Travelogue

Holy Shrine of Mother Vaishnoi Deviji – Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswathy in one form.

Enroute Vaishnoi Devi Temple

View of Vaishnoi Devi Temple in Trikuta Parbhat

The temple of Mother Vaishnoi Deviji is situated around 14 KM away in a mountain known as Trikuta near the town of Katra, in the district of Reasi in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The shrine is at an altitude of 5200 feet above sea level. Approximately 8 million pilgrims visit the temple every year. Shri Mata Vaishnoi Devi Shrine Board maintains the shrine. The nearest airport and Railway station is at Jammu. For visiting the Holy Shrine of Mata Vaishnoi Deviji, one has to reach Katra; a small town situated around 50 KM from Jammu, the winter capital of the state of Jammu & Kashmir. Katra serves as the base camp for the pilgrims. Katra is well connected to Jammu by road and Jammu, in turn, is well connected to the rest of the country by Air, Rail, and Road.

View of Trikuta Parbhat

History

There are no proofs available to ascertain when exactly the pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine has started. A geological study of the Holy Cave has indicated its age to be nearly a million years. The mountain Trikuta does find its mention in Rig-Veda, the oldest of the four Vedas The practice of worshipping Shakti, largely started in the Puranic period. It is generally believed that the Pandavas were the first to build the temples at Kol Kandoli and Bhawan in reverence and gratitude for the Mother Goddess. On a mountain, just adjacent to the Trikuta Mountain and overlooking the Holy Cave are five stone structures, which are believed to be the rock symbols of the five Pandavas.

Enroute Vaishnoi Devi Temple

The oldest reference of the visit of a historical figure 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 pilgrimage centre.

Some traditions believe this Shrine is to be the holiest of all Shaktipeeths (a place where the Mother Goddess, the Eternal Energy has her abode). In the Holy Cave of Shri Mata Vaishnoi Deviji, one does find stone remains of a human hand, popularly known as Varad Hast (the hand that grants boons and blessings).

Bus Stand Katra

While various versions of the origin and legend of Shri Mata Vaishnoi Deviji are prevalent, there seems to be a unanimity regarding the discovery of Shrine around 700 years back by Pundit Sridhar who was an ardent devotee of Mata Vaishnoi Deviji and he lived in the village of Hansali situated at the foot of Trikuta Mountain, adjacent to modern day Katra Town at whose place Mata had helped him to organize a Bhandaara (feast). When she left amidst the Bhandaara to escape Bhairon Nath, Pundit Sridhar is said to have felt as if he had lost everything in his life. He felt immense grief and gave up the intake of food or even water and closed himself in a room of his house, fervently praying to Vaishnoi Deviji to reappear.

Pilgrims Enroute Vaishnoi Devi Temple

It is then that Mata Vaishnoi Deviji appeared in his dream and told him that she is performing penance in the Holy Cave situated amidst the folds of the Trikuta Mountain. She showed him the way to the Holy Cave and insisted him to break his fast. Pundit Sridhar then went on to discover the Holy Cave in the mountains. Every time he seemed to lose the way, the vision of his dreams reappeared before his eyes and finally he reached the destination. Upon entering the Cave he found a rock form with three heads atop it. Mata Vaishnoi Devi appeared before him in all her glory and blessed him and introduced him to the three heads (now known as the Holy Pindies) of the rock form along with various other identification marks in the Holy Cave. Pundit Sridhar then spent his remaining life in the service of Mata Vaishnoi Deviji at the Holy Cave.

Maa Vaishnoi Devi Pandal at Bus Stand Katra

Legend

There are different legends said regarding Mother Vaishnoi Deviji.

1. As per one legend, during the period when the Goddess was busy in annihilating the Asuras, Her three main manifestations viz. Mata Maha Kali, Mata Maha Lakshmi and Mata Maha Saraswathy got together one day and pooled their collective Tejas or spiritual strength. A stunningly bright light emanated from the place where the Tejas of the three manifestations coalesced and a beautiful young girl emerged out of this Tejas. The young girl asked them, why she is being created? The Devis explained to her that they had created her so that she would live on earth and spend her time in upholding righteousness. The Devis said her to go and take birth in the house of Ratankar and his wife who resides in the southern part of Bharath, and who are great devotees of ours. Live on earth, uphold righteousness and evolve yourself spiritually so that you reach higher levels of consciousness. Once you have attained the appropriate level of consciousness you will merge into Vishnu and become one with him. Saying so they blessed the girl.

