Vaishno Devi, also called Mata Rani, Trikuta, Ambe, and Vaishnavi, is a form of the Hindu mother goddess Lakshmi. Some people also believe she is a form of the goddess Mahalakshmi. Vaishno Devi is worshipped as a combination of the goddesses Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasarasvati. She is also considered as the power of Hari or Vishnu.
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About Vaishno Devi
Located in the Trikuta mountains, the Vaishno Devi Temple is a sacred destination situated 61 km from Jammu. Every year, thousands of devotees visit this temple. Positioned at an elevation of 5,200 ft, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Shakti, worshiped here in the forms of Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati, and Maha Lakshmi. It's a cave temple where three sacred '
pindis' or stone representations of these goddesses are worshiped.
A new 7 km route to the Vaishno Devi temple, called Tarakote Marg, has been opened for pilgrims. This route, situated in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, offers an alternate path passing through a hillock with views overlooking the Katra township.
Vaishnodevi Temple Highlights
Particular |
Details |
Location |
Trikuta mountain, Jammu and Kashmir |
Altitude |
5200 feet |
Trek Length |
Nearly 12 km from base camp at Katra |
Annual Visitors |
Over one crore annually |
Peak Season |
Navratras |
Climb |
Well-paved road for 12 km from Katra to Vaishno Devi |
Helicopter Service |
Regular flights from Katra to Sanjhi Chhat followed by a 2.5 km walk |
Booking |
Available on Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board’s official website |
Steps |
740 steps starting from the small temple located at the Katra gate. |
Additional Options |
Ponies, porters, and palanquins for hire |
Vaishnodevi Temple Distance
Location |
Distance from Katra |
Katra |
0 Km |
Banganga |
1 Km |
Charan Paduka |
2.5 Km |
Adhkuwari |
6 Km |
Himkoti |
8.5 Km |
Sanjichhat |
9.5 Km |
Bhawan |
13.0 Km |
Bhairon Ghati |
14.5 Km |
Vaishno Devi Temple Yatra Ticket
- The Yatra Registration Slip doesn't confirm your visit to the Bhawan for Shrine Darshan.
- To proceed to Bhawan for Darshan, you must collect RFID Access Card.
- Note tht RFID Card can be collected from 5 AM to 10 PM only.
- You can show the Yatra Registration Slip on your mobile to collect the RFID Access Cards at the counters.
- Children under 5 years old don't need a Yatra Registration Slip.
- You can collect your RFID Cards from Jammu Tawi Bus top, Katra Bus stop, Katra Railways Station and other spots at Katra.
- There are no charges for cards.
Vaishno Devi Temple Attka Aarti Ticket Price
The shrine board has introduced the "Group Attka Aarti Scheme," allowing up to four pilgrims to participate in the Attka Aarti ceremony. This scheme also includes complimentary dormitory accommodation at Bhawan.
Category |
Adults (10 years & above) |
Children (Below 10 years) |
Single |
Rs. 2000 |
Free |
Group of 3 or 4 |
Rs. 5100 |
Free |
Vaishno Devi Temple Accommodation
- Accommodation at Vaishno Devi Temple can be obtained for a fee.
- Rooms and dormitories are available at various locations such as Jammu, Katra, Bhawan, Sanjhichatt, and Ardhkuwari.
- Dormitory accommodation starts from Rs. 150, while 2-bed AC rooms start from Rs. 2000.
- It is advisable to make bookings as early as possible as rooms and dormitories fill up quickly.
- Deposits will also be collected at the time of check-in.
Vaishno Devi Temple Tickets Cost
Ropeway Ticket Price
Infants/ Children below 3 years of age will be allowed to travel free (carried in laps) and equivalent to the number of Pilgrims. Ropeway functions in 2 group timings:
7 AM - 12 PM
12 PM - 4 PM
Category |
Adults (3 years & above) |
Children (Below 3 years) |
Ropeway (Bhawan - Bharonji - Bhawan) |
Rs. 100 |
Free |
Battery Car Ticket Price
Infants/ Children below 5 years of age will be allowed to travel free (carried in laps) and equivalent to the number of Pilgrims.
Route |
Adults (5 years & above) |
Children (Below 5 years) |
Adhkuwari - Bhawan |
Rs. 354 |
Free |
Bhawan - Adhkuwari |
Rs. 236 |
Free |
Helicopter Ticket Price
Infants/ Children below 2 years of age will be allowed to travel free (carried in laps) and equivalent to the number of Pilgrims.
