Discover the spiritual side of India through pilgrimage tours to the country. India has influenced people far and wide with its deep philosophy and wisdom. Through the ages, India has amalgamated the wealth of knowledge from all corners of the world and thus, emerged as the spiritual hub. India has some of the world's most beautiful and most visited pilgrimage destinations of the world. Experience the richness of the Indian way of life through its spiritual destinations.
Check out this month's pilgrimage sites in India:
Vaishno Devi – The Mother Calls
Vaishno Devi – the home of the Mother Goddess for many a devout Hindu. Located in the splendid mountains of the Himalayas in Jammu and Kashmir, Vaishno Devi is another of the more important pilgrimage destination for Hindus. Each year, many devotees take the long trip on foot up the mountain to get a glimpse of their “Mata” or the Mother. This pilgrimage destination in India offers some scenic vistas along with a deeply spiritual experience to those who seek peace of mind and soul through spirituality.
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Places to visit in Vaishno Devi
Best seasons to visit Vaishno Devi
How to reach Vaishon Devi
Festivals and Events
Places to visit in Vaishno Devi
Mata's cave shrine is nestled in snow-capped mountains and forests of Trikuta mountain forming a part of the lower Himalayas and 61 kilometers north of Jammu at a height of 5,200 feet above the sea level in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. There is a 13 km mountain hike on foot from Katra to the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. On reaching 'bhavan', token of prasad can be bought and 'sanan' can be done before entering the cave for 'darshan'. It is believed that a supernatural power takes over every soul to terrain the distance with ease. Remember keep chanting 'Jai Mata Di'!
Your 'darshan' is not complete until Bhairav temple is visited on the way back. The origin of this temple has a story behind. It is said that Mata Sheravaali, in disguise of a girl goddess, went inside the cave and left a guard outside and asked no one to follow her and enter inside the cave. But, Bhairav followed and tried to enter the cave, this made Mata very angry and she took the form of Mata Chandi and killed Bhairav. The head flew to a place, presently called Bhairav Ghati. This temple has been constructed at the same spot. The body of Bhairav remained near the cave and the huge stone, outside the cave is the symbol of Bhairav's body. Thereafter Bhairav prayed for mercy to pardon him so the world does not remember him with hatred. On hearing this Mata took pity and said, "My devotees will visit your place after having my 'Darshan' to fulfill their wishes."
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Best seasons to visit Vaishno Devi
Light winter-wear is required at night during the summer months. For the rest of the year, carry heavy winter wear as it gets really cold at such altitude. During winter months, path may be blocked due to snowfall.
How to reach Vaishno Devi
By Air - Jammu (62 kms) is the nearest airport as well as the nearest railway station.
By Road - Jammu-Katra 48 km (by road) and Katra-Vaishno Devi 14 km (on foot).
Route from Katra to Vaishno Devi:
Katra - Ban Ganga (1.5 km) Ban Ganga - Charan Paduka (1.5 km) Charan Paduka - Adhkunwari (3 km) Adhkunwari - Bhavan (8 km) The 14 km track from Katra to the shrine has been re-laid and tiled. Railings have also been installed for protection. The 100 feet cave is very narrow with an average height of 5.5 feet only and has ankle deep water. The pilgrims are allowed in batches through the cave. A newly constructed exit makes the process of going out of the shrine easier. Buses leave for Katra from the General Bus Stand (Jammu), throughout the day. During peak season buses are also available from Jammu-Tawi railway station. Journey time 2 hours. Taxis are also available from Jammu.
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Festivals and Events
Vaishno Devi is worth a visit during special festivals of India. There are fairs and 'Melas' which can be a great tourist experience. There are special packages for pilgrimage tours to Vaishno Devi during these festivals.
Some of the festivals are:
Lohri (January),
Baishakhi (April),
Bahu Mela (March-April and September-October),
Purmandal Mela (February-March. 39 km from Jammu),
Chaitre Chaudash (March-April, at Uttar Baihni, 25 km from Jammu),
Jhiri Mela (October-November. At Jhiri which is 14 km from Jammu).
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