Sri Vaishno devi Yatra
Sri Vaishno devi Yatra Information
Vaishno Devi Mandir is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Shakti, located in the hill of Vaishno Devi, Jammu and Kashmir, India. In Hinduism, Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani and Vaishnavi, is a manifestation of the Mother Goddess.
Located near the town of Katra, in Udhampur district in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the Vaishno Devi temple is one of the most revered places of worship in northern India. At an altitude of 5200 feet and a distance of approximately 12 kilometers (7.45 miles) from Katra, the shrine of Vaishno Devi is frequented every year by millions of pilgrims, making it the second most visited religious shrine in India, after Tirupati Balaji Mandir. The Shrine is maintained by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
The nearest airport from Katra is in Jammu City, 48 kilometers (29.82 miles) away. The nearest railway station is at Udhampur, 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) away. Railway Extension to Katra proper is expected to be operational by 2007.
From Katra, devotees have multiple options to reach the main temple. The quickest way is to take the helicopter ride, which will take 15-20 minutes to reach the summit. However, this may not be operational on certain days depending on weather conditions. Other options include walking up or taking a horse ride. The climb is steep and tiring but there are multiple rest stations along the way and options to buy refreshments. For those with disabilities, there is an option to take a 'Palkhi' where 4-5 men will carry a person in a carriage. For young children, one can hire a person who will carry them and also carry the bags.
Located near the town of Katra, in Udhampur district in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the Vaishno Devi temple is one of the most revered places of worship in northern India. At an altitude of 5200 feet and a distance of approximately 12 kilometers (7.45 miles) from Katra, the shrine of Vaishno Devi is frequented every year by millions of pilgrims, making it the second most visited religious shrine in India, after Tirupati Balaji Mandir. The Shrine is maintained by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
The nearest airport from Katra is in Jammu City, 48 kilometers (29.82 miles) away. The nearest railway station is at Udhampur, 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) away. Railway Extension to Katra proper is expected to be operational by 2007.
From Katra, devotees have multiple options to reach the main temple. The quickest way is to take the helicopter ride, which will take 15-20 minutes to reach the summit. However, this may not be operational on certain days depending on weather conditions. Other options include walking up or taking a horse ride. The climb is steep and tiring but there are multiple rest stations along the way and options to buy refreshments. For those with disabilities, there is an option to take a 'Palkhi' where 4-5 men will carry a person in a carriage. For young children, one can hire a person who will carry them and also carry the bags.
Extra clothes are required there, as every devotee is expected to bathe and change before going to the main temple for darshan. Security is very tight so one should make sure there is nothing of concern on his or her person.