Lord Shiva's Temple at Katra

Sometimes later a very beautiful girl child was born to Ratankar and his wife. The couple named the child Vaishnavi. The girl right from her childhood displayed a hunger for knowledge which was like a vortex, which no amount of teaching and learning could sufficiently satiate. Vaishnavi relinquished all household comforts and went deep into the forest for meditation. Meanwhile, Lord Rama, during his fourteen years of exile happened to visit Vaishnavi who recognized him immediately as no ordinary being but the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and immediately asked him to merge her into himself so that she could become one with the supreme creator.

View of Vaishnoi Devi Temple from Bhaironghat

However Lord Rama, knowing that it was not the appropriate time, dissuaded her by saying that he would visit her again after the end of his exile, and at that time if she succeeded in recognizing him, he would fulfill her wish. Rama visited her again after being victorious in the battle, but this time he did so in the disguise of an old man. Unfortunately Vaishnavi was unable to recognize him and was distraught. Upon this, Lord Rama consoled her that the appropriate time for her being one with the creator had not come, and that time would come eventually in 'Kaliyug' when He would be in his incarnation of 'Kalki'. Rama also directed her to meditate, and set up an Ashram at the base of Trikuta hills, to elevate her level of spirituality so as to bless mankind and rid the poor and destitute of their sufferings. Only then would 'Vishnu' merge her into himself. Vaishnavi, immediately set off for the northern part and after immense hardships, reached the foot of the Trikuta Hills. After reaching there she set up her ashram there and began to meditate.

Enroute Vaishnoi Devi Temple

As predicted by Lord Rama, her glory spread far and wide, and people began to flock to her Ashram to seek her blessings. As time passed, a priest named Gorakh Nath who had a vision of the episode between Lord Rama and Vaishnavi in the retrospective time frame became curious to find out whether Vaishnavi has been able to attain the high level of spirituality. He, therefore, sent his most trusted disciple Bhairon Nath to find out the truth. Bhairon Nath on locating the ashram started observing Vaishnavi secretly, and realized that though a 'Sadhvi' she always carried bow and arrows with her, and was always surrounded by langoors (apes) and a ferocious looking lion. Bhairon Nath was enamored by Vaishnavi's extraordinary beauty, and losing all good sense, he began to pester Vaishnavi to marry him. Meanwhile a staunch devotee of Vaiashnavi, Sridhar organized a Bhandaara (Community meal) in which the whole village and Guru Gorakh Nath along with all his followers including Bhairon were invited. During the course of Bhandaara Bhairon Nath attempted to grab Vaishnavi but she tried her best to daunt him. On failing to do so, Vaishnavi decided to flee away into the mountains to continue her meditation undisturbed. Bhairon Nath however chased her to her destination.

Enroute Vaishnoi Devi Temple

The goddess after halting at Baanganga, Charan Paduka, and Adhkuwari, finally reached the holy cave Shrine. When Bhairon Nath continued to follow her despite the goddess trying to avoid a confrontation, the goddess was compelled to kill him. Bhairon Nath met his ultimate fate when the goddess, just outside the mouth of the cave, beheaded him. The severed head of Bhairon fell with a force at a distant hilltop. Bhairon Nath upon death realized the futility of his mission and prayed to the deity to forgive him. Mata Vaishnoi Deviji had mercy on Bhairon and gave him a boon that every devotee of the goddess must have the Darshan of Bhairon after having the Darshan of herself and then only would the pilgrimage of a devotee be complete. Meanwhile, Vaishnavi decided to shed off her human form and assuming the face of a rock she immersed her self into meditation forever. Thus Vaishnavi, in the form of a five and a half feet tall rock with three heads or the Pindies on the top, is the ultimate destination of a devotee. These Pindies constitute the Sanctum Sanctorum of the holy cave known as the shrine of Shri Mata Vaishnoi Deviji, which is revered by one and all.

