Mata Vaishno Devi (माता वैष्णो देवी) Verified
Description
Mata Vaishno Devi (माता वैष्णो देवी) is one of the most sacred and widely visited pilgrimage sites in India, located in the Trikuta Hills of Jammu & Kashmir, near Katra town. Millions of devotees visit every year to seek the blessings of Mata Rani, also known as Vaishnavi or Trikuta.
About Mata Vaishno Devi
                            The shrine is dedicated to
                            Goddess Shakti in the form of three natural rock formations (Pindis) inside the holy cave.
                            
                            The three Pindis represent:
                            
                            • Maha Kali (Goddess of Power) 
                            • Maha Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth) 
                            • Maha Saraswati (Goddess of Knowledge) 
                            It is believed that Mata
                            Vaishno Devi fulfills the wishes of her true devotees.
                        
Main Attractions & Visiting Places
Holy Cave (Bhawan)
The final destination of the yatra, where devotees have darshan of the three Pindis.
Banganga
The sacred spot where Mata shot an arrow to release water for her devotee, Monkey Hanuman.
Charan Paduka
A place where Mata’s footprints are believed to be imprinted on a rock.
Ardh Kuwari Cave
                                                 Located
                                                midway, where Mata meditated for 9 months. 
                                                 Many
                                                devotees rest here during the trek.
                                            
Bhawan (Sanctum)
Final stop of the pilgrimage, where offerings and prayers are made.
How to Reach Vaishno Devi
                             By Air: Jammu
                            Airport (50 km from Katra). Helicopter services from Katra to Sanjichhat are available. 
                             By Train:
                            Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station (well connected to major cities). 
                             By Road:
                            Regular buses and taxis from Jammu, Udhampur, Delhi. 
                             Trek: From
                            Katra to Bhawan is about 12-13 km. Options: walking, ponies, palkis, or battery-operated
                            vehicles (for elderly & differently-abled). 
                        
Best Time to Visit
                            Open all year
                                round. 
                            Peak seasons: Navratri,
                                Diwali, New Year, Summer Holidays. 
                            Winter (Nov–Feb) sees fewer
                            crowds but very cold weather. 
                        
Tips for Devotees
                            Register at the Yatra
                                Registration Counter in Katra before starting. 
                            Wear comfortable clothes and
                            shoes for trekking. 
                            Free Langar (community
                                kitchen)
                            and cloakrooms are available. 
                            Helicopter booking should be
                            done well in advance during peak seasons. 
                            Mobile phones and cameras are
                            not allowed inside the Bhawan. 
                        
Belief & Significance
                             According to legend, Mata
                            Vaishno Devi took shelter in the cave while escaping Bhairon Nath, whom she later defeated.
                            
                             It is believed that
                            “Jo bulaye, Mata Rani zaroor bulati hain” (Whoever is called by the
                            Goddess, surely gets her darshan).