Background

Vaishno Devi is a temple town that's home to the famous Vaishno Devi Mandir. Located in Trikuta hills, 13 kms from Katra (in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir); this renowned shrine allures millions of devotees from all over the world. Popularly known as Mata Rani, Vaishnavi and Trikuta, Vaishno Devi is a manifestation of the Hindu Goddess Durga. It is believed that during the pooja and aarti, Goddesses arrive at the Holy cave to pay their respect to Mata Rani. Devotees believe the goddess herself calls the devotees to reach here. Vaishno Devi is said to be Moonh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata (the mother who fulfils the wishes of her children). The darshan of Maa Vaishno Devi in the holy cave is in the form of three naturally formed rocks which are known as pindies. These pindies manifest the three forms of the goddess as Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati and Maha Lakshmi. More than one crore devotees visit the Vaishno Devi temple each year.

Katra

Katra is a small town in the foothills of Trikuta Mountains which is famous as the base camp for visiting the shrine of Vaishno Devi. Located in the Uddhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, the prime attraction of Katra is Vaishno Devi Temple. This is why it is also referred to as Katra Vaishno Devi. Growing as a tourist attraction, people now have access to helicopters and eco friendly vehicles. Katra is worth visiting, even if you are not on a pilgrimage, because attractions like the Banganga, the Chenab river, and a large amount of peaks around offer great places for mountain climbing and family outings.

Ardhkuwari Gufa

Before making the Vaishno Devi Bhavan her abode, Mata Vaishnodevi is believed to have meditated in the ArdhKuwari Gufa for 9 months before beheading the demon Bhairavnath. Located halfway to Vaishno Devi Temple, Ardh Kuwari acts as a stopover for the pilgrims on their journey up to the Bhavan. The 52ft long Ardhkuwari is also known as Garbajoon Cave, as the shape of the cave resembles a mother's womb. The devotees believe that when Mata Vaishno killed Bhairav his head fly off into the valley while his body remained in the Ardh Kuwari Cave. One has to crawl on the knees to reach the other side of the Ardhkuwari cave. Once on the other side, you can see a large shrine which is built dedicated to the three Goddesses - Maha Kali, Maha Laxmi and Maha Saraswati. The darshan route is semicircular so that you exit from a different opening at a small distance from the entry route.