Enroute Vaishnoi Devi Temple

2. Another most popular and well known legend is that of a Brahmin named Sridhar. He was a staunch devotee of Shakti. Once he undertook the organizing of a grand Bhandaara. An auspicious date for the Bhandaara was selected and he invited all the people living in nearby villages to the Bhandaara. Thereafter, he went from door to door requesting his neighbors and acquaintances to give him raw provisions which can be cooked and served to the guests on the day of Bhandaara. Though a few of them obliged, many turned down his request. This in fact taunted him for having the audacity to hold a Bhandaara without having the wherewithal for organizing. As the day of Bhandaara drew nearer, Sridhar’s worries about feeding the guests invited for Bhandaara also increased.

Enroute Vaishnoi Devi Temple

On the night of the preceding the day of Bhandaara, he could not sleep. He had spent the entire night grappling with the problem of how to feed his guests with the limited provisions and to accommodate them in the inadequate space that he had. When he was unable to come up with a satisfactory solution to his problems till morning, he resigned himself to fate and got up to face the day. He sat down for puja outside his hut. By midday, his guests started arriving. Finding him deeply involved in puja, they began to make themselves comfortable wherever they could find place. Strangely enough, a very large number of guests were able to comfortably have their space inside Sridhar's small hut and still a lot of space was unutilized. When the puja was over, Sridhar looked around and saw huge number of guests who had arrived. While he was wondering how to tell his guests that he would not be able feed them, he saw Vaishnoi coming out of his hut. With the grace of Goddess Vaishnoi, all guests were offered food of their own choice and the Bhandaara turned out to be very successful despite some problems raised by Bhairon, a disciple of Guru Gorakhnath who too was invited in the Bhandaara.

Enroute Vaishnoi Devi Temple

After the Bhandaara, Sridhar was curious to know about the mystery happened with the blessings of Mother Vaishnoi Deviji. For that he called out to Mother Vaishnoi Deviji but she was not seen anywhere. A feeling of emptiness engulfed him. Mata Vaishnoi appeared in his dream and told him that she is performing penance in the Holy Cave situated amidst the folds of the Trikuta Mountain and she showed him the way to the Holy Cave and insisted him to break his fast. He then went on to discover the Holy Cave in the mountains. Every time he seemed to lose the way, the vision of his dreams reappeared before his eyes and finally he reached the destination. Upon entering the Cave he found a rock form with three heads atop it. At that moment Mata Vaishnoi Devi appeared before him in all her glory and blessed him and introduced him to the three heads (now known as the Holy Pindies) of the rock form along with various other identification marks in the Holy Cave. Pundit Sridhar then spent his remaining life in the service of Mata at the Holy Cave

Inhabitants of Trikuta Parbhat

Pilgrimage to Holy shrine of mother Vaishnoi Deviji

Starting Point to Vaishnoi Devi Temple

It is said that usually people used to plan for pilgrimage and decides which temple of which God he has to visit and pray and seek blessings. But regarding Mother Vaishnoi Deviji it is the other way round. Mother Vaishnoi Deviji will call the persons who are to be blessed by her and only after receiving the call from mother Vaishnoi Deviji one can go to the shrine. The journey to the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishnoi Deviji starts with the Call of Mata. It is not only a belief but also a strong experience of one and all, that the Divine Mother sends a call to her children. And once a person receives it, wherever he is, is bound to visit the Mother to receive her unbounded love and blessings. A popular slogan in the local folklore beautifully expresses it - Maan Aap Bulandi - which means that The Mother Herself Calls! It is also a matter of experience by almost all those who visit the Holy Shrine that upon the Call of Mata, a person needs to just take one step and leave the rest to her and his journey gets completed with her divine blessings. Simultaneously, it is also believed that unless there is a call from mother Vaishnoi Deviji no one can visit the Shrine or have her blessings, whomsoever high or mighty one may be. Darshan is open round the clock throughout the year.

Plan your Pilgrimage

Yatri Reservation Centre at Bus Stand Katra

For starting the pilgrimage the devotee has to reach Katra, which is known as the base camp. The most important activity that a pilgrim has to undertake on reaching Katra is getting registered for the pilgrimage. Pilgrimage Registration is carried out at the Yatri Registrations centre (YRC) near the Bus Stand of Katra. All pilgrims without exception are required to register themselves before undertaking the pilgrimage. The task of registration is done by Shri Mata Vaishnoi Devi Shrine Board. No other organization, private or public is authorized to issue the Yatra slip. The registration process is entirely free and is fully computerized. This process is carried out at the Yatra Registration Counter, popularly known as (YRC), situated at Bus stand, Katra. Under this, a visitor has to register his name and he is issued a computerized Slip (Yatra slip / Parchi) which is the documentary permission for him to proceed on his journey to the main Shrine. He is required to cross the first Check Post located at Baanganga (around 1.5 kilometers from the YRC) within 6 hours of the issue of the slip, failing which his slip is confiscated at the Check Post and he is required to take a fresh slip altogether. Please note that pilgrims who proceed without this slip / Parchi shall be turned back from Baanganga check post and will not be allowed to proceed further.

