Vaishnodevi, Kashmir, India

Vaishnodevi

What is it? Home to the Divine Mother
Where is it? Jammu and Kashmir
When do I go? Pilgrimage time; it isn’t safe otherwise
For how long? One day
STD Code: 01991
This place is about wish fulfillment. About a cave that lies 61 km North of Jammu, and the faith that surrounds it. People visiting Vaishnodevi undertake a tough yatra (pilgrimage) to reach the cave with the shrine of the ‘Mata’ (mother goddess) Vaishno Devi. She is represented in the three divine aspects of goddess-hood in Hindu mythology — Mahakali (the fierce form of the goddess), Saraswati (goddess of knowledge) and Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth).

The gruelling yatra to the cave works as a kind of catharsis for the pilgrim soul. Believers — and they are not just Hindus who come here but people of all faiths — cover a 13 km trek on foot from Katra at the base of the Trikuta mountains to reach the holy cave.

Miracles are granted to those who are determined enough to make it to the cave. Stories are told of people ascending the innumerable stairs on foot when they have never walked small distances from their homes. The most common link is the shout of Jai Mata Di that dissolves in the cold air on the climb up to the cave.

About Vaishnodevi
Geography
The cave shrine lies in the Trikuta mountains, 61 kilometres north of Jammu. Situated at a height of 5,200 feet above sea level, this mountain forms the lower ranges of the Himalayas in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The cave is 30 m long and 1.7 m in height.

Climate
The shrine is visited all through the year, but the path is difficult during the winter because of snowfall.
The best time is between March and July.

For more information on the following topics, please see the TravelOnTheDollar Vaishnodevi travel guide for Kindle:
- Getting there
- Getting around
- Sights & Sounds
- Accommodation
- Eating Out
- Shopping
- Useful Information
- Survival Guide

Vaishnodevi, Kashmir The complete guide to the Holy Shrine of Vaishnodevi in the Northern valley state of Kashmir – Vaishnodevi. Get all the information you need – getting there, getting away, excursions, sights & sounds, things to do, useful information, etc. Kindle price: $9.99