The cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Deviji or Trikuta Bhagwati has been a source of faith and fulfillment to millions of its devotees across the world. The pilgrimage to the Shrine holds great significance for the devotees. Mata's cave shrine is nestled in the mighty Trikuta mountain 61 kilometres north of Jammu at a height of 5,200 feet above the sea level in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India. 

Throughout the year, a huge mass of humanity climbs up the steep pathways that cut across the hillside for mile after mile to get a glimpse of the divine Mata. According to popular belief, anybody who walks the Himalayan trail to her abode to ask for a boon rarely goes back disappointed. Many of her devotee comebacks to her year after year to pay homage regardless of their faith or belief, creed or class, caste or religion, for Mata Vaishno Devi transcends all such barriers.

The Legend: According to popular legend, more than 700 years ago Vaishno Devi, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, used to pray to Lord Rama and had taken vow of celibacy. Bhairon Nath, a demon god, tried to behold her after getting attracted to her extraordinary beauty. Making use of his evil powers, Bhairon Nath was able to see her going towards the Trikuta mountains and gave her a chase. The Goddess felt thirsty at Banganga and shot an arrow into the earth from where water gushed out. Charan Paduka, marked by the imprints of her feet, is the place where she rested. The Goddess then meditated in the cave at Adhkawari. It took Bhairon Nath nine months to locate her, the reason why the cave is known as Garbh Joon. Mata Vaishno Devi blasted an opening at the other end of the cave with Her Trident when the demon god located her.

On arriving at the Holy Cave at Darbar, she assumed the form of Maha Kali and cut off Bhairon Nath's head which was flung up the mountain by the force of the blow and fell at the place where the Bhairon Temple is now located. The boulder at the mouth of the Holy Cave according to the legend is the petrified torso of Bhairon Nath who was granted divine forgiveness by the benevolent Mata in his dying moments.

The holy journey of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine: The holy yatra (journey) of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine begins at Katra and pilgrims have to cover 13 km. of terrain on foot to reach the well known shrine. One kilometer away from Katra, you would find Banganga, place where Mata quenched her thirst and at 6 kms, the holy cave at Adhkawari.

After the commencement of their yatra, the yatris (pilgrims) are advised to obtain a yatra slip only from the Yatra Registration Counter at the Tourism Reception Centre, Katra Bus Stand and nowhere else. Without an authentic yatra slip, crossing of Banganga check-post will not be allowed. The yatra slip is absolutely free but is necessary to commence the yatra.

Pilgrims can obtain caps, canvas shoes, sticks etc. on hire for the holy yatra. Pithus (people who carry weight on their backs) can be hired for carrying luggage and small children. Those who have problems in climbing on the mountains can hire the services of a pony or dandi (palenquin). It is advised that you should avail of the services of only registered people be it the pithu, pony or the dandiwalla and keep his token with yourself for the period he is engaged.

The entire 13 km route is quite wide and tiled. Besides, the whole path is lit up every night by powerful sodium vapour lamps. The entire route which leads to the shrine is swept and cleaned from time to time throughout the day. Yatris are requested to keep the path clean.

Shelter cum sheds and shelter cum cafeterias are setup throughout the route for the convenience of the visitors. Pure vegetarian food is available at these outlets. Price charts are exhibited at all these outlets prominently. Drinking water has been made available all along the route, with water coolers and storage facilities for the benefit of the devotees. Public utilities with automatic flushing systems along the track and at the Bhawan are also provided to make your yatra hassle free.

After 6 kms of trekking, you would reach Adhkawari, the holy cave where Mata meditated for nine months. Do visit the cave. After 9.5 kms from Katra, you would reach Sanji Chhat where you can rest for sometime. Accommodation is also available at this place. Mata Vaishno Devi's Bhawan is just 3.5 kms away from this place.

On reaching Mata's Bhawan, you'll be required to show your yatra slip at the Registration Office and obtain the batch number provided on the slip. This number is important as it will determine your place in the queue for Mata's darshan.

On reaching Bhawan you'll be required to have a bath and change your clothes. Be sure to get your luggage and leather items booked in the cloak rooms and obtain the receipt. Book the valuables separately and obtain the receipt. You can also get blankets on a refundable deposit of Rs.100. Before entering the Bhawan, buy Prasad, Chunri and Coconuts from the shops situated at the entrance of the Bhawan as an offering.

Getting the glimpse of holy Mata Vaishno Devi is a heavenly experience which will enlighten your life for the better.

Location of Mata Vaishno Devi's shrine: Mata's cave shrine is nestled in the mighty Trikuta mountain 61 kilometres north of Jammu at a height of 5,200 feet above the sea level in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Best season for visiting the shrine:

The shrine is visited all through the year, but the path is difficult during the winters due to snowfall so apart from the winter season you can visit the holy shrine anytime throughout the year.

How to reach Katra from Jammu :
Buses leave for Katra every 10 minutes from the main bus stand at Jammu between 5.30 am to 8.30 pm. During rush periods, additional buses are also pressed into service between Jammu and Katra.
Private Taxis are also available for hire between Jammu and Katra. These can be hired from Jammu Airport, Jammu Railway Station and the Tourist Reception Centre at Jammu.

Where to stay in:

In Jammu:
Yatri Niwas managed by the Shrine Board. Various private hotels such Hotel Jammu Ashok, K.C. Residency, Hari Niwas Palace, Hotel Asia and other budget hotels. The room rent ranges from Rs.300/- per day to Rs.3000/- per day.

*** Upcoming KC Grand, a 3 Star Deluxe Hotel will prove to be the ultimate destination for the visitors of Jammu, Vaishno Devi and other adjoining areas.

In Katra and other places:
Yatri Niwas managed by the Shrine Board, Rest Houses maintained by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, other hotels. Sarais managed by the Shrine Board offer free accomodation at Adhkawari, Sanji chhat and Darbar. Dharamshala, run by various organizations offer reasonable accommodation to the pilgrims. Yatris are however advised to keep themselves away from touts promising free Dharamshala accommodation.