Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu & Kashmir

Mata Vaishno Devi Temple

Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is situated in the Trikuta hills of Katra. The temple was built in 1560 AD by Guru Gorakhnath and Mahant Bhagwan Das. The Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir is situated at a height of 5200 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest temples in India as well as one of India's most sacred pilgrimage sites. Inside the temple, three Pindis are representing the Goddess as Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati. Many other temples surround this one like Baba Bhairon Nath Mandir, Ban Ganga, Charanpaduka, and Dera Baba Jitto among others making it one of the largest temples in India with over two thousand deities being worshipped here every year by thousands of devotees who come from all over the world to visit this holy place where Lord Shiva has manifested himself through his wife Parvati." It is an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus, who visit there to pay homage to the Goddess and pray for her blessings.

It is located on the banks of the Tawi River, which is also known as the Dhauli River. The temple was built by a Khatri man named Firoz Khan and it's in memory of his wife, who later died after giving birth to their daughter named Bhavani (or Bhawani).

Mata Vaishno Devi 

This place has got some amazing features which attract thousands of visitors from all over India every year. One such feature is that there are two main entrances here - one leads towards north-east direction while another goes towards south-west direction; both these entrances lead right up to goddess room where you can see her idol sitting inside a glass box inside a solitary room called “Durga Mandir” or "Holy Hall".

Best Time to Visit Mata Vaishno Devi Temple

The best time to visit this beautiful temple is between March - October. However one can visit it throughout the year except during monsoon season which starts from July - September when the path becomes steep and slippery making it dangerous for pilgrims to trek.

During winters the weather is extremely cold with snowfall but within a short period, you will find yourself in an entirely different world where people are dressed up as if they are going to attend a wedding or some other special occasion! It is also said that during this period fewer tourists are visiting Vaishno Devi Shrine because most prefer to stay in their own homes rather than walking on such roads covered with snowfall all day long!

Attractions Nearby Katra

1. Bhairon Temple

Bhairon Temple

Bhairon temple is located at a distance of 3 km from the holy cave or Bhavana of Mata Vaishno Devi. Pilgrims visit this temple after the darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi. When devotees pay obeisance at the Bhaironan temple, the holy journey of Goddess Vaishno Devi is believed to be complete. A large number of Hindu pilgrims visit this holy temple.

The temple is situated at a height of 2017 meters on a hill near Trikuta. An important attraction in the temple is a havan kund, the ashes of which are considered sacred.

2. Charan Paduka in Katra

Charan Paduka

Charan Paduka from Katra is a religious. This place is popular among pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Temple. It was considered a white temple. Where Bhairo Nath, a disciple of Mata Vaishno Devi/Vaishnavi Mahayogi Guru Goraksha Nathji, stopped to check if Bhairo Nath was still following him.

In this temple, the footprint of Mata Vaishno Devi can be seen on a rock. It is a sacred temple at an altitude of 1030 meters and is a short distance from the Banganga river and bridge. It used to be a small shrine but now it has been transformed into a scenic and large temple.

3. Ban Ganga River in Katra

Ban Ganga River 

Ban Ganga is a holy river. Devotees from Katra take a dip here before starting the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra. Ban Ganga has two ghats where a large number of Hindu devotees take holy baths.

The river is an important tributary of the Chenab River and derives its name from two words, Baan meaning arrow, and Ganga which is the holy river of India, the Ganges. Hence, this river is also called the twin of the Ganga.

4. Geeta Mandir in Katra

Geeta Mandir

The Holy Gita Temple at Katra is one of the places where Hindu devotees pay their respects. The holy shrine is located near Ban Ganga Bridge and boasts beautiful architecture. The temple is also known as a resting place for pilgrims before proceeding on their Mother Vaishno Devi Yatra.

How to Reach Katra

By Air

The nearest airport to Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is Jammu Airport, which is 50 kilometers away. The airport was inaugurated in 1989 and has been operational ever since then.

By Train

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station at Katra is the nearest railway station to the holy cave of Vaishno Devi. Regular train services ply from almost every major city of India, which earlier stopped at Jammu Tawi. Luxurious accommodation is also available just near the railway station. Sree Shakti train that starts from Delhi on Friday evenings and returns to Delhi on Sunday morning is the best way to reach Vaishno Devi. rain

By Road

Regular bus services ply to and fro the base of the pilgrimage, that is Katra. Buses, at extremely affordable rates, are available from places like New Delhi, Amritsar, and Jammu Tawi and the list goes on. You can also take a shared taxi or cab once you've arrived at Jammu Tawi.