The shrine of Vaishno Devi is visited by pilgrims from all around the world. The place is populated with sages and monks seeking solace and peace in the hills. It is the abode of God on earth and tourists every year take this journey to the peak of the mountains to reach the temple. The visitors are treated with love and hospitality at the guest's houses and inns of the place. If you decide to take this trip to Vaishno Devi, we suggest that you also go around the place and look into the beauty of the valleys and the towering hills. There are a couple of places to visit when you are heading to the mountains for worship at the temple of Vaishnav Devi.
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The main temple of Vaishno Devi
Located at the hilly terrain of Trikuta Hills, it is situated at a distance of thirteen kilometres from Katra. The temple of Vaishno Devi is surrounded by mountains on all sides and it lies cradled and secured within the lap of the nightly hills. The temple is dedicated to a form of goddess Durga who is called the Vaishno Devi Mata. Although it is a Hindu Temple, the doors of the holy abode are open to all of the people from different religions ams races. You shall be immersed in happiness and calm once you enter the premises of the temple which is the site for solace and comfort. All your worries will seem to melt as you enter the temples and submit yourself to the mercy of the goddess.
The village of Katra
Katra is a small town in the foothills of the Trikuta mountain ranges around the village. It is famous for the temple of Vaishno Devi but also holds significance because of its beauty and the aesthetic scenic views. The town is a silent village in the hills which houses small cottages and portrays the simplicity and peace that surrounds the location. You shall be left mesmerised by the simple and unadorned lifestyle of the people in the hills and how they spent most of their days providing service to the visitors of the temple and catering to their comforts and needs.
The comfortable hotels and the inns located in the village provide shelter and comfort to the travellers who have walked miles to reach the shrine of the goddess. The accommodations are affordable for the tourists and they can spend days in the village of Katra enjoying the enticing view of Kashmir and adoring the mountain life.
Ardhkuwari
It is believed that Mata Vaishno Devi had lived in the caves in Ardhkuwari for days before she beheaded the demon Bhairavkanth. She had resided in the caves for nine months before the culmination of the legendary event. The inns and restrooms at Ardhkuwari are situated on the way to the Vaishno Devi temple and the Bhavan for the tourists there. The visitors can stop midway to get some rest before they head to the main temple. The food and accommodation here are pleasant and suitable for the tourists as they walk up to the temple in the hills. Ardhkuwari holds its importance in the tales and the pilgrims consider it vital to have a look around the place while they climb up the mountains to reach the most popular Hindu temple in the country.
The Vaishno Devi Yatra
Tourists from all over the country and even foreigners from distant countries consider it a must to visit the temple of Vaishno Devi and embark on the most religious journey ever. The Vaishno Devi Yatra is organized by the tourism department and the temple management team in the hills. It starts from Bangdanga which is almost fourteen kilometres from the town of Katra and requires you to visit the Holy caves which mark the conclusion of the trip.
The visitors are then asked to enter the Holy Temple of Vaishno Devi Mata and seek the blessings of the goddess. The trekking trip can be covered on ponies or coolies who help you to carry your luggage. The palanquin rides are also available for the tourists but many pilgrims decide to cover the journey on foot to showcase their devotion and dedication to the goddess. Helicopter rides and ropeways are also arranged for the visitors.
Bhairavnath temple at Vaishno Devi
A visit to Katra and the temple of Vaishno Devi is considered incomplete if you fail to see the Bhairavnath temple. It is located in the village of Katra where it is believed that Kaal Bhairav passed away. The journey comprises a three kilometres distance from the main Bhavan to reach the shrines of Kaal Bhairav. You cannot miss out on the temple because it is considered prominent in Hindu Literature and the Holy texts.