Vaishno Devi
The cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Deviji or Trikuta Bhagwati
has been a source of faith and fulfillment to millions of
its devotees across the world. The pilgrimage to the Shrine
holds great significance for the devotees. Mata's cave
shrine is nestled in the mighty Trikuta mountain 61
kilometres north of Jammu at a height of 5,200 feet above
the sea level in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. shrine.
The cave shrine of Mata Vasihnodeviji or Trikuta Bhagwati (alt: 5,200 ft.) has been a beacon of faith and fulfilment to millions of devotees from all over the world. The pilgrimage to the Shrine holds great significance for the pilgrims.
The Legend of Mata Vaishnodeviji.
View of Vaishnodeviji from Bhavan
Everyday of the year throngs of people surge up the steep pathways that cut across the Trikuta hillsides for mile after mile. This show of faith is finely interwoven with the cultural strands of the Indian subcontinent, and these pathways have been trod on for many centuries now. Popular belief holds that anybody who walks the Himalayan trail to the goddesses's abode to ask for a boon rarely goes back disappointed. Whatever be it, a new enterprise or a forthcoming examination, marriage or birth, the devout look up to the Mata For blessings and guidance. There are many who journey year after year to pay obeisance regardless of their faith or belief, creed or class, caste or religion.
Night view of Vaishnodeviji Bhawan
The Yatra to the holy shrine is as fascinating as the legend associated with it. It goes that thousands of years ago, a comely maiden called "Vaishnavi" have been created by the three lords attained human form and was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. Having taken a vow of celibacy, she spent almost all her life in meditation and prayers. In time she attained enormous spiritual powers and is believed to have extracted an assurance from Lord Rama that he will marry her in Kali-Yug if she persisted in her spiritual quest.
How to reach
Jammu
By Air:
Jammu is well connected to the rest of India by air. Both
Indian Airlines and Jet Airways operate daily flights to
Jammu. Other airlines such as Air Deccan also fly to Jammu.
The average flying time from Jammu to New Delhi is about 80
minutes.
By Rail:
Jammu is directly connected to important cities like Kolkata,
Delhi and Kanyakumari. Besides, it is well connected with
other major cities of the country. In the peak season of
summer and other holidays, the Railways introduce special
trains for Jammu for the comfort of the Yatris of Mata
Vaishno Devi's shrine. Many superfast trains also ply on
this route and one can reach Jammu Over Night from New
Delhi, the capital of India.
By Road:
Jammu is the terminus of a large number of Inter State Bus
Services. Jammu is well connected through road also to rest
of India. National Highway No. 1A passes through Jammu
towards Srinagar. Regular bus services from all major North
Indian cities are available for Jammu as well as Katra. Many
standard and deluxe buses of various State Road Transport
Corporations as well as private operators connect Jammu with
important cities and towns of North India so you can get
buses for Katra quite easily from Jammu if you've plans to
visit Mata Vaishno Devi. |