Horses to carry Pilgrims

Since the carrying capacity of the Holy Trikuta Mountain is limited, the maximum numbers of pilgrims who can have Darshan in a single day are about 23,000-24,000. However, during the peak rush periods, the number of pilgrims arrivals are far in excess of this number. In such a situation, the pilgrims are asked to wait at Katra itself. This phenomenon is called Waiting and no Yatra slips are issued during waiting. Instead red / pink waiting slips are issued. These have to be validated at the YRC, the following morning or whenever “Waiting” is called off. Then the waiting slips are taken back and the original Yatra slips are issued following which pilgrims can begin the Holy journey. Hence pilgrims are advised to check out the Yatra status from the official website of Vaishnoi Devi Shrine board before embarking on the pilgrimage.

Disabled Pilgrim with a determination to see Maa Vaishnoi Deviji

Registration at YRC is important because of the following reasons:-

All Devotees, once they get registered at the YRC for their trek are automatically and compulsorily insured against any accidental causality (a rare possibility) on their way to the Holy Shrine. This is a free insurance to all those who undertake this holy pilgrimage. The amount of insurance is Rs.1, 00,000/- for majors and Rs 25,000/- for minors and is valid only in case of accidental deaths.

Shops Enroute Vaishnoi Devi Temple

Shops Enroute Vaishnoi Devi Temple

Unlike other major pilgrim spots, Shri Mata Vaishnoi Devi Shrine is located deep in the mountains. Holy Mountain has its own limitations and saturation levels as regards its capacity to hold and sustain large crowds.

Since the Holy Pindies are situated in a narrow cave, group visits for Darshan is not possible. The system of Darshan is thus through a continuously moving queue, round the clock. Thus only a limited number of pilgrims can have Darshan everyday.

Thus, because of all the above reasons, the number of pilgrims on the track and at the main Shrine Complex needs to be regulated. This regulation helps to avoid overcrowding and accidents and also ensures that all of them get basic facilities like food and water.

Remember

A pilgrim can proceed his journey towards Bhawan – the holy shrine of Mata Vaishnoi Deviji by walk or one can engage ponies or palquin. The pilgrim has to make sure that the ponies or palquins hired are having registrations with the Mata Vaishnoi Deviji Shrine Board. Helicopter service is also available from Katra to Sanjichhat. There is no need for carrying the luggage of the pilgrims along with them. Almost all the Hotels at Katra provide free locker facilities to keep their luggage. Also the shrine board provides blankets to the pilgrims who are interested in staying at Bhawan. The blankets are issued free of cost but one has to deposit an amount of Rs 100/- per blanket and the same will be refunded when they return the blanket.

Starting the Pilgrimage

The pilgrimage starts from the base of the Trikuta Mountain and this entry point is known as Darshani Deodhi (meaning entrance) or Darshani Darwaza (meaning gate). Legend says that Mata Vaishnoi Devi met Pundit Sridhar at this spot in the form of a girl child. This is also known as Darshani Darwaza because from here one gets a complete view of the Trikuta Mountain. The term Darshan stands for view; hence symbolically this is the first Darshan of the Yatra. This spot is at 2800 feet above sea level. After proceeding further the pilgrim will reach a point where Tea and Poori is distributed freely by the Gulshan Kumar trust of T series.

When the pilgrim proceeds the Yatra, he will reach the check post where his Yatra slip is validated. Pilgrims without Yatra slip are not allowed to proceed further. Also please remember that the pilgrim has to cross this point within 6 hours of obtaining the Yatra slip else the slip will be invalid and the pilgrim has to obtain a fresh slip.

