Vaishnodevi Temple - Jammu Kashmir

 Vaishno Devi Temple is a pilgrimage site (temple) located on the hill of Vaishno Devi in Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Shakti. In Hinduism, Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani and Vaishnavi, is an incarnation of the Mother Goddess. The journey to reach this temple situated in the beautiful plains is very difficult, but it is said that on a call from the 'mother of mountains', her devotees make this journey successful with the power of faith and belief. Lakhs of pilgrims visit the temple every year and it is the second most visited religious pilgrimage site in India after the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.

Vaishno Devi Temple is located near Katra town in Jammu district of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is one of the most revered holy sites in northern India. The temple is situated at an altitude of 5,200 ft and at a distance of about 12 kilometers (7.45 mi) from Katra. The hill on which this temple is built is known as Vaishno Devi hill. The temple is maintained by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Tirtha Mandal. It is said that on one call of the mother, her devotees come running to visit the mother. Mother has unbreakable love with the devotees, that's why devotees definitely go to visit the Vaishno Mata temple situated in the lap of the mountains after working hard.

There is special recognition of the darshan of Maa Vaishno Devi during Navratras. For these nine days, whether in the country or abroad, lakhs of people come to visit Maa Vaishno Devi. By the way, it is also said that Goddess Vaishno Devi of the mountains fulfills everyone's wishes. Whoever goes to his court with a true heart, his every wish is fulfilled. Such is the true court of Mata Vaishno Devi. Devotees of Mata believe that when Mata calls, the devotee reaches her court with some pretext or the other. The one who goes without being invited, no matter how much he wants, he cannot see the mother.

In practical terms, Mata Vaishno Devi is the collective form of knowledge, glory and strength, because there are three forms of Adishakti – first Mahasaraswati, who is the goddess of knowledge, second Mahalakshmi, the goddess of wealth and third Mahakali or Durga, who is the power. Format is considered. To become superior and successful on the ground of life and to touch the heights, education, money and strength are necessary, which is possible only through hard work and hard work.

This journey of Mother also gives inspiration and strength to face difficulties and struggles in the journey of life and achieve your goal with full confidence. This famous court of Mother Vaishno Devi is considered to be one of the 51 Shaktipeeths, along with being a major pilgrimage center for Hindus, where lakhs of devotees come from far and wide to visit the mother.

It is one of the most revered holy sites in northern India. Mahalakshmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati are established in Pindi form in the cave of Maa Vaishno Devi, geologists also tell this cave to be several billion years old. This cave of Mata is at a distance of 61 km from North Jammu in Trikuta mountain. During this holy journey of Vaishno Devi, devotees also avail the darshan of pilgrimages like Devamai, Baan Ganga, Charan Paduka, Garbh Jun Gufa, Bhairav Temple etc. The temple is situated at an altitude of about 6500 km above sea level.

Many stories are prevalent about Mata Vaishno Devi. According to a famous ancient belief, once the mother of mountains, being pleased with the devotion of one of her supreme devotees, saved his shame and gave proof of her existence to the whole creation. 2 km from present Katra town. Sridhar, the supreme devotee of Maa Vaishnavi, lived in Hansali village situated at a distance of He was sad because of being childless. One day he called unmarried girls for Navratri worship. Maa Vaishno sat among them in the form of a girl. After the worship, all the girls left but Maa Vaishno Devi remained there and said to Sridhar- 'Invite everyone to come to your home for Bhandara.' Sridhar obeyed that divine girl and the message of Bhandara reached the nearby villages. Gave. While returning from there, along with Guru Gorakhnath and his disciple Baba Bhairavnath ji, his other disciples were also invited for food. After getting the invitation for food, all the villagers were surprised that who is that girl who wants to feed so many people? After this, many villagers came and gathered at Shridhar's house for food. Then Mother Vaishno Devi in the form of a girl started serving food to everyone from a strange vessel.

While serving food, the girl went to Bhairavnath. Then he said that instead of kheer-puri, I would eat meat and drink alcohol. Then the mother in the form of a girl explained to him that this is the food at Brahmin's place, non-vegetarian is not eaten in it. But Bhairavnath deliberately stuck to his point. When Bhairavnath wanted to catch that girl, then the mother came to know about his hypocrisy. Mother changed into the form of air and flew towards Trikuta mountain. Bhairavnath also followed him. It is believed that Pawanputra Hanuman was also there to protect the mother. According to belief, at that time also Hanumanji was with him to protect the mother. When Hanumanji felt thirsty, on his request, the mother took out a water stream by shooting an arrow from the bow on the mountain and washed her hair in that water. Today this holy stream is known as Banganga, by drinking or bathing in its holy water, all the tiredness and troubles of the devotees go away.

