Mata Vaishno Devi, Katra: A Complete History

The Mata Vaishno Devi shrine is a sacred place for millions of Hindus and people of all faiths. The shrine has a rich history and is a popular pilgrimage site for people from all over the world.

Mata Vaishno Devi is one of the most revered Hindu deities, and her shrine in Katra, Jammu & Kashmir, is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in India. The history of the shrine dates back centuries, and there are many legends and myths associated with it.

One of the most popular legends is that of Pandit Shridhar, a Brahmin priest who lived in Katra. One day, Shridhar had a dream in which Mata Vaishno Devi appeared to him and asked him to organize a bhandara (feast) for the local people. Shridhar was poor, but he obeyed the goddess's command. On the day of the Bhandara, Mata Vaishno Devi herself appeared and helped Shridhar to serve the food to the people.

After the Bhandara, Mata Vaishno Devi told Shridhar that she was going to meditate in a cave on Trikuta Mountain. She asked him to build a temple for her at the entrance to the cave. Shridhar followed the goddess's instructions, and the temple was built.

Another legend tells the story of Bhairav Nath, a Tantric yogi who was infatuated with Mata Vaishno Devi. Bhairav Nath followed her into the cave where she was meditating, and she was forced to assume the form of Mahakali to protect herself. Mahakali killed Bhairav Nath, but she forgave him before he died. She told him that he would be worshipped as her brother.

Today, the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine is a popular pilgrimage site for people of all faiths. Pilgrims come from all over India and the world to pay their respects to the goddess and to seek her blessings.

The Shrine Today

The Mata Vaishno Devi shrine is located at an altitude of 5,300 feet on Trikuta Mountain. The shrine complex includes a number of temples, including the main temple, which houses the three pindies (sacred stones) of Mata Vaishno Devi.

Pilgrims typically start their journey from Katra, where they can register and obtain a yatra slip (pilgrimage permit). The trek to the main temple takes about 12 hours, and there are a number of resting places and snack shops along the way.

Once pilgrims reach the main temple, they can offer their prayers to Mata Vaishno Devi and receive darshan (a glimpse of the goddess). Pilgrims can also stay at the shrine complex overnight, and there are a number of hotels and guesthouses available.

The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board

The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board is a government-appointed body that is responsible for the management and development of the shrine complex. The board provides a variety of facilities for pilgrims, including transportation, accommodation, food, and medical care.

The board also works to protect the environment of the Trikuta Mountains and to promote sustainable tourism.