Vaishno Devi Yatra from Katra to Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir is quite possibly of the most famous journey on the planet. The 13-kilometer yatra begins at Banganga, 1.5 to 2 kilometers from Katra’s main city. It finishes up at the Blessed Cavern (otherwise called Bhawan) with the darshan of Maa Vaishno Devi as three normally framed rocks which are known as pindies. Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati, and Maha Lakshmi are the three goddesses that are represented by these pindies. This yatra is a cherished journey in India, directing fans to the place of worship of Goddess Vaishno Devi, otherwise called Mata Rani, Trikuta, or Sherawali.
Vaishno Devi Yatra 2024
About Vaishno Devi
Situated in the midst of the pleasant Trikuta Mountains of Jammu and Kashmir in India, lies the heavenly holy place of Mata Vaishno Devi. The sanctuary is loved by a larger number of people and is visited by a great many explorers every year. The challenging trek of nearly 13.5 kilometers begins at the base camp of Katra, where pilgrims begin their journey. The trek is exciting while also being difficult. Scores of travelers happily serenade the trademark of ‘Jai Mata Di’ and sing ‘bhajans’ (tunes dedicated to the Goddess). The travelers comprise of everyone of any age, individuals having a place with different societies, districts and talking various tongues, joined by their normal commitment towards Mata Vaishno Devi.
Spiritual Significance
As one of the 108 Shakti Peethas, where Goddess Sati’s severed limbs rested following her self-immolation, this yatra is sacred. The hallowed place, with its three pindis addressing Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati, isn’t simply an objective; it’s a pathway for pioneers to satisfy their desires and look for salvation.
Best Time to Visit
Plan your yatra astutely! From March to October, when the weather is nice and the flowers are in full bloom, is the best time to see Vaishno Devi’s peace and beauty. The Yatra takes half a day to complete.
Challenges
There are numerous best approaches on this Yatra-walk, ride a horse, take a cart, or experience the excitement of a helicopter ride. If you decide to walk, be prepared for a challenging 12 km climb up a steep hill.
Logistics and Preparation
Register online through the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) to ensure a smooth journey.
Vaishno Devi Yatra Registration
- Registration for Vaishno Devi Yatra is compulsory prior to undertaking the yatra.
- You can register online or by waiting in line at the Yatri Registration counter (YRC) near the Bus Stand Katra.
- One more Yatra Enrollment Counter is situated close to the subsequent transport stand. It is one kilometer away from the main counter on Udhampur Road and is called YRC-II.
- Attempt to make an earlier reserving on the web.
- Upon registration, each Yatri is given a Yatra Access card, also known as a Yatra slip or Parchi.
- All yatris are automatically covered in the event of an accident on the Vaishno Devi Yatra route once they register at the counter.
- It’s a free insurance policy that only covers deaths by accident. For majors, insurance costs INR 3,00,000, while for minors, it costs INR 1,00,000.
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Vaishno Devi Yatra Parchi
When a yatri registers for the Vaishno Devi Yatra, they are given a yatra access card, also known as a parchi. The yatri has official permission to continue their journey to the Maa Vaishno Devi Temple.
- The yatra parchi is substantial for 6 hours from the issue.
- Within six hours, you must cross the first checkpoint at Banganga, which is 1.5 kilometers from the YRC-I.
- Otherwise, the checkpost will confiscate the yatra slip and require the issuance of a new one.
- At the Bhawan, Yatra Parchi plays a major role.
- The slip is reviewed at the Yatra Slip Counter situated on the left-hand side following the baggage really look at post.
- Each yatri is dispensed a gathering number which decides the grouping of darshan and the holding up time. Reach Gate No. 1 after bathing at the Bathing Ghat.
- Upon declaration or show of the gathering number on the presentation board, you are permitted inside the line
Accommodation
- Near the bus stop, there is a shrine board called Niharika Yatri Niwas and Shakti Bhawan.
- With both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned rooms, it is ideal for a brief few-hour stay.
- Quarters bed begins from as low as INR 100 Fundamental free convenience administrations are accessible at Niharika Complicated and close to Yatra Parchi counter II (YRC-II).
- Blankets are also given away for free. Reservations for a stay at Ardhkuwari can be made for INR 700 per night.
- Slip to be taken from online site or Katra Reservations for rented accommodations at Katra, Ardhkuwari, Sanjichhat, and Bhawan must be made at the Niharika Complex Enquiry and Reservation Counter, which is close to the Katra Bus Stand.
Facilities
- There are massage chairs all along the route.
- For 15 minutes, it costs about INR 50. There are restrooms every 300-400 meters.
- Along the yatra route, Government Bhojanalaya at Ardhkuwari and other eateries are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Throughout the entire yatra, there are bottle recycling machines for disposing of waste. In and around Katra, there are enough parking spaces.
- In addition, parking is provided by the Shrine Board in its various complexes. Along the yatra route, there are shelter sheds almost every 500 meters.
- Devotees waiting for their turn for Vaishno Devi darshan have access to a number of free resting spots at the Bhawan complex. 24-hour data counters are situated at different areas.
- Additionally, these are used as announcement booths for family members or missing children.
Yatra Tips
- Your phone, purse, and camera should be stored in the locker room or in your Dharamshala.
- Hallowed place board shop close to Bhawan is ideal to purchase prasad For the rest of the year, wear light woolens and heavy woolens.
- Only those with a valid registration card can hire a pithoo.
- Visit Bhairon Sanctuary solely after darshan of Maa Vaishno Devi at the blessed cavern
Final Words
The Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board announced that the shrine complex in Katra would provide free essential facilities to assist pilgrims with disabilities. In order to make it easier to get to the darshan areas, these free services provide transportation in the form of horses, stooges, and palanquins up to the Ardhkuwari temple area. The drive comes on the primary day of Chaitra Navratri when the Mata Vaishno Devi Sanctum in Katra is embellished with dynamic lights and blossoms to invite the enthusiasts. The deployment of CRPF, police, and other officers to keep an eye on the situation has also added to security measures. Several locations have also been equipped with CCTV cameras and drones for surveillance purposes.