During this, the mother entered a cave and did penance for nine months. Bhairavnath also followed him till there. Then a monk said to Bhairavnath that the one whom you are considering as a girl is Adishakti Jagdamba. That's why stop chasing that superpower. Bhairavnath did not listen to the monk. Then the mother made a way out from the other side of the cave. This cave is still famous by the name of Ardhakumari or Adikumari or Garbhjoon. There is also the foot paduka of the mother before Ardhquari. This is the place where mother turned back to see Bhairavnath while running away. After coming out of the cave, the girl assumed the form of a goddess. Mata warned Bhairavnath and asked him to return. Still he did not agree. Mother went inside the cave. Then Hanumanji fought with Bhairav outside the cave to protect the mother.

Bhairav still did not give up when the brave Hanuman started getting tired, then Mata Vaishnavi took the form of Mahakali and killed Bhairavnath. Bhairavnath's head was cut off and fell in the Bhairav valley of Trikuta mountain, 8 km away from the building. That place is known as the temple of Bhaironath. The place where Maa Vaishno Devi killed Hathi Bhairavnath is famous as 'Holy Cave' or 'Bhavan'. At this place Maa Kali (right), Maa Saraswati (middle) and Maa Lakshmi (left) are enshrined in the cave in the form of pindis. The combined form of these three is called the form of Maa Vaishno Devi. Along with these three grand Pindis, there are idols and instruments installed by some devoted devotees and former kings of Jammu and Kashmir. It is said that after his slaughter, Bhairavnath repented of his mistake and begged for forgiveness from the mother.

Mata Vaishno Devi knew that Bhairav`s main intention behind attacking her was to attain salvation, she not only freed Bhairav from the cycle of rebirth but also gave him a boon saying that my darshan would not be considered complete till then , until a devotee will visit you after me. According to the same belief, even today, after visiting Mata Vaishno Devi, devotees climb a steep climb of 8 kilometers to visit Bhairavnath. Meanwhile Vaishno Devi assumed the shape of a rock with three pindas (heads) and became eternally meditative. Meanwhile Pandit Sridhar became impatient. They proceeded towards the Trikuta mountain in the same way that they had seen in the dream, finally they reached the entrance of the cave, they made it their routine to worship the 'Pindas' in various ways, the goddess was pleased with their worship, they appeared before them. appeared and blessed them. Since then, Shridhar and his descendants have been worshiping Goddess Maa Vaishno Devi.

How to Reach Vaishno Devi Temple 

Jammu is the first stop for the devotees who want to visit Maa Vaishno Devi. You can reach Jammu by bus, taxi, train or flight. Jammu is connected by broad gauge line. The number of pilgrims visiting Vaishno Devi increases in summer, so every year special trains are run by the Railways from Delhi to Jammu for the convenience of the pilgrims. Jammu is connected by National Highway 1A of India. So if you want to reach Jammu by bus or taxi also then you will have no problem. You can easily get direct buses and taxis from many major cities of North India to Jammu. The starting base camp for the journey to Maa Ke Bhawan is Katra, a village in Jammu district. The distance from Jammu to Katra is about 50 km. Bus and taxi services ply between Katra and Jammu. Katra is situated at an altitude of 2500 feet above sea level. You can easily reach Katra by bus or taxi. Several buses are also available from Jammu Railway Station to Katra, by which you can reach Katra in about 2 hours. If you want to reach Katra by taxi, then you can travel by taxi to Katra by spending 500 to 1000 rupees, which will reach you to Katra in about 1 hour.

Maa Vaishno Devi Yatra starts from Katra. Most travelers start their journey by resting here. The distance from Katra to Ardhkumari Temple and the main temple of Maa is approximately 8 and 12 kilometers respectively. The distance of Bhairavnath from the holy cave of Maa is about 8 kms. Pilgrims keep on climbing throughout the night to have a darshan of the mother. Free 'travel slip' is available for darshan of Mata from Katra itself. Only after taking this slip, you can start the climb from Katra to the court of Maa Vaishno. Three hours after taking this slip, you have to make an entry at 'Baan Ganga Check Point' before the start of climbing and you can start climbing only after checking the luggage there. If you do not make an entry at the check post within three hours after taking the Yatra Slip, your Yatra Slip may be cancelled. So always keep in mind that take the travel slip at the time of starting the journey. For those who are not able to make the strenuous climb, there are palanquins, and horse-drawn facilities from Ban Ganga. Now even the battery operated auto is being run by the temple administration from the semi-virgin temple to the main gate of Mata. In which five-six passengers can travel comfortably at a time.

Some devotees climb on foot to visit Mata's cave and some hire palanquins, horses or pittu to make this difficult climb easier. To carry small children for the climb, you can book local people on hire, who will take your children on the back for a fixed fee. The fare for a palanquin, pittu or horse for a person to climb from Katra to Bhawan (holy cave of Maa Vaishno Devi) ranges from 250 to 350 rupees. Apart from this, you will have to pay extra charges for seating small children or overweight person. During the climb, there is arrangement for refreshments and food at various places along the way. By paying which you can avail this facility. Travelers wishing to visit Maa in less time can also take advantage of helicopter facility. By spending around Rs 2200 to Rs 3500, visitors can reach Sanjichhat from Katra by helicopter (situated at a distance of few km from Bhairavnath Temple). Free 'cloak room' facility is also available for keeping your luggage at some places during the climb up to Katra and main building.

