Destination Cover :- Mata Vaishnodevi Darshan – Shivkhori
Duration :- 3 Nights | 4 Days
About the tour
Katra – is the small town around 50 kms from Jammu. It is the entry point for the pilgrims visiting the world famous shrine of Vaishno Devi. The pilgrims are expected to take a trek of around 15 kms to visit the shrine from Katra. Although a tedious trek, it has scenic and picturesque surroundings with a climate that is pleasant enough to go with the faith of the pilgrims.
The Vaishno Devi temple is recognized as one of the “Shakti Peeths” of goddess ‘Durga’ . The Holy cave is 13 Kms from the Base Camp Katra. The Town Katra is 50 Kms away from Jammu and 35 Kms from District HQ Udhampur and is linked by road. The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine is one of the most popular Shrines of India
Bhumika Temple – At Darshani Darwaza, 1-km from Katra, the Goddess disappeared. This place is called Darsani Darwaza because the Trikut mountain is visible from here Tikuta Parvat is three high peaks that are the abodes of the Goddess Vaishno Devi.
Ban Ganga Temple – After the Goddess left the Bhumika Temple, she went to the Trikuta Hills passing through here. At this time, Langoor Vir (Veer Langur) felt thirsty. The Goddess shot an arrow into the stone and a holy river was produced, now known as Ban Ganga. It is called Ban Ganga because the Goddess washed her hair at this place. Most pilgrims take bath here. You must show the slip you got near the Bus Stand in Katra to pass this point. Ban Ganga is about 3-km from Katra.
Charan Paduka Temple – This is where the Goddess stopped for some time while Bhairon was chasing her. Her footprints are supposed to be visible on a stone at this place. Charanpaduka means ” holy footprints.” It is about 1.5-km from Ban Ganga at 3,380 feet.
Ardh Kuwari – Ardh Kuwari is the halfway point and some pilgrims stay here for the night. There is a 15-foot-long cave called Garbha Joon where the Goddess hid herself for nine months and showed her self to a saint. The cave is narrow, and you have to almost crawl all the way though it. When Bhairon entered the cave, the Goddess made a new opening with her trident and ran away. Ardh Kuwari is 4.5-km from Charan Paduka and 4,800 ft above sea level.
After ardh Kuwari the path gets very steep for 2.5-km. This ascent is called Hathi Matha ascent, because the mountain is shaped like the forehead of an Elephant. It is best to use the footpath rather than the stairs, as the climb will be easier. From here it is another 1,500-ft climb to Sanjhi Chatt, and from there another 4-km to the carve.
The Sri Ram Temple – The Sri Ram Temple is near Vaishno Devi cave. There is a Shiva-linga in a cave 125 steps down from the Ram Temple.
The Bhairon (Bhairav) Temple – This temple is about 2.5-km from Vaishno Devi cave at about 6,700 feet. It is traditional to visit this temple after visiting the Vaishno Devi Temple. Bhairon (Bhairav) was absolved of all sins when Durga killed him. When Bhairon was killed by the Goddess his head flew to this place. There is a huge stone outside the cave that represents the body of Bhairon. After he was killed, her prayed to the Goddess to forgive him. It is said that the Goddess gave the benediction that the desires of her devotees who visit this place would be fulfilled.
ITNERY
Day 01:- Jammu Arrival and Road transfer to Katra
Arrival at Jammu Railway station/Airport you will get on road transfer to Katra by A/C VEHICLE . Check in at Hotel in Katra. Overnight Stay in hotel.
Day 02:- Mata Vaishnodevi Darshan
After refreshment and breakfast we will drop you at Banganga for Mata Vaishno Devi Darshan. During return time pick up from Banganga – Drop at hotel – Take rest. Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 03 :- Shivkhori Sightseeing
After breakfast departure for Shivkhori and local sightseeing around Katra. Dinner in hotels and overnight stay. Proceed to katra.
Day 04: Departure from Katra and drop at Jammu
After refreshment and breakfast checkout from Hotel and drop at Jammu Railway station/Airport