 The world famous cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India, frequented by millions of pilgrims from all over the world every year. Situated on top of the Trikuta Hills at a height of 1,700 m (5,300 ft), the sacred cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is located at a distance of about 60 km from Jammu in the state of Jammu and Kashmir (J & K). The cave in which three forms of Mata Vaishno Devi - Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasarasvati - are residing, is 30 m (98 ft) long and only 1 ½ m (5 ft) high. Pilgrims can enter only in small groups through a narrow opening and walk through ice-cold waters to reach the shrines.
People going to Vaishno Devi Shrine firstly go to Katra town, located at 13 Km from the shrine and serves as the base camp for the pilgrimage. From Katra, pilgrims climb one km to Banganga, where the goddess is believed to have stopped to drink water; six km further is the cave shrine of Ardhkunwari, where it is believed she meditated for nine months. The last halt is Bhawan near the entrance of the cave, where arrangements have been made for accommodation and for depositing luggage and valuables. The whole distance is approachable on foot or by using ponies and dandies (local palanquins) along a 13 km long uphill way.
According to legend, thousands of years ago, a maiden called "Vaishnavi" created by the three lords, attained human form and was a devotee of Lord Vishnu. She had been spending all her life in meditation and prayers when she encountered Lord Rama, prince of Ayodhya in the forests. She got an assurance from Lord Rama that he will marry her in Kali yuga if she persisted in her spiritual quest. Lord Rama advised her to set up an ashram at the base of the Trikuta Hills and continue with her penance if she wants her wishes to be fulfilled. And so, Mata Vaishno Devi established an ashram in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountain and began to meditate.
It is believed that Mata Vaishno Devi metamorphosed herself into three pindis (rock)
in a cave in the Trikuta Mountains. The three forms of Mata - Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati - represent a particular attribute of the mother Goddess. Maha Kali represents Tamas Guna, Tamas meaning darkness. In this form she is said to be beyond fear and finite existence and is therefore able to protect her devotees against fear and to give them limitless peace. Maha Lakshmi represents Rajas Guna, Rajas meaning prosperity. In this manifestation, the goddess blesses her devotees with wealth and prosperity for living a better life. Maha Saraswati represents Sattav Guna, Sattav meaning wisdom and knowledge. This manifestation enables her devotees to distinguish between good and bad and helps them to adopt the right path in life. The combination of these three attributes in a single Shakti is a unique combination, making Mata Vaishno Devi most revered all over the world.
For entry into the shrine, devotees need obtain a yatra slip only from the yatra registration counter at the Tourist Reception Centre at the Katra bus stand and nowhere else. Without an authentic yatra slip, crossing of the Ban Ganga check post is not permitted. It's free of charge. The slip must be presented at the Ban Ganga check-post within 6 hours of being issued. Upon reaching the Bhawan, a group number is allotted to the pilgrims at the slip counter against the yatra slip issued at Katra. The devotees are required to stand in queue at Gate Number 2 till the announcement of the group's number is made to proceed to the sanctum sanctorum.
Though the shrine is visited by pilgrims all through the year, the best season for visiting the shrine is from March till July.
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