Baanganga

When the pilgrim proceeds after the check post he will reach a small bridge underneath flows Baanganga, the legendary river associated with the miracles and legends of Mata. The name of this river comes from two terms, Baan and Ganga. Baan means Arrow and Ganga stands for the sacred river Ganges. It is believed that Mata Vaishnoi Devi, while on her way to the Holy Cave, created this water body with an arrow from her quiver, hence the name Baanganga. It is also said that she had taken a dip in it and had washed her hair here. Thus some people also prefer to call it Baal Ganga, the term Baal meaning hair in Hindi. The pilgrims can take bath here and continue the pilgrimage.

Charan Paduka

Inside Glass Temple at Charan Paduka

Outside Glass Temple at Charan Paduka

About 1.5 KM. from Baanganga and at an altitude of 3380 feet is Charan Paduka, the place where the imprints of Mata Vaishnoi Deviji’s pious feet are believed to be imprinted on a rock slab.

Adhkuwari

Adhkuwari is the half way mark on the track as it is situated at a distance of nearly 6 KM from Katra. The Holy Cave of Mata Vaishnoi Deviji is now nearly 6 km. away. Adhkuwari is one of the most important Darshan on the visit, second only to the main Darshan at the Holy Cave. The term Adhkuwari is believed to have come from Adhi kumari, which means “The Eternal Virgin”. According to the legend, when Vaishnavi, in the form of a small girl, disappeared from the Bhandaara organized by Pundit Sridhar, she halted at Baanganga and Charan Paduka. From there she reached Adkuwari, where, in a small womb shaped cave she meditated and observed spiritual discipline for nine long months. The exact spot where she is believed to have meditated is located at the right hand side inside the cave and is shaped like a womb. Since Vaishnavi had observed spiritual discipline in a womb shaped cave for a period of nine months, this cave has become popular by the name of Garbh Joon, which has come from the term Garbh Yoni meaning the Womb. When during her meditation she realized that Bhairon Nath had approached the cave in her search, she created an exit at the other end with her trident and proceeded towards the Holy Cave.

Due to the narrowness of the cave, it takes hours together for a pilgrim’s turn to come to pass through this cave. Not more than 4000 pilgrims can pass through this cave in 24 hours. Thus pilgrims reaching Adhkuwari who wish to pass through the cave are issued a group number. There is also a small temple just outside the exit route of the Holy Cave and after passing through the cave one get the Darshan at this temple before proceeding on the onwards journey. Darshans at Adhkuwari include Darshans of the three Supreme Energies in an idol form, those of Nav Durga and Bhakt Hanuman.

Himkoti

Himkoti is situated at a distance of 2.75 KM from Adhkuwari on the new track. Himkoti is one of the most beautiful spots on this track with breathtaking scenic views of the entire valley.

Sanjichhat

Sanjichhat is at a distance of 3.25 KM from Adkuwari which is a picturesque spot with enchanting views of the valley and snow covered peaks of the Himalayan ranges on a clear day. Sanjichhat is the highest point on the old track and is also the end of the uphill climb. From here pilgrim has to walk downhill in order to reach Bhawan – the holy shrine of Mata Vaishnoi Deviji.

The pilgrims who use the come by Helicopter have to alight at Sanjichhat and proceed further to Bhawan - the holy shrine of Mata Vaishnoi Deviji.

Darshan of Her Holiness Mata Vaishnoi Deviji

Entrance to Maa Vaishnoi Devi Temple at the top of Trikuta Parbhat

The Trikuta Mountain where the Shrine is located and the Holy Cave are the gateway to the dimension of Super Consciousness. And just like the Trikuta Mountain, which is one at the base and has three peaks (hence the name Trikoot), the revelation of the Mother Goddess in the Holy Cave is in a natural rock form which is one at the base but has three heads at the top. These three heads in a natural rock form are known as the Holy Pindies and are worshipped as the revelation of the Mother Goddess. The entire rock body is immersed in water, and a marble platform has now been constructed all around. The uniqueness of the Holy Pindies is that although they emanate from one single rock form, each one is distinctly different from the other two in colour and texture.

Towards the right of the devotee is the Holy Pindi of Mata Maha Kali (the Supreme Energy of Dissolution) is in the colour associated with her i.e. black. Mata Maha Kali represents the Tamo Guna - the quality associated with the darker and unknown realms of life. Tam stands for darkness. The Energy that transcends the barriers of time is the Eternal Time or Maha Kali. Since man’s knowledge about life is very limited and he remains in the dark about most of it, it is represented by the colour black which is associated with Mata Maha Kali. She is the basic source of all that is mystical and unknown to man. In her attribute of Maha Kali, the Mother Goddess constantly guides her devotees to conquer the forces of darkness.