Route |
Adults (2 years & above) |
Children (Below 2 years) |
Katra- Sanjhichatt |
Rs. 2100 |
Free |
Sanjhichatt - Katra |
Rs. 2100 |
Free |
Same day Return |
Rs. 4200 |
Free |
Next Day Return |
Rs. 4200 |
Free |
Note: You can also book helicopter tickets from Niharika, Katra counter. You can wait in queue from 4 AM as their are long queues for ticket purchase.
Vaishno Devi Temple Online Booking
- Bookings, once made, cannot be canceled or modified.
- Valid ID proof is required during ticket booking.
- Timely arrival at the designated time slot is crucial, as delays may lead to cancellation.
Category |
Booking Link |
Yatra Parchi |
|
Ropeway |
|
Battery Car |
|
Helicopter |
|
Accommodation |
Best Time To Visit Vaishno Devi
Peak Season: Summer (May-June), New Year, Navratra months (March-April, September-October)
Recommended: Walk can be done throughout the year
Monsoon: Avoid due to slippery roads (late July to early September)
Winter: The route is very cold in December and January, start the walk at dawn for a comfortable experience.
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Guidelines for Vaishno Devi Yatra
Registration: All visitors must register at Yatra Registration Centres in Katra before departure and carry the registration slip. Online registration is available on the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board's official website.
Starting Point: The trek begins at the Banganga check post, located at the foothills of the Trikuta mountain.
Travel Light: It's advisable to carry minimal belongings during the climb as food, water, and blankets are readily available en route.
Visitor Limit: The maximum number of pilgrims allowed per day is limited to 30,000-35,000. During peak seasons, waiting slips are issued when the limit is exceeded.
Online Check: To avoid inconvenience, register online and check your waiting status on the website before starting your journey.
Essential Tips for Different Seasons
Monsoon (Late July to Early September): Pack a raincoat and umbrella for unexpected rains during the climb.
There are raincoats available at the Katra counter for a security deposit of Rs. 300, which will be refunded once the raincoat is returned.
Winter (December to January):
- Carry heavy woolens, wind-cheaters, caps, and gloves to stay warm.
- Free blankets are available during the climb.
- Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes to ensure a smooth climb.
Modes of Transportation to Vaishno Devi Bhawan
Walking:
- Distance: 12 km from Ban Ganga
- Preferred by most pilgrims out of devotion.
- Some pilgrims may find it uncomfortable, especially those with breathing problems.
Ponies:
- Suitable for elderly and overweight pilgrims.
- Rates are fixed by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Katra.
Pithoos (Porters):
- Used to carry bags and infants.
- Offered as a service by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Katra.
Palanquins (Palkis):
- Preferred by elderly pilgrims.
- Rates are regulated by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Katra.
Rates of Transportation to Vaishno Devi Bhawan
Ponies:
Route |
Adult Pilgrim |
Adult + Child (3-6 Yrs.) |
Katra to Bhawan |
₹700.00/- |
₹800.00/- |
Katra to Adh-kumari or Adh-Kumari to Bhawan |
₹380.00/- |
₹430.00/- |
Katra to Sanjichhat |
₹600.00/- |
₹675.00/- |
Bhawan to Katra via Bharion |
₹850.00/- |
₹900.00/- |
Bhawan to Sanjichhat or Bhawan to Bhairon |
₹275.00/- |
₹300.00/- |
Bhawan to Adkuwari via Bharion |
₹425.00/- |
₹475.00/- |
Pithoos (Porters):
Route |
Luggage up to 25 Kgs or Children upto 6 Years of Age |
Katra to Bhawan and back |
₹700.00/- |
Katra to Bhawan |
₹350.00/- |
Bhawan to Katra via Bhairon |
₹400.00/- |
Palanquins (Palkis):
Route |
For a Pilgrim up to 100 Kg. weight (4 Carriers) |
For a Pligrim above 100 Kg. weight (6 Carriers) |
Katra to Bhawan & Back to Katra |
₹4000.00/- |
₹4500.00/- |
Katra to Bhawan & Back Via Bhairon |
₹4500.00/- |
₹5000.00/- |
Sanjichhat Helipad to Bhawan |
₹1250.00/- |
₹1400.00/- |
How to Reach Katra
- You can take auto from the katra station that cost you Rs. 260 to reach Banganga Starting point.
- Busses run from Tawi Bus station every 10 minutes and take about 1.30 hrs to reach Katra bus stop.
- Tickets cost Rs. 120 per person.