Vaishno Devi Safety Tips

• Although devotees visit Maa Vaishno Devi throughout the year, but the best season to visit here is summer.
• The minimum temperature of the building in winter goes down to -3 to -4 degree and there is a danger of rock slide due to this season. So avoid traveling in this season.
• Blood pressure patients should not use stairs for climbing.
• Due to the building being situated at a height, you may have problems related to vomiting and nausea while climbing up here, to avoid which keep necessary medicines with you.
• As far as possible, take the least amount of luggage with you during the ascent so that you do not face any problem during the ascent.
• The stick will prove to be very helpful for you in climbing on foot.
• Trekking shoes will be very comfortable for you in climbing.
• Mother's praise will solve all the difficulties in your path.

Most important pilgrimage destination

Why is 4 dham yatra important ?

       Just as there are four vedas, four directions in hindu culture, there are also four  dhams. The holy land of india has Jagannathpuri in the east, Dwarkapuri in the west, Rameshwar in the south and Badrinath in the north.

Jagannathpuri

       Mahaprabhu shri krishna spent a few days of his life in Jagannathpuri. It is believed that in Jagannathpuri people of all religions sit and eat together which increases the merit of the pilgrims. Jagannath literally means Nath of the world, Lord vishnu. Jagannath temple has the main idol of Lord vishnu along with idols of Balrama and Subhadra. These idols are made of sandal wood. It is said that Lord Brahma himself provided the eyes in the main idol and worshiped Lors vishnu. Underneath the idols there is an Asthi Manjisa which is enshrined in a new idol every 12th year. It is said that these relics belong to Lord krishna. Market day in jagannathpuri  shwetaganga,Indradyumna, Sandalwood, Parvati lake, Markandeya have five shrines. The glory of shri jagannathpuri maharaj`s prasad is very famous. It is said to absorb the dosha without touching anything even on the day of vrat. That wonderful prasad is not a food or substance but a symbolic essence.

Dwarka

       Dwarka is a place of mythological, historical and religious importance. It is that after leaving Mathura, Lord krishna along with his brother Balaram and Yadavas came to Dwarka and made it their new capital. In the eighth century, Swami aadi shankaracharya established the Dwarkapeeth for the propogation of sanatan dharma. Since then this town is considered among the four capitals of India. Harigraha of Dwarkadhish temple was built by Anurodha`s son vajranath in memory of his baba shri krishna. A statue of lord krishna is enshrined in the harigriha of the temple. The dwarkapeeth math is shown to have great religious importance as it is one of the four dhams of hindus.There is Rukmini ,the queen of krishna. Rukmini`s temple is a wonderful example of architectural art.It is written in skandha purana the due to the influence of Dwarka, moths, animals, birds and all the sins raised in the primordial vaginas are also freed. Those who live in Dwarka every day and become jitendriya and remain enthusiastically formed and digested in the service of lord krishna, all their desires are fulfilled. Even by sight and touch, the biggest sinners are freed and go to heaven.

Rameswaram

     

    Rameswaram is believed to be where Lord rama expressed his gratitude to shiva when he returned after conquering Lanka. According to the Ramayana, before thr victory in the war against the demons, Lord rama bathed there and worshiped shiva. Vibhisan, the brother of  the demon king Ravana, surrendered to Lord rama at the temple and gained his protection. Dhanushkoti temple has idols of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Hanuman and vibhisan. The corridor of ramnath swamy temple is considered to be the largest among the temples of India. The temple is endowed with exquisite examples of architecture. Rameswaram is enumerated in twelve jyotirlingas. It is written in Brahmakhand of skandhapurana that Rameshwar is excellent in all shrines and fields because of the bridge built by Lord rama. Just by seeing that bridge, the world gets liberated and devotion and virtue increase in Lord vishnu and shiva. His visual, oral and monthly work is also accomplished. There is no doubt about it. Setubandh has been said to be a deity. All the sins of a human being are destroyed by just contemplating shri rameshwar linga.

Badrinath

           Badrinath is situated at the confluence of Rishiganga and Alkhanandan rivers between the Nar and Narayan mountains. The beauty of badrinath has been discussed in mahabharata, skandhapurana and other puranas. The main idol in badrinath temple is of Lord vishnu. This idol made on shaalgram stone is unique in terms of art. According to mythology, this idol was obtained from a tank by shankaracharya in the seventh century. In front of it there is a hot water spring on the bank of alkhanandan river. It is called talkund in which devotees bathe and feel very pleasant.Bhima and the pandavas kept a huge stone in the river to cross it, which is known as bhimshila. It is said that mahashiva vyasa composed the puranas in the vyas cave there. Outside the cave, a huge rock is seen in the shape of a book. It is called "vyasapushtika". It is written in mahabharata that ritually observing swadharma in other tirthas gives freedom from death. But the vision of badrishetra gives salvation.Badri is the supreme shrine, tapovan and the real paratan brahma. He is the Lord of the living beings. Knowing him, the infatuation and anxiety are immediately removed.