When you are planning to go for a holy visit to Vaishno Devi temple there are so many things that you need to be aware of. This holy place is not just limited to visiting the shrine of the goddess but there are so many things like shopping, food, and culture to explore that your stay surely with your loved ones would be the most amazing one. It is expected that you plan it well in advance and does the booking since the rush to this place is throughout the year and to get the right hotel of your comfort can be challenging. There are so many things to see when you plan for the Vaishno Devi temple trio. The sightings of people on the horseback and even the beauty of mountains to name a few are worth watching. Even there is a helicopter arranged for the people who are not able to cover the road distance to the main temple.
Vaishno Devi is a place of the Goddess which is also said to be the holy cave of Devi that most of the Hindus believe. It is believed that this place is located at an altitude of 5200 ft. many yatris have to do the trekking. This is more popular amongst the youths who love going on an adventure. This is a family place where most of the people simply visit to get the Darshans of the Mother Goddess. There is a Sanctum Sanctorum in which there are three natural rocks that are made and are said to be Pindies. There is no such idol that you can see. It is said that there was once a priest who always was a great devotee of the Goddess. When he got a girl child, he went to a lot of scriptural injunctions, he ensures to keep the temple clean and till then there was not even any kind of ritual worship that was followed till the home got purified with special yajna.
Even if there is any history associated with this temple but there is no denial to the fact that many people till date make a plan to visit the place considering the existence and blessings of Vaishno Devi.
Vaishno Devi : Vaishno Devi is a temple located in the hovering range of Himalaya. This is in the cave which has been dedicated to mother goods called Vishnu Devi on which many Hindus believe. Vaishno Devi is said to be the Hindu Goddess Mahalakshmi Manifestation. This temple is located in the mountains called Trikuta in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. This is said to be a holy cave where is most of the devotes visit while giving respect to Mata Rani.
Ardh Kuwari Cave : This is another popular place that you must visit after the cave of Vaishno Devi. It is said to have a host that before making the Bhavan her abode, the goddess used to rest in that caves for 9 months. However, in today’s time, this cave is said to be the halt over the place for the people who visit this temple.
Bhairavnath Temple, Vaishno Devi : No journey of Vaishno Devi is complete unless you visit this place. It is believed that Katra can get fulfilled only if you visit Bhairavnath Mandir which is also another cave temple that has been dedicated to the saint of the same name. There is nearly 2 km of the journey from the Bawan which has the path to this temple.
Vaishno Devi is not just restricted to exploring the temples, but there are also so many other things that you can do. For shopping spree as well this could be ideal destinations. Those who love souvenirs would surely be in love with the place since this is one of the best things to come across unique handicrafts and that too of durable quality. Even if this place is popular for the temple but the shopping is mostly done near the pilgrims which include shawls and saris that are often given to the goddess. There is also an embossment of silver and gold coins available with the goddess image that is worth to buy. Besides some other artifacts are embroidered fabrics, bangles and even the saris and suits that you may want to buy.
This place is one of those few destinations where you will find all kinds of things that too at great pricing. There is a popular shopping street by the name of Katra Main bazaar where most people buy dry fruits like berries, almonds and dried apples. Other than this there is also a Bhawan market that is known for the traditional goods which most of the devotees offered to the holy goddess of the temple. If you have some time left you can also plan for the Sanjhi Chhat market that offers a magnificent collection of shawls, fabrics and Kashmir Motifs.
One of the most popular Hindu festival called Navratri is celebrated on a grand scale here. This is a time when the festival is celebrated for 9 days of which the first three days include pilgrims praying Goddess Kali and then comes worship of the Goddess of wealth done then the worship for the next three days of Saraswati is followed. The temple is all decorated with beautiful flowers and the festival takes place between September or October which is why it is the most preferred season.
Surely Vaishno Devi is the most incredible place that you can enjoy. But it would have more fun if you access this place through the Verdant forests. Even Legend says that it was a goddess who always uses to visit the temple for meditating during here last human incarnation which she took place during the beginning era of Kaliyuga. The sights while walking to the temple during trekking is worth and which is why you surely will not find such an amazing place elsewhere to have peace of mind far from hustle and bustle of the city
If you are planning to visit Vaishno Devi soon then surely you can plan to do all the bookings well in advance. It is time to book and then go-ahead for the best planning. But remember, if you are planning to visit the temple during winter you may have to carry an extra pair of clothing as the climate is chilled most of the time. So grab your tickets, pack your bag and make yourself lost to some of the most amazing places while visiting the Mata mandir that is worth.