The Holy Call of Vaishno Devi

The Holy Call of Vaishno Devi Summary: The Maa Vaishno Devi temple near Katra in Jammu, is one of the most visited holy places in country. Till date, nobody knows the exact story behind the origin of the temple. Legend goes that one can visit the Vaishno Devi temple only if the Goddess so desires. Sounds unbelievable? Well, quite often ardent devotees who plan a pilgrimage well in advance, find that their plans go awry at the last moment. At the same time, someone with no plans to visit, suddenly finds himself or herself on the way to Vaishno Devi due to some strange inexplicable turn of events. This temple is amongst the shrines dedicated to Shakti. It is perched atop a height of around 5300 feet near Katra, in the Reasi District of Jammu. Next to Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, it is the most visited shrine in India and almost 8 million pilgrims come to pay obeisance here every year. The Story of Vaishno Devi It is said that Maa Vaishno Devi was born in her human form in South India and was named Trikuta. At the tender age of 9, she set out to do penance and prayed to Lord Vishnu. During this time, Lord Rama arrived at the seashore, where she was meditating. Lord Rama was there on his way to Lanka. Maa Vaishno Devi told him that she had accepted him as her husband but Lord Rama replied that in his present incarnation, his only wife could be Sita. However, the Lord was pleased and promised her that the praise of Maa Vaishno Devi would be sung far and wide. Lord Rama also promised her that in Kaliyuga, he would reincarnate as Kalki and marry her. After Lord Rama left, Maa Vaishno Devi prayed for 9 for his victory over Ravana. Till this day, the Navratras are observed for those 9 days. The Discovery of the Vaishno Devi Temple It is difficult to specify the exact date, when pilgrimage to the Vaishno Devi temple started. However, geological studies put the age of the Holy Cave to almost a million years. However, the name, Mountain Trikuta has been mentioned in Rig Veda. Here again, there is an interesting legend, as per which, the shrine was discovered by Pandit Shridhar. Maa Vaishno Devi is said to have appeared in Pandit Shridhar’s dreams and directed him to the cave. Every time, he lost his way, visions from his dream provided him guidance and he finally reached the cave and discovered the deity. How and When to Visit Vaishno Devi Temple The Vaishno Devi temple can be visited throughout the year, but the going gets difficult during winters due to snowfall. The nearest airport to the temple is situated at Jammu. It is almost 48 km from Katra, while the actual temple is about 12 km from Katra. The nearest railway station is also located at Jammu. Besides, Jammu Interstate Bus Terminus is connected by a large number of buses too. You can travel from Jammu to Katra by bus or taxi. From Katra, you can either trek it up or hire a pony or palanquin. There are two tracks from Katra. The newer of these is shorter, easier to navigate. A battery operated vehicle for transport is offered to needy pilgrims on the newer track.