A visit to Vaishno Devi Mandir

 Vaishno Devi Mandir

Vaishno Devi also known as Mata Rani, Trikuta and Vaishnavi is a manifestation of Hindu Mother Goddess Mahalakshmi. It is Hindu Temple dedicated to all Hindu Goddess, located at Trikuta Mountains within Indian State of Jammu.

The History of Vaishno Devi is enriched with its traditions and holiness. The place is believed to possess eternal energy through which Goddess is kept safe. There are stone remains of human hands inside the holy cave of Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji which are famously called Varad Hast, hands granting blessings to devotees. There is even a myth that Mata Sati Arm had fallen at this place. Evidences show a possiblity of Mata Sati Skull too.

Worship of Vaishno Devi: It is assumed that Maa Vaishno Devi grants strength to the weak, sight to the blind, wealth to the poor and bless childless couple with children. Devi Maa is also benevolent to fulfill her devotee's wishes. This is why followers make it a point to visit temple regularly, in spite of the temple being quite unapproachable,location wise. People believe that Navaratri is considered the best season time to visit the temple as it tends to become inaccessible during winters and monsoons.

People worshipping Vaishno Devi

How to reach Vaishno Devi: Today, there are various ways in which a devotee can reach the holy place of Vaishno Devi. The nearest railway station and airport are situated at Jammu. The place is linked to the base camp at Katra via a track that is 13 km long. People can reach the Katra Station as well and then visit Vaishno Devi Mandir. In order to undertake the uphill journey one can either travel by foot, or by hiring ponies and palkhies. The Vaishno Devi Board has also commenced Taxi and Helicopter Services between Jammu and Katra in order to facilitate devotees. These services are subject to weather conditions in that area.

Now I would like to tell yu about other temples located near Vaishno Mandir. They are equally religious and prestigious. Hope yu would visit them as well while visting Vaishno Mandir next time.

Other Temples near Vaishnodevi 

1) One can find numerous ancient temples and sightseeing points. On the 13 KM stretch between Katra and Temple there is Banganga which is 1 KM away from Katra. Here one can take a holy dip in the rivulet and also avail Langer(free food) service there..now isn't it interesting. 

2) The Charanpaduka Temple is about 2.5 KM away from Banganga. It is believed that Goddess rested for a while here before travelling Trikuta Hills. This place is so named since it contains footprints of deity.

3) The next stop is Sanjichat which is about 4 KM from Adkuwari. This is the highest point in the long winding track from where travelers can get a nice aerial view of Katra, Udhampur, Reasi and Jammu.

 4) Then devotes can proceed to Bhairon Nath Temple which lies at a short distance on a line track of the Vaishno Temple-Sanjichat track. This track further leads to dense forest which is inhabited by several monkeys, wild animals and birds. Monkeys are found near Bhairon Nath Mandir as well.