The world famous and ancient temple of Vaishno Devi is situated on the hills near Katra town. It is located in the Jammu region of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. These hills are called Trikuta Hills. The temple of Matarani is located here at an altitude of about 5,200 feet. It is the second most visited religious pilgrimage site in India after the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.
Location of Vaishno Devi
There are three self-manifested idols of Mata Vaishno Devi in a cave situated on the hills of Trikuta. The goddesses Kali (right), Saraswati (left) and Lakshmi (center) are enshrined in the form of pindis in the cave. The combined form of these three bodies is called Vaishno Devi Mata. This place is called Mother’s house. The length of the holy cave is 98 feet. There is a big platform built in this cave. Mata’s seat is on this platform where Goddess Trikuta sits with her mothers.
The building is the place where Mata killed Bhairavnath. Bhairo’s body is present in front of the ancient cave and his head flew away to the Bhairo valley three kilometers away. But its body remained here. The place where the head fell, today that place is known as ‘Bhaironath’s Temple’. The trek to Vaishno Devi begins from Katra itself, which is about 13 kms to Bhawan. Then 14.5 kms to Bhairon Temple.
Places To Visit
Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is a famous pilgrimage site in Jammu-Kashmir as well as in the whole of India. Here lakhs of devotees go every year to seek the blessings of Maa Vaishno.
Vaishno Devi is a religious trekking destination where pilgrims walk for about 13 kms to reach the temple. Devotees earn the darshan of the wondrous Maa Vaishno Devi. Some devotees and tourists visiting Mata Vaishno Devi consider it only a religious journey. But it is not so because many tourists see it as a holiday trip as well. The main reason for this is the nearby tourist places located at Vaishno Devi Temple, which includes many other temples, rivers and other beautiful places where almost all the tourists and pilgrims who visit Vaishno Devi Temple go for a walk.
Ardhkuwari Gufa
Ardhkuwari Gufa is one of the most popular places to visit around Vaishno Devi Temple. This cave is located on the way to Vaishno Devi temple. It also works as a rest house for the pilgrims. This 52 feet long cave is also known as Garbajoon cave, because the shape of the cave is like the mother’s womb. A legend related to this cave is also very famous. According to which it is believed that when Mata Vaishno killed Bhairav, his head flew into the valley. His body remained half virgin in the cave.
Charan Paduka Temple
Charan Paduka Temple is one of the best places to visit around Vaishno Devi Temple. The major attraction of Charan Paduka Temple is the footprints of Mata Vaishno Devi. It can be seen on a rock. Earlier it was a small temple but now it has been transformed into a beautiful and big temple. The number of tourists and devotees coming here continuously during the visit of Vaishno Devi temple is increasing. That’s why whenever you come to the court of Maa Vaishno Devi, take out some of your time and visit the Charan Paduka temple.
Trikuta Hill
Trikuta Hill is a holy place and tourist spot in Katra. It remains a center of attraction for Hindu pilgrims and tourists coming to visit Mata Vaishno Devi. Trikuta mountain is 10 km from Deoghar on the way to Dumka. away. It is situated at an altitude of 752 meters, which is also known as Trikutachal. A Shiva temple named Trikutachal Mahadev Temple is also situated at this holy place. Here Lord Shiva and Goddess Trishuli are worshiped. Trikuta Hill is one of the most attractive places to visit in Katra. This place is mostly famous as a picnic spot.
Bhairav Temple
Bhairav Temple is a famous temple located at a height of 2017 meters on a hill near Trikuta. This temple serves as the next pilgrimage center after the Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Temple that pilgrims visit. It is believed that the holy journey of Mata Vaishno Devi is complete only when devotees pay obeisance at the Bhairav Temple. That’s why whenever you come on a trip to the tourist places near Vaishno Mata Temple and Vaishno Devi Temple, you must also visit Bhairon Temple. Among the places to visit around Vaishno Devi Temple, a Havan Kund of the Bhairav Temple is also marked as an important attraction, the ashes of which are considered sacred.
Baan Ganga
Baan Ganga is a holy river located in Katra, where devotees often take a dip before going on Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra. Some devotees come here for sightseeing after visiting Vaishno Devi. The Ban Ganga River derives its name from two words “Ban” and “Ganga” which refer to the holy river Ganges of India. Thus, this river is also called the twin of river Ganga. One of the best places to visit around Vaishno Devi Temple are the two ghats in the Ban Ganga River where a large number of Hindu devotees take a holy dip.
Geeta Temple
Geeta Mandir is another famous temple to visit in Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. This sacred temple is situated close to the Ban Ganga bridge and boasts of beautiful architecture. The temple is also known as a place for pilgrims to take some rest before proceeding further in the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra. There is another temple near this temple which is called the first phase temple.
Patnitop
If the temple of Mata Vaishno is a spiritual heaven, then Patnitop, situated at a distance of about 80 km from Katra, is a natural paradise situated in the lap of the Himalayas. Patnitop’s natural beauty, dense deodar forests and flourishing green landscapes are such that both tourists and devotees visiting the Vaishno Devi temple are forced to keep coming towards it. Beautiful snowfall is also seen here during the winter season, during which tourists enjoy snow sports like skiing, paragliding, parasailing. That is why all the tourists who are searching for places to visit around Vaishno Devi Temple must visit Patnitop during their trip.
Jhajjar Kotli
Jhajjar Kotli, one of the famous tourist places located near Vaishno Mata Temple, is a very beautiful place in Katra, which is known for its serene environment and mesmerizing beauty. If you want to relax with your family or friends after an arduous journey to Maa Vaishno, Jhajjar Kotli is the perfect place to unwind. Tell that Jhajjar is also a famous picnic spot of Kotli Katra where you can enjoy a picnic with your family. Apart from this, if you are coming to visit Vaishno Mata Temple with your friends, then you can also come for Jhajjar Kotli Camping and add some exciting moments to your spiritual trip.
Sanasar
Sanasar is a beautiful hill station located at a distance of about 2 hours from Katra, which is famous for its beautiful scenery and adventure activities. If you are going to visit Maa Vaishno Devi Temple with your friends and want to make your trip a bit exciting then you must visit Sanasar. Where you can enjoy many other thrill activities like paragliding, boat ride and rock climbing. If seen, Sanasar is the perfect tourist destination to experience the Kashmiri culture and enjoy adventure activities with the darshan of Vaishno Mata.
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