Vaishno Devi
The shrine of Vaishno Devi, the Mother Goddess, is one that millions of Indians from across the subcontinent go to on pilgrimage. Situated in the Himalayan trail foothills, the Devi's cave is visited throughout the year by the devout. It is said that anyone who treks theHimalayan to her shrine to ask for a boon will rarely return disappointed whether the request is for a son, an early marriage or good results in a forthcoming examination.
According to legend, Vaishno Devi took the cave for her home upon being chased by a demon, Bhairon, whom she slayed outside the shrine. A visit to the temple dedicated to Bhairon who was absolved of his sin before he died, is an obligatory part of the pilgrimage.
Katra from where the 13.5 km. trek to the cave shrine begins is 50 km. from Jammu. The average time taken for the climb to the cave shrine is approximately six hours. Permits to enter the shrine have to be obtained in advance to avoid overcrowding. Light woollens and raincapes should be carried.
ACCESS
Air base is Jammu which is connected with Delhi, Chandigarh and Srinagar. The railhead Jammu-Tawi is an important junction where all important trains for New Delhi and cities of the north originate and culminate. Regular bus services connect Katra and Jammu, and Jammu itself is well connected by road with Delhi and major cities of north India, including Srinagar and Amritsar.
ACCOMMODATION
The base city, Katra, has hotels that range from first class to budget:
Hotel Ambica (2-star) , Jummu Road, Vaishnodevi-Katra. Phones: 01991-32062, 32064, 32400.
Hotel Asia Vaishnodevi (2-star), Vaishnodevi, Katra. Phones: 32061, 32161; Cable: asiaotels ; Fax: 01991-33344.
Hotel Shivalik, Jammu-Katra.
Tridev, Jammu-Katra. Phone: 32108.
Tourist Bungalow, (JKTDC), Bus Stand . Phone: 32009.
Tourist Retiring Centre , (JKTDC) , Near Bus Stand. Phone: 32309.
Tourist Bungalow, Jammu -Katra. Phone: 32009.
Dharamshalas and dormitory accommodation are available at Katra, Adhkunwari (on the climb) and at Vaisho Devi.
At Jammu: Jammu Ashok; Asia Jammu Tawi; Tourist Reception Centre; Mansar; Cosmo; Premier.
Other Facilities
For dining, hotels in Katra have restaurants. En route there are regular dhabas that serve snacks and beverages. Adhkunwari has restaurants that serve wholesome meals. At Vaishno Devi, simple cafes supply meals round the clock. At Ban Ganga (on the climb), there is a free langar.
Drinking water is available all along the route at regular intervals.
The trail is well lit by night. The shrine itself has generators so that within the cave there is an uninterrupted supply of power.