such as drinking water, restrooms, medical services, food stalls, and resting areas. You will take in the expansive views of the mountains and the valleys along the way. The route has two options: one is a gradual slope and the other is a steep staircase. You can choose the one that suits you best. The main attractions on the way are:Ban Ganga: This is the first checkpoint, where you can take a holy dip in the river that is said to have originated from the arrow of Mata Vaishno Devi.Charan Paduka: This is the place where you can see the footprints of the Goddess on a rock.Ardh Kuwari: Marking the halfway point, this location features a cave where the Goddess is said to have meditated for nine months. Overnight accommodation is available here through the Shrine Board.Sanjichhat: This is the second checkpoint, where you can take a helicopter ride to the temple if you wish. You can also get a panoramic view of the valley from here.How To Get The DarshanThe temple is located inside a natural cave, where you can see three rock formations, known as the Holy Pindies, that represent the three forms of the Goddess: Kali, Lakshmi and Saraswati. You need to enter the cave through a narrow opening and crawl through a tunnel to reach the sanctum sanctorum. The cave is dimly lit and has a low ceiling, so mind your head. You can offer your prayers and offerings to the Goddess and receive the Prasad. You can also tie a red cloth or a thread on the iron grill outside the cave as a symbol of your wish.Things To Do After The DarshanAfter you have completed your Darshan, you can visit the Bhawan, which is a complex of temples, halls, shops and other facilities. Another significant site nearby is the Bhairon Temple, situated about 3 km from the main temple. Visiting this temple is considered an essential part of the pilgrimage, as it's dedicated to the guardian deity of the Goddess. For an adventurous twist, you can also take a ropeway ride from the Bhawan to the Bhairon Temple, which is a thrilling experience. For your return journey to Katra, you have the option to either retrace your original path and collect your belongings along the way or choose an alternate route, allowing for different perspectives of the scenic beauty along the way.Things To Keep In MindVisiting Vaishno Devi is a spiritual and rewarding experience, but it also requires some preparation and precautions. Here are some tips to make your trip smooth and safe: Plan your trip well in advance and book your tickets, accommodation and other services online through the official website of the Shrine Board. Carry a valid ID proof, your Yatra Slip and your booking confirmation with you at all times. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes and carry a light backpack with essentials like water, snacks, medicines, a torch, insect repellant, and sunblock.Avoid travelling during peak seasons like Navratri, New Year and summer vacations, as the temple gets very crowded and the waiting time can be long. Respect the rules and regulations of the Shrine Board and the local authorities and do not litter, smoke, drink or eat non-vegetarian food on the way.Be prepared for the weather changes and carry warm clothes, raincoats, and umbrellas as per the season. Seek medical help if you feel unwell or have any health issues on the way. Have faith and devotion in the Goddess and enjoy the divine blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi.Getting ThereThe base camp for the pilgrimage is Katra, a small town about 50 km from Jammu. You can reach Katra by road, rail or air. The nearest airport is Jammu Airport, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to Katra. The nearest railway station is Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station, which is also connected to various parts of the country. From Katra, you can either walk up, hire a pony, a palanquin or a helicopter to reach the temple.