Katra Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir, Jammu and Kashmir

Address

Katra Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir, Katra-Reasi Rd, Bhavan, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir 182301

Deity

Mata Vaishno Devi (Durga)

Introduction

• Second-most visited pilgrimage destination in India, located in the Trikuta Hills, Katra, Jammu & Kashmir.
• Considered one of the 108 Shaktipeeths.
• Devotees believe Mata Vaishno Devi fulfills their wishes, and they offer items such as chunri, sarees, dry fruits, silver or gold ornaments, cholas, and flowers.
• The goddess is represented in the form of a rock with three heads, called the Pindies.

Puranic Significance

• The temple is linked to the Treta Yuga, where Goddess Vaishno Devi was created from the combined energies of Saraswati, Lakshmi, and Parvati to defeat evil forces.
• The cave was discovered by Pandit Sridhar, a priest who was instructed in a dream by Mata Vaishno Devi. She blessed him and his descendants with the responsibility of being the cave’s custodians.

Special Features

• The temple is sacred to all Hindus and has been visited by saints like Vivekananda.
• The Holy Cave is at an altitude of 5200 feet, requiring a 12-kilometer trek from Katra.
• Inside the cave, devotees are blessed with Darshans of the Mother Goddess in the form of three natural rock formations (the Pindies).

Festivals

• Many Hindu festivals are celebrated at the temple, with devotees from across the world visiting to offer their prayers.
• The pilgrimage and its rituals are an integral part of the Hindu religious tradition.

Century/Period/Age

1000 -2000 years old

Managed By

Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Nearest Bus Station

Katra

Nearest Railway Station

Katra

Nearest Airport

Jammu

lightuptemple