Mata Vaishno Devi
माता वैष्णो देवी
📍 Trikuta hills, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir
High in the Trikuta hills above Katra, the holy cave of Mata Vaishno Devi holds three natural rock forms (pindis) of Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. Millions walk the 12 km path to reach it.
त्रिकूट पर्वत की पवित्र गुफा में महाकाली, महालक्ष्मी और महासरस्वती की तीन पिंडियाँ।
इतिहास History
Worship at the cave is ancient. Since 1986 the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has managed the shrine, along with its paths, lodging, battery cars and ropeway.
कथा The legend
Vaishnavi, born to worship Vishnu, meditated in the Trikuta hills. When the tantric Bhairon Nath pursued her, she rested in the Ardhkuwari cave for nine months; at the holy cave she took the form of Mahakali and beheaded him. Bhairon repented as he died and was forgiven, which is why pilgrims also visit his temple to complete the yatra.
दर्शनीय Don’t miss
- The walk from Katra via Banganga, Charan Paduka and Ardhkuwari
- Helicopter to Sanjichhat for those who cannot walk
- Bhairon Nath temple by ropeway
- Navratri decorations at the Bhawan
उत्सव Festivals
मंदिर दर्शन Temple story
The secrets of Mata Vaishno Devi, from our YouTube series.
▶ Watch all 18 Temple Stories on YouTubePhoto: KDhruv406 · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons