Katra is a small but very important town, located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is the main base camp for devotees visiting Mata Vaishno Devi. You can also go by rail or road by tempo traveller.
Mata Vaishno Devi is one of the most famous and sacred pilgrimage sites in India. This temple is located on Trikuta Mountain near the city of Katra in Jammu and Kashmir. Lakhs of devotees come here for darshan every year. Detailed information is given below:
๐ธ History and importance of Mata Vaishno Devi
Vaishno Devi is considered to be the incarnation of Mahakali, Mahasaraswati and Mahalakshmi.
This goddess incarnated in the form of Trikuta and killed a demon named Bhairavnath.
There are three Pindi forms of Mata in the cave – these are symbols of all three goddesses.
๐ Location
Location: Trikuta Parvat, Katra, District Reasi, Jammu and Kashmir
Altitude: Approx 5,200 feet
๐ค๏ธ How to reach?
Railway:
Train to Jammu (Direct trains are available to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Station)
Roadway:
Buses and taxis run from Jammu to Katra (approx 1.5 hours)
Airway:
Nearest airport โ Jammu Airport (approx 50 km)
๐ถโโ๏ธ Travel details
Distance from Katra to Bhawan: 13.5 km (walking)
Main stops of the journey:
Banganga
Chadakh Pani
Ardhkumari (Garbhjun Cave)
Sanji Chhat
Bhawan (Main Temple)
Bhairav Valley: After visiting Mata, devotees also go here for darshan. It is said that the darshan is complete only when you have darshan of Bhairav Baba as well.
๐ด Travel options:
Walking
Horse/mule
Palki
Pitthu (for children or luggage)
Helicopter (from Katra to Sanji Chhat, then a little walk)
๐จ Accommodation:
Dharamshalas by Shrine Board (online booking)
Many hotels and lodges are available in Katra.
๐ Important advice for devotees
It is necessary to get a Yatra Parchi for the journey (available online or free of cost from Katra)
Wear light clothes and comfortable shoes
Carry warm clothes in winter
Night travel is safe โ the path is illuminated and security personnel are present
๐ท เคเคเคฐเคพ เคเฅ เคฎเฅเคเฅเคฏ เคเคพเคจเคเคพเคฐเฅ:
๐ เคธเฅเคฅเคพเคจ:
There is a climb of about 13-14 kilometers from Katra to Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan. This journey can be done on foot, horse, palanquin, or even by h
๐ Katra By Tempo Traveller or innova Crysta
Mata Vaishno Devi Temple โ One of the most famous pilgrimages in India.
Ardhkumwari Caves โ A sacred place in the middle of the yatra.
Bhairav Baba Temple โ It is considered a must visit after visiting Mata.
Nau Devi Yatra (Visit to nearby temples) โ Some pilgrims also visit other Devi temples nearby.
๐ฃ๏ธ By Road
- The road from Jammu to Katra is very good. It can be reached in 1.5 to 2 hours by Tempo Traveller or Bus.
- Delhi to Katra โ approx 650-700 kms, journey of approx 12-14 hours.
Katra has hotels, dharamshalas, and accommodations of all ranges from budget to luxury.
The Shrine Board also runs affordable dharamshalas for pilgrims.