In the centre is the Holy Pindi of Mata Maha Lakshmi (the Supreme Energy of Maintenance) with a yellowish-red tinge, the colour associated with Mata Maha Lakshmi. Mata Maha Lakshmi is the Supreme Energy of Maintenance. She represents Rajas Guna- the quality of inspiration and effort, and is considered to be the basic source of wealth, prosperity, material gains, quality of life etc. Wealth and prosperity are better represented by the colour of gold, which is yellow, and hence associated with Mata Maha Lakshmi.

The Pindi to the extreme left of the viewer is the Holy Pindi of Mata Maha Saraswathy (the Supreme Energy of Creation). It has a whitish tinge when looked at attentively. White has also been considered the colour associated with Mata Maha Saraswathy. Being the Supreme force of Creation, Mata Maha Saraswathy is considered to be the basic source of all Creation, Knowledge, Wisdom, Righteousness, Art, Spiritualism, Piousness etc. Since white is a colour that denotes piousness and purity, it is associated with Mata Maha Saraswathy. She represents the Satva Guna- the quality of purity.

Shri Mata Vaishnoi Deviji is considered to be an incarnation of the three Supreme Energies.

View from near Bhaironghat

Other Darshans

The Holy Cave is around 98 feet long. Besides the main Darshans of the Pindies inside the Cave, there are various other Darshans, outside and inside the Holy Cave and around the Holy Pindies. It is believed that the Darshans of 33 crore (330 million) Gods and Goddesses are present in the Holy Cave. It is believed that at some given point of time, each of the 330 million gods and goddesses have worshipped the Mother Goddess in the Holy Cave and have left their symbolical marks inside. It is also believed that during Poojan and Aarati in the morning and evening, all these Gods and Goddesses arrive at the Holy Cave to pay their obeisance to the Mother.

At the entry of the Holy Cave, towards the left hand side, is the symbol of Vakra Tund Ganesh. Adjacent to the symbol of Lord Ganesh are the symbols of Surya and Chandra Dev. Once inside the Holy Cave, one crosses over the Dadh (torso) of Bhairon Nath, which is around 14 feet long. Due to the impact of the mighty blow of the Divine Mother, while the head of Bhairon Nath fell atop an adjacent mountain a couple of kilometers away from the Holy Cave, his body lay lifeless at the entrance of the Holy Cave.

After the Dadh (torso) of Bhairon is the symbol of Lord Hanuman known as Launkra Beer. Thereafter one comes across Charan Ganga, the legendary river flowing from the feet of Mata. Those having Darshans through the old Cave have to wade through water beyond this point. Around 23 feet beyond Launkra Beer, on the left upper hand side, the roof of the cave flares out and the entire weight of this cave appears to rest on the innumerable heads of Shesh Nag. Immediately below Shesh Nag is the Havan Kund of Mata and adjacent to it are the symbols of Shankh, Chakra, Gada and Padmam.

Above, almost touching the ceiling of the cave are the symbols of five Pandavs, Sapt rishis, Than (udders or breast) of the divine cow Kamdhenu, symbols of Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh and Shiv-Parvati. 3 feet further ahead, on an elevation can be seen the Khamba that was gripped by the legendary worshipper Prahlad. Diagonally below this, at the water level is the Yantra with innumerable mystical signs and symbols inscribed on it. 22 feet beyond this point is located the Sher Ka Panja, symbolizing the lion which is the mount of the Mata Vaishnoi Deviji. Slightly behind the Holy Pindies, on the right hand side one can be see the symbol of the seated Sinh Raj (Lion). A little ahead of it is the full hand of the Mother Goddess, raised in the Varad Hast mode, granting boons to the world. An interesting corollary to the Varad Hast of Mata lies in the story of the sacrifice of Sati. The Scriptures say that the hand of Mother Sati fell in the region of Kashmir creating a Shaktipeeth. There are a few sources, however, which believe that it was at this place i.e. the Holy Cave at Trikuta Mountain that the hand of Sati fell and the Varad Hast in the Holy Cave provides some link to the tale of Sati. Immediately opposite the Holy Pindies is the natural symbol of Lord Pashupati Nath.

