North India Tour Packages

The holy cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is one of the most visited pilgrim sites in India. The shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is located in a cave, amidst the folds of the Trikuta Bhagwati Mountains at a height of 5, 300 ft., in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. In the cave there are images of three dieties viz. the Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. This cave temple is at a distance of 61 kms from Jammu and the last 13 kms of the way have to be negotiated on foot by the yatris, as the devotees are called. Once at the entrance to the cave, the path turns into a narrow tunnel with a cold stream named the Charan Ganga running through it. The pilgrim has to wade through this to reach the Garbha Griha (sanctum sanctorum).

Legends Say
In the Treta Yug, the virtuous people were tormented by the Asuras (demons) Ravana, Kumb-Karan, Khardooshan, Tadka and others. Seeing this, the Gods decided to create a divine personality, in the form of a girl for their protection. The divine girl took birth in South India at the home of Ratnakar Sagar as a girl named Trikuta. Later the same girl was called Vaishno because of her taking birth from Lord Vishnu's lineage.

After some time Trikuta sought permission from her father for taking penance on the seashore. Lord Rama, who along with his army was in search of Sita saw her meditating. Rama asked Trikuta her name and reason for penance. She replied that she had accepted Rama as her husband by mind and heart. However, Rama wished that penance of Trikuta should not go waste and unfruitful. Therefore he said to her, "I will definitely come to see you in a disguised form. If you can recognise me at that time then I will accept you."

It is said that on his return from Lanka, Lord Rama went to see the Trikuta in the form of an old monk (Sadhu) but she was not able to recognise him as God. On this, he revealed his identity and assured Trikuta that in 'Kaliyug' he would manifest himself as 'Kalki' would marry her. He then asked Trikuta to meditate in Trikuta range of Manik Mountains, situated in north India. He said that Trikuta would become immortal forever and would become famous as 'Vaishno Devi'.

Places of interest near Vaishno Devi
» Bhumika Temple
» Darshani Darwaza
» Ban Ganga Temple
» Charan Paduka
» Adhkunwari Temple
» Kalika Temple
» Ram Mandir
» Shiva Goompha

How to Reach Vaishno Devi
The shrine can be visited throughout the year, but during the winter season the route is often blocked by snow-fall. Daily Flights are available from Delhi and Srinagar. These flights (Indian Airlines) connect Chandigarh & Amritsar on some days of the week. Nearest Railway Station - Jammu by rail, Jammu is directly connected cities like Calcutta, Delhi and Kanyakumari. Besides, it is connected with other major cities of the country.

There is paved pathway to the shrine from Katra.
Jammu to Katra :
Buses leave for Katra every 10 minutes from the main bus stand at Jammu between 5.30 am to 8.30 pm. During rush periods, additional buses are also pressed into service between Jammu and Katra. Private Taxis are also available for hire between Jammu and Katra. These can be hired from Jammu Airport, Jammu Railway Station and the Tourist Reception Centre at Jammu.