Places Visit In Vaishno Devi(Katra)

Vaishno Devi Temple,Katra

Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani, Trikuta and Vaishnavi, is a manifestation of the Hindu Mother Goddess Mahalakshmi. The words "maa" and "mata" are commonly used in India for "mother", and thus are often used in connection with Vaishno Devi.

Overview

Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani, Trikuta and Vaishnavi, is a manifestation of the Hindu Mother Goddess Mahalakshmi.The words "maa" and "mata" are commonly used in India for "mother", and thus are often used in connection with Vaishno Devi. Vaishno Devi Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu Goddess, located in Katra at the Trikuta Mountains within the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The Temple or Bhawan is 13.5 km from Katra and various modes of transportation are available from katra to Bhawan, including Ponies, Electric vehicles and paalkhis operated by 2 or 4 persons. Helicopter services are also available up to Sanjichhat, which is 9.5 km from Katra.

Vaishno Devi Mandir is a very popular Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu Goddess, she is the incarnation of Druga mata,located at the Trikuta Mountains in Jammu & Kashmir, India.

Vaishno Devi is one of the holiest Hindu Pilgrimage site which is dedicated to Goddess Shakti. Pilgrims, especially Hindus from all over the world visit Vaishno Devi making it the second most visited shrine in India after Tirupati Balaji Mandir. All kind of people, whether they are rich or poor, young or old, sick or healthy take the challenging trek from Katra to get to this holy place. Just join any group that is climbing to the cave and feel the devotion run down your body with every breath you take. The groups sing religious songs praising the goddess non stop till they reach the top. It is just an amazing experience to see so many people devoted to their devotion to Mata Vaishno Devi. There are many tea stalls and Dhabas along the way where you can stop for a while and take rest. On your Vaishno Devi tours, while resting or even while walking, just look around for the resplendent scenic beauty that surrounds you.

The Vaishnodevi temple is loctaed in Kashmir in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The temple is located around 12 km away from Katra in the Udhampur district. Vaishno Devi temple is situated at an altitude of 1615 m on the Trikuta Hills of Shivalik Range

History

The Origin of Vaishno Devi is as mysterious as it is about several other Shrines from the past era. That is why it still remains difficult to find out exact date from when the Holy Shrine pilgrimage might begin. In fact a geological investigation and research of the Holy Cave has calculated that approximately one million years is the time frame since when pilgrimage continues. Vedic History of Vaishno Devi explains that there was no presence of female worshippers in the past while Rigveda found their presence in the mountain Trikuta. It especially focuses upon Shakti worship practice that continues since Puranic era.

Epic Mahabharatahas detailedmention of the Mother Goddess which indicates its relevance since time immemorial. The Origin of Vaishno Deviis best defined in this epic with reference to the Kurukshetrabattlefield in which both Pandavand Kaurv armies faced each other. As the descriptions explain, Pandav warrior chief Arjun had been told by Sri Krishna to initiate meditation before the Vaishno Devi Mother to seek her blessing to win battle. Arjun iniitated mediation thereafter and bowed his head while chanting ‘Jambookatak Chityaishu Nityam Sannihitalaye’ that explains powerful goddess residing in the temple slop in a Jamboo mountain. The Jamboo in it indicated today’s Jammu as the researchers claim.

He istory of Vaishno Devi further examines facts like the gestures of winning Pandavs in the form of building huge temples at Kol Kandoli and Bhawan to venerate their gratefulness for this miraculous Mother Goddess whose charisma they had seen. The nearby mountain located close to the Trikuta Mountain supervises the Holy Cave whose five stone structures might symbolize the Pandavs, explain the researchers.

Other important reference that is oldest in nature indeed is the signof Guru Gobind Singh’s visit in the Holy Cave. It is said that Purmandal was used for this visit. Indications are clear through old foot tracks passing through theHoly Cave that has emerged as prominent pilgrimage center today.

The History of Vaishno Devi is enriched with many important references so are details about traditions and facts related with this Shrine that support its holiness. This place is considered best of the all holy places or Shaktipeeths that possess eternal energy through keeping the Mother Goddess safe. It is also known for one important reason of evidences found to observe the Mata Sati skull falling at this place. A section of researchers on the Origin of Vaishno Devialso claim that the right arm of Mata Sati would have fallen at this place though large number of researchers oppose such claims. Such researchers have definite claim that the right arm of Sati had fallen nearby Gandarbal in Kashmir region. Stone remains of human hands are still available inside the Holy Cave of Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji which are famously called Varad Hast or hands granting blessings and boons to devotees.

Ardh Kuwari Cave,Katra

The location of this temple at the middle of the journey to Holy Shrine and especially at a place where pilgrims take a break keep it into the center of attention. Length of this cave is 15 foot although it has too much narrowness.

Overview

Also called as Hathimathha since its shape resembles an elephant’s head, Ardhkuwari Temple is located a half way to Vaishno Devi Shrine. The Ardh Devi Shrine situated in a 15 ft long cave. This is the place Goddess Vaishno Devi had stayed and meditated for nine months due to being chased by Bhairavnath. When the demon entered the cave, the Goddess made a new opening with her trident and beheaded Bhairavnarth in the form of Mahakali. After reading such interesting anecdotes, you may be able to see the temple in new light.

