Important things to keep in mind when you going to Vaishnov Devi

Important things to keep in mind when you going to
Vaishnov Devi
1: The trek
Vaishno Devi temple positioned on top of the Trikuta Hills will test your resolve from time to
time. Before embarking on this trip, you must know that pilgrims need to prepare themselves
for a 12KM long uphill trek. The trek is rated as the third most difficult temple trek in India.
And only the fit individuals, today, think of this gruelling uphill climb on uneven roads. If your
travel troupe has aged, children or homemakers then it would be a good idea to hire
helicopter ride. The chopper trip that starts from Katra will take you to the Sanjichhat (base
camp) within 10 minutes. You can hire Pony rides for the next 2KM long trek ahead.
Tip: Do care to carry your pre-booked entry slip (Parcha) before the trek.
2: Feel the Adrenaline
There are many miracles linked with the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. You can experience one
such, first hand. You will be wonder-struck to feel a sudden surge of energy soon after you
reach Sanjichhat. The sight of Ardh Kuwari Cave takes away the tiredness of the long journey.
The Holy Cave falls 2KM ahead of the main temple and it is believed that Mata Vaishno Devi
meditated within this cave for nine months. You would hear vigorous chanting of Mata
Vaishno Devi’s name.
3: See the Unique Pindis

Once you are inside the Sanctum sanctorum of the Mata Vaishno Devi temple you will not
find any idols. There are rather three Pindis (pieces of rock). The miracle associated with the
Pindis is that they are part of the same rock, but each of them has a different texture and
colour. Inside the main temple one can find the Holy Pindi of Mata Maha Kali situated on your
right side, and it is black in colour. Right in the centre is the Holy Pindi of Mata Maha Lakshmi
and rock has a yellowish tinge to it. While the Holy Pindi towards the extreme left is that of
Mata Maha Saraswathi and when looked at carefully you would find a whitish tinge to the
rock. Mata Vaishno Devi Miracles are considered to be an amalgamation of all three energies.
Tip: It is wise to pre-book VIP entry passes (hardly takes a couple of hours for Darshan)
or you would have to enter the general queue (which would use up 7-8 hours of your
time).
4: Be a Part of the Impressive Aarti
The Aarti conducted within the temple, brings a huge crowd. The first Aarti is performed in
the just after sunrise, while the second one is scheduled during the dusk hours at evening.
Logically, the evening Aarti receives the highest turnover. There is a long process to the Aarti.
First, the Pujaris perform ‘Aatam pujan’ or the act of self-purification. Then there is the
conventional Aarti inside the temple as well as outside the cave. During the worshipping
process – the Goddess is bathed in water, milk, ghee, honey and sugar. Then she is adorned
with saree, chola and churni and ornaments. Do not miss a moment of this grand Aarti.

5: Go Temple Hopping
Though the Mata Vaishno Devi Darshan is the real deal here, but do not miss out on touring
some of the other revered temples within the compound. There is the Baba Bhaironath
Temple, which is perched higher in the mountain. It is believed that pilgrimage is only
complete once you have visited the Bhaironath Temple. There are also temples of Maa Durga
and Shri Ram.
Tip: These temples are situated in different areas of the Bhawan complex. Follow the
signboards to reach them.
6: Yagnas or Havans
Mata Vaishno Devi temple gives its pilgrims the opportunity to book appointments with the
priests and get their personalized worshipping done. You need to visit the Temple Board’s
website and book under the Poojan Scheme. During the Yagyas the name/s and Gotra of the
devotees are chanted and prayers are offered by the priests for their prosperity. The Yagyas
or Havans are believed to bring positivity within the pilgrims and subside all negativity existing
in their lives.
Choosing a package that solely takes you to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine is a wastage of your
potential. There are many great Kashmir tourism attractions close to Katra. You can visit
Srinagar, Gulmarg or Patnitop and stay awestruck by the supreme natural beauty that Kashmir
has to offer.