Mata Vashnu Devi Temple

After Chardham Yatra , Mata Vashnu Devi Temple is most popular Hindu religious temple located in Katra , Jammu & Kashmir. Mata Vaishno Devi temple resides in a Holy Cave located in the folds of the three peaked mountain named Trikuta Parvat.The Holy Cave of the Mother is situated at an altitude of 5200 ft. Mata Vashno Devi temple is the second most visiting shrine in India after Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. There are three Pindies in the form of Shakti inside the cave namely Mata Maha Sarswati , Mata Maha Lakshmi and Mata Maha Kali Pindies. The temple is dedicated to to Goddess Shakti in the form of three Pindies .Mata Maha Sarswati Pindies look White in color represents the Satva Guna stands for Purity and Piousness . Mata Maha Lakshmi Pindies looks yellow in Color represents Raja Guna stand for quality of inspiration and effort. Mata Maha Kali looks blackish in color represents Tama Guna stand for darkness or unknown. Mata Temple is millions year old temple in Katra. Devotees offerings Chunri , Sari , Cholas , Silver or Gold Ornament , dry Fruits , Flower to Mata.

History and Legend :

 

According to the legend , It is said that it is necessary to Visit Bhairav Nath temple after visiting Mata Vaishno Devi temple . It is believed that the journey to Mata's shrine is complete only after visiting the shrine of Bhairon . Bhairav Nath was selfish and more powerfull Tantrik . He followed the Divine girl to Trikuta Hills to Identify her spiritual wisdom and powers . While she was running away from Bhairav Nath , she shot an arrow into the Earth from where the water Flowing out. this place is known as the name of Baanganga. It is believed that by taking a bath in Baanganga all crime can be washed away. The banks of the river, known as Charan Paduka, are marked by Devi's foot imprints. For nine month he was searching maa Vaishnu Devi in the Mountains . Bhairon Nath tried to Catch her , making use of his tantric powers. When he was reached at the holy Cave at Darbar her meditation was cut off. Maa Vashnu devi was meditated in Adhkawari or Garbh Joon cave for nine months .Mata Vashnu Devi changed her look in the form of Maha Kali and cut-off Bhairon Nath's head. The head is Fell at the place where the Bhairon temple is now located. She gave boom to Bhairon Nath that if any Devotees come to visit my Temple , they must visit your temple without visiting your temple the journey is not Fullfill their Wishes or Hopes.

Aarti Timing : 

 

The Aarti of the Goddess Mata Vaishno Devi is Performed twice in a day first time in the morning just before the sunrise and second time in the evening immediately after the sunset.

Best time to Visit :

 

The most Superior time to Visit most sacred Chardham tour temple Mata Vaishno Devi during Navratra Festivals. It Fall in the month of March-April and September-October. During Winter Season , The Path are Blocked due to Heavy Snowfall

How to Reach :

 

Katra is located 50 Km away from Jammu. There is no Railway Service are available between Jammu and Katra. Ordinary and luxury buses are available from Jammu to Katra. Katra Direct bus is Available around 1 km from Jammu Railway Station.