After this can be seen the symbol of Lord Hanuman called Launkra. Water gushes out of the base of the holy Pindies and flows out of the holy Cave. This gush of Holy water is known as Charan Ganga and the water of this stream is collected in small containers by the devotees and taken home. The same water is also channelised to the bathing ghat and the devotees take a bath in this water before they join the queue for Darshan of the holy Pindies.

Aarati

The 'Aarati' of the Goddess is performed twice a day first time in the morning just before the sunrise and second time in the evening immediately after the sunset.

The procedure of 'Aarati' is a very sacred and lengthy one. The Pujaris perform 'Aarati' before the holy deity first inside the sanctum - sanctorum and then outside the cave. The Goddess is bathed in water, milk, ghee, honey and sugar. Thereafter the goddess is dressed-up in a saree, chola and chuni and ornaments are endowed upon her. Thereafter Tilak is placed on the forehead of the deity and Navied is offered to her. The Jyoti is lightened and then the 'Aarati' of the goddess is performed. The whole procedure of 'Aarati' takes nearly two hours during which time the Darshans remain suspended.

It is believed that the Shakti Darshan will be fruitful only if Lord Shiva is also worshiped. After completing the Darshan of Mata Vaishnoi Deviji while coming out near the Prasad distribution centre a few steps down there is a cave in which Lord Shiva is worshiped. This is a very small cave and it is difficult to enter the cave. So pilgrims have to adjust themselves with quick Darshan to allow other pilgrims to have Darshan.

There is also a Sriram Temple and a Hanuman Temple when the pilgrim comes out after the Darshan of Lord Shiva.

Darshan of Bhairon Nathji

The journey to Shri Mata Vaishnoi Deviji is not considered complete without Darshan at Bhairon Temple. Legend says that Bhairon was killed by Mata and later upon apologizing; an apology was granted by the way of a boon of being the final link of the Great Pilgrimage.

The Bhairon Temple is located at a distance of 1.42 kilometers from Bhawan. It is situated atop an adjacent hill and again involves a steep climb, which can be undertaken either on foot or on ponies or palquins. The Bhairon temple is the highest point of the entire climb and is situated at an altitude of 6619 feet.

Darshans inside the Bhairon temple are again in a rock form. It is believed that the head of Bhairon had fallen at this place while his body remained at the entrance of the Holy Cave of Shri Mata Vaishnoi Deviji. Thus the rock form is round in the shape of a head and is covered in clothes of black colour, while the rock form worshipped as Lord Hanuman is draped in clothes of red colour. There is also a Havan Kund at Bhairon Temple. The ashes of this Havan Kund are considered sacred and it is believed that their application or merely keeping them in the house along with a daily Poojan of Bhairon Baba protects the residents and especially small children from all types of curses, untoward happenings and mysterious ailments.

Thus a pilgrim who has been called by Mata Vaishnoi Deviji is able to complete his pilgrimage and had received the blessings from the Mother Vaishnoi Deviji. Once visited this holy place the pilgrim cannot remain idle for long but he will try to get the first available excuse to visit Mother Vaishnoi Deviji again and again.

Temples of Maa Vaishnoi Deviji near Katra Bus Stand

Personal experience

In my opinion one must definitely climb the holy Trikuta Mountain by walk which will definitely make him experience how mother helps him to complete his journey towards Her Holiness Mata Vaishnoi Deviji. We can see people who are physically challenged are trekking the mountain with full of confidence and belief to Mata Vaishnoi Deviji. When mother calls her children towards her and the child decides to go, mother will take the responsibility to take care of her children and bring them in front of her. As said in the para regarding pilgrimage to Mother Vaishnoi Deviji, I never dreamt in my remotest dream that I will visit the Holy shrine of Mother Vaishnoi Deviji, but one fine morning I got the call from Her Holiness Mother Vaishnoi Deviji and I am there in front of Mother. When I reached Katra and seen the holy Trikuta mountain I decided to go up the hill using ponies because I was not having the confidence of climbing the mountain at this age. But I am instructed by mother to climb the mountain on foot that too without chappals. It was a wonderful journey and I was able to reach Bhawan in less than 4 hour by trekking the mountain in the old track. This has happened only because of the blessings of Mother.

Jai Maa Vaishnoi Deviji

Travelogue

Friday, March 23, 2012

Vaishnoi Devi, Katra, Jammu, India