Overview & Topography
Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites in India, is nestled in the Trikuta Mountains of Jammu & Kashmir, near Katra town. Situated at an altitude of about 5,200 feet, the shrine is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, who is worshipped in the form of three natural rock formations called Pindis inside the holy cave.
Every year, millions of devotees from across the world visit the shrine to seek blessings. The journey to Mata Vaishno Devi is not just a religious trek but also a spiritual experience filled with devotion, chants, and breathtaking mountain views.
Activities & Pilgrimage Experience
Trek to the Shrine – A 13 km trek from Katra to Bhawan passing through scenic hills and devotional stops.
Helicopter Services – Available from Katra to Sanjichhat for pilgrims with limited time or mobility.
Ponies, Palkis & Battery Cars – Options for elderly or differently-abled devotees.
Arti & Darshan – Witness the divine atmosphere at the holy cave where the Goddess resides.
Bhawan Stay – Accommodation is available near the temple complex for registered yatris.
Important Places on the Yatra Route
Ban Ganga – The first stop of the trek, where pilgrims take a holy dip.
Charan Paduka – A sacred rock where the footprints of Mata Vaishno Devi are believed to be imprinted.
Ardh Kuwari Cave – Where the Goddess is said to have meditated for nine months.
Bhawan (Holy Cave) – The final destination housing the three pindis of the Goddess.
Bhairon Temple – A sacred shrine that pilgrims traditionally visit after darshan at the Bhawan.
✨ Why Visit Mata Vaishno Devi?
A pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi is believed to fulfill wishes and bring peace, prosperity, and spiritual strength. With its divine aura, natural beauty, and well-organized facilities, it is one of India’s most cherished spiritual journeys.