A place where miracles happen and prayers are answered, Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. Situated in the Trikuta Hills in Katra, Jammu & Kashmir, it is one of the sacred pilgrimage sites in India. 

Millions of devotees from all over India start the trek of 13 km from the base camp of Katra, chanting Jai Mata Di to reach the bhawan, and offer their prayers. 

So if you are someone planning to visit the temple of Vaishno Devi, explore our Katra tour packages. We have mentioned all the things you need to check out before planning the first spiritual trip of 2026 with your family to seek blessings for the prosperous year.

History and Significance of Mata Vaishno Devi Temple 

According to the belief, it is said that Mata Vaishno Devi was a holy woman who spent her life praying for people and doing good deeds. 

But on a sudden day, a Raksha named Bhairavnath tried to harm her, and to protect herself and her dignity, she hid in a cave for 9 months, which is named Ardhkuwari (Garbha Joon), and she ordered Hanuman ji to instruct that she would perform penance and not let anyone enter this cave. Hanuman dutifully followed his mother’s instructions. 

After defeating the evil powers, it is believed that Mata Vaishno Devi ended her meditation and revealed her divine power inside the cave in the form of three pindis (three natural rock forms). These represent the Goddess in three different forms:

1. Maha Kali: power and strength
2. Maha Lakshmi: wealth and peace 
3. Maha Saraswati: knowledge and wisdom

Temples and Shrines to Visit During Your Vaishno Devi Yatra

Visiting these holy sites enhances your overall experience and completes the pilgrimage journey. Explore Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra Package for trek, hotels, and travel guide.

Ban Ganga 

Ban Ganga is the starting point of the trek. Talking about the history, the Ban Ganga is known as the sacred river in which people take a holy dip before starting their journey. 

It is believed that the name has been formed with the combination of two words: “Ban” means arrow, and “Ganga” means the sacred river of India. The story starts when a langur accompanying Mata Vaishno Devi during her abode to Trikuta Hill started feeling thirsty. To offer her water, she shot an arrow into the land where water emerged. Since then, the river has been flowing, and visitors have been taking a dip before starting the journey. 

Charan Paduka 

After taking a holy dip in Ban Ganga, the next halt is Mata Vaishno Devo Charan Paduka. It is believed that while running from the demon Bhairavnath, Mata Vaishno Devi stopped and looked back to check whether he was near or not, leaving her imprints.

The distance of the Charan Paduka from the Ban Ganga is approximately 1.5 km, located at an altitude of 3380 feet at a distance. 

Ardhkuwari or Adhkumari

The next stop completed the halfway yatra to the temple of Vaishno Devi’s Ardhkuwari. It is one of the important shrines that no devotee should miss while doing this yatra. 

It is located at an altitude of 4600 feet, which can be reached after completing a 6-7 km trek from Ban Ganga. As per the story, Adhkuwari or Ardhkumari was the place or cave, where Mata Vaishno Devi, as a small girl, meditated for the long nine months. Mata Vaishno Devi hid inside the cave, which is in the shape of a Womb, that is why it is known as Garbh Joon, which means “a womb.” 

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple 

Now it’s time for the final destination, that is, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. Devotees worship Mata in the form of the three natural rock formations called Pindis, representing Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati. 

The temple is open throughout the year, and the Shrine Board provides facilities such as accommodation, food, medical aid, and security for pilgrims. Pilgrims believe that Mata herself calls her devotees to this holy place, and the chanting of “Jai Mata Di” fills the entire route.

Bhairav Nath Temple 

Located about 2 to 2.5 km uphill from the main Bhawan. It is dedicated to Bhairav Nath, who is believed to be the guardian of the holy cave. The trek to the temple is short but steep, and pilgrims are rewarded with beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Devotees can reach the temple either by trekking or by ropeway, which makes the journey easier, especially for elderly pilgrims.

Vaishno Devi Darshan and Aarti Timings

Check out the Darshan and Aarti Timings of the Mata Vaishno Devi Katra 

• The temple opens around 5:00 AM in the morning. Hence, exact opening timings can vary slightly by season. 
• The morning darshan starts from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM, which are the general entry timings.
• The evening darshan opens from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Remember, these times are general and can vary depending on the weather and the needs of the hour. 

Aarti Type	Timings
Morning Aarti	06:20 AM – 08:00 AM
Evening Aarti	Winter: 06:20 PM – 08:00 PMSummer: 07:20 PM – 08:30 PM

Note: The exact time can vary slightly by season and official calendar from the Shrine Board. So consider verifying it from the local once you reach Katra. 

Best Time to Visit Vaishno Devi Temple 

• March to June: The weather is pleasant and comfortable during this time to complete the trek for all ages without any hassle. The day temperature is moderate, but you can experience slightly higher crowds, and pilgrims rush due to the summer vacation period. 

• September to November is the Best Time to Visit Vaishno Devi Temple. After the end of the monsoon season, the weather is light and green, making it easy for trekking and offering a peaceful darshan. 

• July to August (Monsoon Season): This season experiences the rains, and the paths become slippery and muddy, prone to landslides. Although the crowd is smaller, the weather can create a mess and an uncomfortable experience. 

• December to January (Cold Weather and Snow): This season is considered ideal for people who enjoy cold weather and snow. Trek routes may be temporarily closed due to the black ice formation, and extreme cold can make darshan difficult for elderly pilgrims.

• Navratri Time (March-April and September-October): Consider noting that the peak season is the Navratri time, and the place witnesses jam-packed crowds during this season. 

What to Expect on Mata Vaishno Devi Trek 

Noting what to expect on the Mata Vaishno Devi Trek can help you make informed decisions while packing and preparing for the upcoming challenges.

• Mobile networks are limited near the Bhawan, so you might need to buy a local SIM. 
• Free langar is available near some of the famous places. 
• Trekking at night is common and well-lit, so there is no need to worry if you are planning a night trek. 
• Crowds increase during the weekends, holidays, and festivals, especially Navratri, so pre-book your accommodations and transport facilities for a hassle-free experience. 
• Battery cars, ponies, palkis, and helicopter services are available for all age groups. 
• The total trek distance is about 13 km from Katra to Bhawan
• Takes 6–9 hours on foot (one way), depending on pace and the capabilities of a particular person. 

Conclusion

A trip to Vaishno Devi Temple is about more than faith and devotion and seeing such an incredible view of nature; it’s also about your journey to this holy place of worship. There is a 13 km trek from Katra to the Vaishno Temple, allowing you to experience the spiritual energy around the shrine that you’re going to visit. Good planning will allow you to have a rewarding and memorable pilgrimage. Travellers wishing to combine their spiritual journey to the Vaishno Devi Temple with touring the scenic sites of Katra to Kashmir Tour Package. This package provides an easy and seamless way to experience both attractions (temple & surrounding attractions). You will have an amazing time and leave with unforgettable memories and blessings of God – whether it’s a trip with family, friends, or alone.

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