Vaishno Devi is one of India’s holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites. The cave shrine of Goddess Vaishno Devi, a manifestation of Goddess Parvati or Shakti, is located in Jammu’s Trikuta Hills and is considered to be the home of 33 Hindu gods. Vaishno Devi is a year-round pilgrimage that attracts more than 10 million travelers. The devotees perform various acts, such as going barefoot or climbing all the way up in bare feet, to seek the blessing of the Goddess Vaishno Devi.
Vaishno Devi is said to bestow strength upon the frail, sight upon the blind, wealth upon the needy, and the blessing of children upon childless couples. Given how educational and rewarding the yatra is, many people decide to go with their families. If you’re considering taking your family on a Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra, here is a thorough guide on Vaishno Devi Yatra: An unforgettable spiritual expedition to help you get the most out of your vacation. Additionally, you can also visit Online Temple to book the best online puja services.
What is the Best Time to Travel to Vaishno Devi Temple
Although the Vaishno Devi Yatra is offered throughout the year, the milder months of March to November are the finest for travel. Also, the best time to visit the temple is during the summer when the highest temperature stays at 30° Celsius and the minimum temperature is 15° Celsius. Since evenings and nights are cool even in the summer, it is advisable to bring light woolen at this time. Winters are chilly, and snow-covered peaks may be seen everywhere. During Navratri, which typically occurs in October, the trek is extremely crowded. So we suggest you book online Navratri Puja services through Online Temple instead.
How to Reach the Base Camp of the Temple
Jammu Airport, which has good connections to important Indian cities, is the closest airport to Vaishno Devi. You can take a taxi or a bus from Jammu to Katra, which serves as the primary camp for the Vaishno Devi Yatra. The distance between Jammu and Katra is about 50 kilometers, and it takes about two hours to travel there. You can take the train to Jammu Tawi Railway Station and then a bus or a taxi to Katra.
Katra serves as the pilgrimage’s base camp and is usually where the trek begins. Pilgrims of all ages go on a difficult but spiritually rewarding 14-kilometer trek to the temple. The walk offers chances for reflection and devotion and is embellished with spectacular natural beauty. Since many pilgrims view the arduous journey as a test of their faith and dedication, some even make the journey barefoot as a symbol of respect for the goddess.
Different Ways to Reach the Vaishnodevi Temple
The Trikuta Mountains are home to the Vaishnodevi Temple, which can be reached on foot, by helicopter, or by pony. The several modes of transportation are as follows:
By Foot:
The most common method of transportation to the Vaishnodevi shrine is on foot. The 14-kilometer journey starts and ends at Katra. Three sections of the trip make up the journey: Katra to Banganga, Banganga to Charan Paduka, Charan Paduka to Adhkawari, and Adhkawari to the Vaishnodevi shrine.
It takes 5 to 6 hours to finish the expedition, which includes traveling through tight spaces and climbing high steps. Pilgrims are advised to bring extra water, and snacks for the journey, as well as to wear comfortable shoes.
By Helicopter:
For those who cannot make the trek, helicopter services are available from Katra to Sanjichhat. A 10-minute helicopter journey into the mountains offers breathtaking panoramic views. From Sanjichhat, visitors can take a pony or walk to the Vaishnodevi temple.
Pony:
Pony rides are also available for individuals who are unable to complete the walk on foot. It also rides are available from Katra to the Vaishnodevi shrine and back. It’s important to keep in mind that the pony ride may be bumpy and painful, and pilgrims are advised to take the necessary safety precautions.
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Tourist Places to Visit During the Vaishnodevi Yatra
The Vaishnodevi Yatra is more than just a trip to the temple; it is an enjoyable experience that incorporates numerous areas of interest along the way. Here are a few locations to check out while on the Yatra:
Katra
The Vaishnodevi Yatra’s base camp is located at Katra. The town, which is a busy one, is where the journey to the Vaishnodevi temple begins. The town has many shops and restaurants that cater to pilgrims. There are also a number of temples and shrines there, most notably the Bhairo Baba temple.
Banganga
Banganga is the first halt of the Vaishnodevi yatra. The goddess is fabled to have stopped there to quench her thirst on her trip to the Trikuta Mountains. Before starting their journey, pilgrims immerse themselves in the town’s Banganga River’s holy waters.
Paduka Charan
The goddess is claimed to have left her footprints on a rock known as Charan Paduka. It is the second stop on the yatra and is located 3380 feet above sea level. Pilgrims pause at the goddess’ shrine to pray and rest before continuing on their journey.
Adhkawari
The goddess is said to have meditated for nine months in the little cave known as Adhkawari before becoming Vaishnodevi. The cave is the third stop on the Yatra and is about 4800 feet above sea level. The pilgrims must fit through a tiny passage on their bellies in order to enter the cave.
Sanjichhat
Sanjichhat is a rest area that is located 6200 feet above sea level. The final stop before reaching the Vaishnodevi shrine is the destination. Pilgrims can pause in Sanjichhat to see the stunning view of the surrounding mountains.
Bhairon Temple
The distance between the Vaishnodevi temple and the Bhairon temple is 2.5 kilometers. It is said that the Vaishnodevi yatra is incomplete without visiting the Bhairon shrine. Pilgrims offer prayers at the temple before departing on the yatra.
Therefore, the Vaishnodevi yatra is a pilgrimage that offers its participants a one-of-a-kind experience. The trek to the temple is a journey that involves both a physical as well as a spiritual journey of faith and dedication. Additionally, if you are looking to book online Hindu puja services, make sure to visit Online Temple, a one-stop destination for all your pujas and religious ceremonies requirements.
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