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, in its efforts to increase facilities for devotees visiting the Holy Shrine has started a process of Online Yatra Registraton. Yatries can now obtain all bookings including Yatra Registration slip, Room Bookings and poojan bookings online. To obtain a Yatra Slip Online or use any other Online Service being provided on the official website of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, a devotee would need to register on the website as a Devotee and select a Devotee ID and Password. This username and password obtained by simply registering though the Devotee Zone on the Home Page or by clicking the register link on the Popup Screen itself.

At this place the Goddess is believed to have worshiped Lord Shiva in a cave for 9 months and when Bhairo Nath discovered her inside the cave She made an opening in the cave with her trident and proceeded towards Bhawan. Adkuwari also marks the midpoint of the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra. There are two routes from Ardhkuwari to go to Bhawan.

Religious significance of Ardhakuwari temple

The belief goes on that Goddess Vaishnodevi had stayed at this place for nine months and was seen by a saint thereafter. The story about the cave’s opening too is unique which states that once Bhairon came inside this cave while chasing Mata she ran away by making way for herself through the trident. That is why the gate is uniquely shaped and was planned way to escape when Bhairon was chasing her. The location of this temple at the 4,800 kilometers height above the sea level is another importance to note.

Importance of Ardhakuwari temple

This is the place where the path for the temple turns steep hence it remains a decisive location. It is famously called Hathimathha due to the shape of elephant’s head and curves are designed accordingly. The place has too much significance for it being the location where, as the famous belief goes on, one reaches into the Goddess lap and receives her blessings too. There is also a common belief that in case you fail to visit this place you haven’t completed this holy pilgrimage. That is why all travellers arrive at this cave to complete the pilgrimage here.

History

Ardh Kuwari is a site of religious significance, popular for 15 foot long and narrow cave called Garbha Joon. It is 4,800 ft above sea level and is situated 4.5 km from Charan Paduka. Ardh Kuwari is a halfway point during the trek to the main shrine. It is believed that Goddess Durga hid herself from Bhairav Nath for nine months in this cave. When Bhairav Nath entered the cave, the Goddess made a new opening with her trident.

Bhairavnath Temple,Katra

Bhairav or Bhairavnath is a famous tantrik of Hindu mythology. Bhairavnath was a disciple of Gorakhnath, whose guru was the Matsyendranath. He was considered to have control over all tantrik siddhis and had grown arrogant of his power.

Overview

Bhairav or Bhairavnath is a famous tantrik of Hindu mythology. Bhairavnath was a disciple of Gorakhnath, whose guru was the Matsyendranath. He was considered to have control over all tantrik siddhis and had grown arrogant of his power. He went after Vaishno Devi, considering her to be a little girl. It was only when mata Vaishno Devi took the form of Kali to behead him he realized her true form and asked for forgiveness. In his dying moments, Bhairav pleaded for forgiveness. The Goddess knew that Bhairav's main intention in attacking her was to achieve his salvation. She not only granted Bhairav liberation from the cycle of reincarnation, but also granted him a boon, whereby every devotee, in order to ensure completion of the pilgrimage of Vaishno Devi, shall also have to visit Bhairav Nath's temple near the Holy cave after having the darshan of the Goddess.

The Bhairon Mandir / Bhairav Mandir is located in Jammu and Kashmir, very close to the Vaishno Devi Temple. People believe that the trip to Vaishno Devi only is considered complete once you visit the Bhairavnath Temple. This is also a cave temple, which was originally dedicated to a saint by the name of Bhairavnath. There is a legend behind this temple. People especially come to this temple to take the blessing of the saint Bhairavnath.

Both the Vaishno devi temple and the Bhairavnath Temple are considered to be of great importance for the Hindus. Every year lakhs of people visit these two cave shrine temples and take the blessings of god for a happy and a fulfilling life.

Bhairav was all taken away by the aura of little Mata Vaishno and even demanded alcohol and nonveg in the feast. Despite Mata telling him a big no, he didn't stop and rather started following Mata Vaishno and disturbed her meditation

History

Bhairon Temple is located at a distance of 1.42 km from the Bhawan. The temple is situated at the highest point of the adjacent hill at an altitude of 6,619 ft. This temple also involves a steep climb which can be undertaken by foot, ponies or palanquins.

It is believed that the journey to Mata Vaishno Devi is not complete without the darshan in Bhairon Temple. According to the legends, Bhairon Nath was killed by Vaishno Devi and while seeking an apology, was given a boon of being the last link of the pilgrimage.

Darshan inside Bhairon Temple is also in the rock form. It is believed that when Mata killed Bhairon Nath, his head fell at this place while his body remained at the entrance of the holy cave. There is also a Havan Kund at the temple, whose ashes are considered to be sacred.

Katra

Katra or Katra Vaishno Devi, as it is popularly known, is a small town in Reasi district of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir situated in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains, where the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi is located.

