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INFORMATION ABOUT
VAISHNO DEVI
Introduction...
A pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji is considered to
be one of the holiest pilgrimages of our times. Popular the world over as
Moonh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata, which means, the Mother who
fulfills whatever Her children wish for, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji resides in
a Holy Cave located in the folds of the three peaked mountain named Trikuta
(pronounced as Trikoot). The Holy Cave attracts lakhs of devotees every year.
In fact, the number of Yatris visiting the Holy Shrine annually now exceeds 5
million. This is due to the unflinching faith of the devotees who throng the
Shrine from all parts of India and abroad.
The Holy Cave of the Mother is situated at an altitude of 5200 ft. The Yatris
have to undertake a trek of nearly 12 km from the base camp at Katra. At the
culmination of their pilgrimage, the yatries are blessed with the Darshans of
the Mother Goddess inside the Sanctum Sanctorum- the Holy Cave. These
Darshans are in the shape of three natural rock formations called the Pindies.
There are no statues or idols inside the Cave.
Darshans are open round the clock throughout the year.
Since the year 1986, when the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (commonly
called Shrine Board) was formed (under “The Jammu & Kashmir Shri Mata Vaishno
Devi Shrine Act, 1986’), the management of the Shrine and regulation of the
Yatra has been vested in the Board. The Board has undertaken a number of
developmental activities aimed at making the Yatra a comfortable and
satisfying experience for the Yatris. So far, over 125 crores of rupees have
been invested by the Board for providing various infrastructural and other
facilities. The Board continues to reinvest the offerings and donations
received in carying out improvements in various kinds of Yatri facilities.
Location:
The holy cave shrine of Vaishno Devi is nestled in a beautiful recess of the Trikuta Mountains forming a part of the lower Himalayas. It is located 61 km north of Jammu at a height of 5,200 feet above the sea level in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. In the cave there are images of three deities viz. the Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati.
Season:
The shrine is visited all through the year, but the path is difficult during the winters when the route is often blocked by snow-fall.
How to reach Vaishno Devi, Katra
Rest of India to jammu
In order to visit the Holy Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji, one has to reach
Katra, a small town situated around 50 kms. from Jammu, the winter capital of
the state of Jammu & Kashmir. Katra serves as the base camp for the yatra.
Katra is well connected to Jammu and Jammu, in turn, is well connected to the
rest of the country by Air, Rail, and Road.
By Air
Jammu is well connected to the rest of India by air. Both Indian Airlines and
Jet Airways operate daily flights to Jammu. The average flying time from New
Delhi is about 80 minutes.
By Train
One can also reach Jammu by rail. Jammu is connected to other parts of
country on broad gauge and numerous passenger trains ply from various parts
of the country to Jammu. In the peak season of summer and other holidays, the
Railways introduce special trains for Jammu for the comfort of the Yatris.
Many superfast trains also ply on this route and one can reach Jammu
overnight from New Delhi.
A list of trains, their schedules and booking status could be seen at the
Indian Railways website. You can even book tickets online if you are planning
to travel in the near future.
By Road
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.
Passengers using Air or Rail as a mode of travel have necessarily to break
their journey at Jammu and from thereon select an alternative mode of
transport. However for passengers traveling by road, either through public or
own transport, there is an option of taking a by-pass from Kunjwani, nearly
10 kms. off Jammu and heading straight for the base camp i.e Katra. The
option of a halt at Jammu is thus entirely with the yatri although many
yatries would like to spend more time in Jammu and visit the temples and
other landmarks there.
Helicopter Service at Vaishno Devi, Katra
Deccan aviation & Pawan Hans boards helicopter from Katra on the foothills
and the flight will drop you at Sanjhichatt., This visit to the sacred
shrine, enveloped by the clouds is the beginning of a breathtaking heli-hop.
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
In case of Cancellation:
a) 25 to 48 hours before flight departure time: 70% of the total fare
refunded.
b) 24 hours or less, upto 01 hour before flight departure time: 50% of total
fare refunded.
c) Less than one hours before flight time : NO Show and NO Refund.
d) Flight cancellation by operator: Full fare refund |
