Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the most famous shrines in Jammu & Kashmir. Located in Trikuta Mountains, the temple of Vaishno Devi is a holy cave where devotees worship Vaishno Devi. It is also the holiest of Shakti Peethas of Devi Sati. It is believed that the right hand of Devi sati fell here. One does find the hand remains of a human known as Varad Hast. The hand grants boons and gives divine blessings to the devotees.
The idol of Mata Vaishno Devi is in a rock form with three heads atop. The three heads represent three energies (energies of Ma Laxmi, Ma Saraswati and Ma Kali). These heads are now known as holy Pindies. If you are planning to visit the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi then you are at the right place. In this post we will provide you some useful tips to make your Vaishno Devi Yatra blissful.
Planning Vaishno Devi Yatra
The Right Time
Best Time to visit Vaishno Devi Yatra is in the months of May, June and July. Indeed, the shrine is open throughout the year but the festival time of Chaitra and Sharad Ashwin- Navratras will make your visit memorable for a lifetime.
Registration for Vaishno Devi Yatra
- You have to do the registration for Vaishno Devi Yatra. The yatra registration center is at Katra near the Bus stand. You can also visit YRC-II which is located at Udhampur Road. The registration for the Yatra is done by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine Board.
- The registration process is completely free and fully computerized. It is compulsory to do the registration to avoid overcrowding, accidents. It also ensures basic facilities like food and water for all.
Pro Tip– It will be easy for you to register for the Yatra from YRC-II at Udhampur. It is located just a km away from the main Yatra counter at Katra.
What to Pack
Apart from choosing the right time to visit Vaishno Devi, it is also important to consider weather conditions to pack the right things.
- If you are visiting the shrine during winters then you have to pack heavy woolen clothes. If you are visiting in summer, you can pack light woolen clothes. As it is a hilly area, you will always find the place cold. The main shrine area which is known as Bhawan gets cooler at night.
- You also have to carry comfortable footwear to walk on track. You need a footwear with flat or platform soles to walk on track properly. For rainy seasons, carry umbrellas and raincoats.
Booking Right Accommodation
- Vaishno Devi has a good arrangement for accommodation for the pilgrims. For the comfort and convenience of the pilgrims, there are halls at Adhkuwari, Sanjichhat & Bhawan free of cost to stay and wait for your darshan.
- You will get clean toilets. There are blanket stores, Bhojanalayas (eateries) and medical aid centers near the halls for the comfort of pilgrims.
- On peak rush days, you will get free accommodation available at Katra in the Niharika complex. You can also book rented accommodation for stay. You will get rented accommodations at Jammu (Vaishnavi Dham, Kalika Dham and Saraswati Dham near Railway Station) and at Katra (Niharika, Shakti Bhawan and Ashirwad Bhawan). You will also get rented accommodations at Adhkuwari, Sanjichhat and Bhawan.
- Book your accommodation in advance would be a good way to avoid last minute hassles and non-availability of accommodations.
Bhojanalayas
There is no problem getting meals at Vaishno Devi. At Bhojanalayas, you will get traditional vegetarian meals as it’s a religious place, do not expect non-vegetarian food. Here you will get biscuits, tea, coffee, milk, water etc. from the refreshment units of the Shrine board. The shrine board has 5 Bhojanalayas each one at Adhkuwari, Sanjichhat and three at Main Bhawan.
Starting the Trek to Vaishno Devi
The Trek
Walking for 12-13 km is not easy for the beginner trekkers. But still devotees prefer to walk to cleanse their soul. Walking to reach the shrine is a spiritual process. It is a form of a penance. After a long trek of 12-13 km, the mind becomes still and filled with devotion and gratitude for Ma Vaishno Devi.
Ponies/ Palkis
There may be people who have physical limitations. For those, there are arrangements of Ponies and Palkis to complete the journey.
Porters
You will also get porters service (also known as Pithus) which is used for carrying luggage, young children or light weighted old people.
Rest Rooms
During your journey you will get many restrooms, food stalls and medical centers to rejuvenate yourself and get complete rest to continue your journey.
Do’s and Don’ts
Here are some of the most important instructions to follow while doing Vaishno Devi Yatra-
Do’s
- You have to get a Vaishno Devi Yatra registration slip from the designated center at Katra or Udhampur. Without getting the slip you will not be allowed to continue the journey to Vaishno Devi.
- Check the valid registration card or token number of the people who are offering Ponies, Palanquins or porter services. Ensure that they have renewed their ID’s and don’t have an expired registration card.
- Always keep emergency contact numbers like your family members, shrine board, accommodation staff or local authorities etc. for safety.
- Stay hydrated during the trek and consume light meals like nuts, fruits or any local snack. Consuming heavy meals may make you feel; dizzy which will create hindrance in walking.
Don’ts
- Don’t carry unnecessary luggage or clothes, food, drinks or blankets during the trek as it will be available at various viewpoints during the journey.
- Don’t ignore any kind of health issues during your journey. If you are facing any health problem during the trek then immediately seek medical help from the nearby medical centers.
- Don’t compromise your safety during the trek and follow the prescribed guidelines. Avoid shortcuts or risky routes to reach Vaishno Devi.
- Do not ruin the beauty of the track by throwing garbage. Use dustbins for disposal. Maintain cleanliness.
Final Words
Vaishno Devi Yatra is a journey of bliss. By following all these useful tips, you will enjoy one of the most memorable pilgrimage tours of your life. Safety should be your first priority when you are doing Vaishno Devi Yatra. All these tips when followed carefully will ensure comfort and safety for you and your loved ones. If You still have doubts, feel free to ask us in the comment section of the post. We are happy to help.
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Thanks for your information. I am from Goa planning to visit in meed of February month.
kindly share your contact detail