Overview

Katra or Katra Vaishno Devi, as it is popularly known, is a small town in Reasi district of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir situated in the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains, where the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi is located.

Katra serves as the base camp for pilgrims who visit Vaishno Devi. It has a thriving tourism industry that offers plenty of hotels, guest houses, restaurants, dhabas, fast-food joints that fit all kinds of budgets. Free accommodation is provided by some registered trusts in the form of Sarais for the poor. The number of pilgrims that visit the shrine every year has increased from 1.4 million in 1986 to 8.2 million in 2009. Over the years, a lot has changed, but one should not miss the opportunity to walk through the main bazaar (market) for buying (do not forget/hesitate to negotiate a bit) souvenirs, dryfruits, woolen garments, hosiery, leather jackets, etc.To reach Vaishno Devi Mandir(temple) the pilgrims have to register at the Katra before starting the trek. By registering, the pilgrims get accident insurance while on the trek for 1 lakh INR. It is a trek of 14 km.There is another trek (2.5 km) from Vaishno Devi temple for Baba Bhaironnath. It is said that the pilgrimage is not complete until you visit this temple at last. The scenery throughout the trek is picturesque.Environment-friendly auto rickshaws and helicopter services are available, to make the journey a pleasant one.

History

The history of Katra is both rich and fascinating. The history of Katra reveals interesting and often charming aspects of the culture and life of the people of Katra. Once you set foot in Katra, you will see the traces of the historical events that happened here. Quite a few of the most visited attractions in Katra have historical significance. The best way to learn about the culture and lifestyle of the people of Katra is to get familiar with the enriching history of Katra. Come and explore the remarkable history of Katra!.History of Katra - Comprehensive information about ancient Katra history and historical places of Katra. Book your tour to historical places Katra.

Dera Baba Banda,Katra

Dera Baba Banda is a religious Gurudwara located on the banks of Chenab River about 75 km away from the Jammu city.

Overview

The monastery is 300 years old and houses the ashes of the Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. Baba Banda was the commanding soldier of the Guru Gobind Singh’s army. He was rewarded with a bow, an arrow and a sword by Guru Sahib. The place houses these historical relics of the saint soldier. Devotees from all over the India visit this holy shrine to seek the blessings of the divine soul. The Gurudwara is built with white marble stone. The architectural designs and layout of the monastery are really appreciable. The interior walls of the Gurudwara are beautifully textured with golden shades. The Gurudwara also has a Nishan Sahib made of deodar tree which about 48 feet tall. The scenic beauty and lush green landscapes of Jammu attract the visitors to the site. Pilgrims visit the place in large numbers during annual Mela held here on Vaisakhi. The fair continues for three days and is celebrated with great affection to commemorate the martyred soldier. The Ragis recite the shabadkirtan and prayers during the eve, and the Dera is illuminated with lights.

Dera Baba Banda is not only a major pilgrimage centre for Sikhs but attracts people from other faiths also. It has a Gurudwara built by Baba Banda Bairaagi on the banks of river Chenab. He was Guru Gobind Singh`s favourite `Saint-soldier`. Pilgrims in great number especially from North India throng this place in the month of April to participate in the three-day annual mela.

Dera Baba Banda is not only a major pilgrimage centre for Sikhs but attracts people from other faiths also. It has a Gurudwara built by Baba Banda Bairaagi on the banks of river Chenab. He was Guru Gobind Singh`s favourite `Saint-soldier`. Pilgrims in great number especially from North India throng this place in the month of April to participate in the three-day annual mela. This place is around 300-year-old. The historic gurdwara at Dera Baba Banda Bahadur has the samadhi of Banda Bahadur. Here the ashes of Banda Bahadur are also kept, along with an arrow given by Guru Gobind Singh to Banda. Other attractions include number of weapons and a huge sword used by Banda during wars. Every year an average of 30,000 devotees, from all over northern India, visit throughout the year and especially on the occassion of Vaishakhi, when a three day mela is held.

History

Banda Singh Bahadur is known to have halted the Zamindari system in the time he was active and gave the farmers proprietorship of their own land.It seems that all classes of government officers were addicted to extortion and corruption and the whole system of regulatory and order was subverted. Local tradition recalls that the people from the neighborhood of Sadaura came to Banda Singh complaining of the iniquities practices by their land lords. Banda Singh ordered Baj Singh to open fire on them. The people were astonished at the strange reply to their representation, and asked him what he meant. He told them that they deserved no better treatment when being thousands in number they still allowed themselves to be cowed down by a handful of Zamindars. He defeated the Sayyids and Shaikhs in the Battle of Sadhaura.

The rule of the Sikhs over the entire Punjab east of Lahore obstructed the communication between Delhi and Lahore, the capital of Punjab, and this worried Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah He gave up his plan to subdue rebels in Rajasthan and marched towards Punjab. The entire Imperial force was organized to defeat and kill Banda Singh Bahadur.All the generals were directed to join the Emperor's army. To ensure that there were no Sikh agents in the army camps, an order was issued on 29 August 1710 to all Hindus to shave off their beards.