Located in the Trikuta Mountains, the sacred Shrine of Mata Vaishno devi is one of popular pilgrimage places for Hindu Devotees. It is situated at an elevation of 5200 ft. Devotees from all over India undertake a trek of 12km from the base camp of Katra to get the divine darshan of Maa Vaishno Devi. In this post we will provide you a detailed history and spiritual significance of Maa Vaishno Devi Temple.
The Origin of Maa Vaishno Devi Temple
There is a very interesting story behind the origin of Maa Vaishno Devi Temple. The exact date of the origin of the temple is unknown but according to a popular version of the origin story, it is said that the Shrine of Maa Vaishno Devi was discovered by a Pandit named Shridhar.
He was an ardent devotee of Mata Vaishnavi. One day Mata had helped him to organize a Bhandara at his place. But when the Bhandara was going on, she left his place to escape Bhairon Nath. Pandit Shridhar felt hopeless and completely isolated himself by giving up food and water. He was constantly praying to Maa Vaishnavi to return.
It is then that Maa Vaishnavi appeared in his dream. She told him to search for her shrine at a holy cave situated in Trikuta Mountain. She insisted on breaking his fast and showed him the way to the holy cave. Pandit Shridhar left his home to search for the cave. Every time he lost his way, the vision of his dream appeared before his eyes and he reached the cave.
After reaching the cave he found a rock with three heads to stop it. In that moment Maa Vaishno Devi appeared before him and introduced him the three heads which are also known as Holy Pindies. She also blessed him with a boon of four sons and a right to worship her manifestation. She also asked to spread the glory of the holy shrine all over. Pandit Shridhar did the same and spent his whole life worshipping Mata Vaishno Devi at the holy cave.
History of Maa Vaishno Devi Temple
Like most of the ancient shrines, the exact date of the construction of Mata Vaishno devi Temple is impossible to detect. But according to the scientific geological study, the holy cave of Mata Vaishno devi is millions of years old. It also finds its mention in the Indian epic – Mahabharata. It is said that during the Mahabharata war, Arjun came to the holy cave for Maa Vaishno Devi’s blessings for victory in the war against Kauravas.
It is also believed that the Pandavas were the first to construct the temple at Kol Kandoli and the Bhawan to honor Ma Vaishno Devi. Also, overlooking the holy cave, there are 5 stone structures which are said to be the rock symbol of the 5 Pandavas. Guru Gobind Singh Ji also visited the cave via Purmandal which is the oldest foot track to reach the holy cave of Maa Vaishno Devi.
Legends associated with Vaishno Devi Temple
There are many legends associated with Maa Vaishno Devi. Let’s know them in detail-
- Legend of Madhu and Kaitabha– It is believed that, at the dawn of time, Lord Vishnu was on Yog Nidra (deep sleep). It was from his navel Lord Brahma emerged who mediated on Vedas. While Lord Vishnu was sleeping, earwax from Lord Vishnu’s ears gave birth to two asura’s Madhu and Kaitabha who performed severe penance to please Maa Vaishno devi. Pleased with their devotion, Maa Vaishno Devi granted them a boon to die only when they wished. They became so arrogant that it led to their downfall. They stole the Vedas from lord Brahma. Unable to defeat them Lord Brahma seeks Vishnu’s help but he was in a deep sleep. Brahma prayed to the Goddess Yoga Nidra who then left Vishnu’s body to wake him up. Lord Vishnu then fought a long battle and killed them. This story shows the power of Yoga Nidra who is an incarnation of Ma Durga whose power can even immobilize Vishnu which shows her supremacy in the cosmic order.
- Legend of Maa Vaishnavi– Once a demon Bhairon Nath was enamored by the beauty of Vaishnavi and wanted to marry her. Devi Vaishnavi was completely committed to her penance and trying to escape his advances. Bhairon Nath relentlessly pursued her throughout the Trikuta mountains but in vain. Vaishnavi reached the holy cave of Mata Vaishno devi where she transformed her into a powerful goddess. She became so powerful that she beheaded Bhairon Nath from outside the cave. Bhairon Nath realized his mistake and merged his soul with Goddess Vaishnavi to attain salvation.
Spiritual Significance of the Darshan of Vaishno Devi Temple
The darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi is considered sacred. It is said that not everyone gets a chance to see Mata Vaishno Devi. Devotees who get the chance to see the goddess believe that they get Bulava of Mata (call of the goddess).
The Darshan of Maa Vaishno Devi is also sacred as she is lovingly known as Mooh Mangi Murad Puri Karne Wali Mata, means the one who can fulfill any wish of the devotee. Devotees from all over India come to see Maa Vaishno Devi with many wishes with pure intent and they believe Maa Vaishno devi will grant them.
Final Words
Maa Vaishno Devi Temple is a testament of the eternal faith of the devotees. No matter how far the devotee lives, the everlasting faith in Maa Vaishno Devi compels them to visit her shrine. There is no idol inside the cave of Maa Vaishno devi but the three Pindies represent the three powerful energies of Maa (Maa Laxmi, Ma Saraswati and Ma Kali). The energies are so strong that it is felt, heard and seen. If you are a devotee of Vaishno Devi then you must visit the holy cave of Maa Vaishno Devi once in a lifetime. If you have any other query related to Vaishno Devi temple, then feel free to ask us in the comment section.
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