Vaishno Devi Temple Tours

State: Jammu and Kashmir
Location: Located on Trikuta mountain hills to the north of Jammu town.
Language: Hindi, Dogri anfd Kashmiri

Introduction:
Vaishno Devi shrine, one of the most holiest Hindu temples of India is dedicated to Goddess Shakti. This temple is also counted as one of the Shaktipeeths of Goddess Durga.

This holy shrine of Mata Rani, is nestled on the mighty Trikuta mountain of the Shivalik range, at a height of 5200 ft above sea level. It is just 12 km (7.46 miles) from Katra town of Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir state.

Vaishno Devi temple is the second most visited temple of India and has three sacred pindies(stones) that are worship as Mahalaxmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati. The sacred cave of Mata Rani is 30 m long and just one and a half meter high. Devotees believed that it is the place where Maa Vaishno Devi merged her human form with the astral form of her creators, the three Supreme Energies, God Brahma ,Vishnu, and Mahesh.

Every year millions of ardent devotees go through an arduous climb to reach this holy temple. The panoramic view of the nearby mountainous landscape and the constant chanting of 'Jai Mata Di' leaves a mystic effect on the devotees.

Nearby Excursion Places:
Baba Dhansar Temple: This is another temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and built on the way to the Salal Dam, just 10 km (6.21miles) from Katra. Here, you can see a huge spring that emerges from the rocks amidst a jungle. Every year during Shivratri, a fair is organize at this place.

Shivkhori: Positioned at a distance of approximately 70 km (43.50 miles) from Katra, Shivkhori is a holy cave dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has a naturally formed Shiv-lingam, which is of 4ft height.

Patnitop: Situated approximately 85 km (52.82 miles) from Katra, Patnitop is a picturesque hill resort that is positioned at the top of beautiful plateau at a height of 2024m. It is a famous picnic spot and also ideal for peaceful walks and panoramic views of the mountainous Chenab basin.

Dera Baba Banda: It is a sacred shrine, revered by both Hindus and Sikh pilgrims.

Activities To Do:
Worship at Vaishno Devi Temple: Vaishno Devi temple, the most holiest temple of India every year attracts devotees from far and wide. People comes here to pay their homage to Mata Rani.

Body Massage at Katra: After completion of Darshan, don't miss to try maalish.(body massage) at Katra. This is really an excellent experience. Maallsihwala will loosen your muscles using various kind of massage methods and oils. This body massage will help you to regain your body strength.

Shopping at Katra: After coming down to Katra, shop some Kashmiri handicraft items, various kinds of dry fruits, bhaints, gift items and other special items of the region.

Best Time To Visit:
Tourist can visit Viashnno devi temple throughout the year but avoid the winter season because during this season the route is often blocked by snow-fall.

Access:
By Road: Katra town in Jammu district serves as the base camp to reach Vaishno Devi. Regular bus services are available from the Katra bus stand.

By Rail: To reach Vaishno Devi, Indian government has built a rail link from Udhampur to Katra ,to help the pilgrimages.

By Air: The nearest airport to Vaishno Devi Temple is at Jammu. Helicopter service is also there to reach Vaishno devi temple from Katra. The helipad here is just 1 km (0.6 miles) away from the main market on the Kashmiri road.