The Vaishno Devi temple, which is also recognized as one of the “Shakti Peeths” of goddess ‘ Durga’, is situated at a distance of 61 Kms from Vaishno Devi, nestled in the mighty Trikuta mountains at a height of 5,200 feet above the sea level. The devotees traverse part of the distance i.e. 13 Km. on foot from the base town of Katra, which is at a height of 1700 ft. from the sea level. People who visit the shrine constitute a heterogeneous profile comprising of wealthy & poor, aged & young, males & females from within and outside the country. At the culmination of their pilgrimage the yatries are blessed with the ‘Darshans’ of the deity in her three manifestations as three Pindies, located inside the sanctum– sanatorium, open for the yatries through out the year in all seasons.

Out of the millions of devotees who throng the place, a large number of yatri are repeaters who visit this place every year. The Shrine of goddess ‘Vaishno Devi’ is reached by an arduous climb. The efforts a pilgrim puts in to traverse this distance kindles in him a sense of mission. The scenic beauty, the landscape around and the constant chanting of ‘Jai Mata Di’, leaves a mystic effect on the yatries, making complete transformation of one’s body and soul. The devotee's mind is freed from all kinds of pride and ego, and he is completely lost in a reverie of gratitude to the divine.

From Katra to Darbar
The Yatra begins at Katra and pilgrims have to cover 13 km. of terrain on foot to reach the Darbar. One kilometer away from Katra, you would find Banganga, place where Mata quenched her thirst. After 6 km. of trekking, you would reach Adhkawari, the holy cave where Mata meditated for nine months. Do visit the cave. After 9.5 km., you would reach Sanji Chhat where you can rest for sometime. Accommodation is also available at this place.

Now Bhawan is just 3.5 km. away. On reaching Bhawan, show your Yatra Slip at the Registration Office and obtain the Batch no. provided on the slip. This number is important as it will determine your place in the queue for darshan. On reaching Bhawan, have a bath and change your clothes. Be sure to get your luggage and leather items booked in the cloak rooms and obtain the receipt. Book the valuables separately and obtain the receipt. You can also get blankets on refundable deposit for Rs.100. Buy Prasad, Chunri and Coconuts from the shops situated at the entrance of the Bhawan. Stand in the queue for darshan of Maa Darbar according to your Group No. at gate No. 2. Keep chanting Jai Mata Di. In case of overcrowding, it may take sometime in the queue.

You would not be allowed to carry the Coconut in the cave. Before entering the cave, deposit the coconut and collect a token for each of such coconuts deposited. When you come out, be sure to collect an offered coconut from the other side by depositing the token. Do not lose the token. Keep the prasad in your hands, and chant Jai Matadi inside the cave. While inside the cave, please concentrate on the darshan of mother goddess in her three pindi forms - Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati. The holy water coming from the feet of the mata can be collected while you come out near the exit gate. Deposit the token and collect your coconut from the counter near the exit.

The Shrine of Bhairon
It is believed that the Yatra is complete only after visiting the shrine of Bhairon while returning. Bhairon's Shrine is 2.5 km. from Bhavan. Please collect your belongings before going to the shrine, as the path of return is different. The return path is just 13 km. as the return path from the Bhairon Shrine joins the main path at Sanjhi Chhat.

How to reach

Jammu to Katra
Buses leave for Katra every 10 minutes from the main bus stand at Jammu between 5.30 am to 8.30 pm. During rush periods, additional buses are also pressed into service between Jammu and Katra. Private Taxis are also available for hire between Jammu and Katra. These can be hired from Jammu Airport, Jammu Railway Station and the Tourist Reception Centre at Jammu.

Katra to Darbar
The Yatra begins at Katra and pilgrims have to cover 13 km. of terrain on foot to reach the Darbar.