Place Details:
The Maa Vasihno Devi Temple is one of the holiest pilgrim centres in India. Close to 10 million people visit the temple annually making it one of the most visited pilgrim centres in the country. The hike is close to 12 km long and yet the temple is as revered as it is. There are three naturally formed rock structures called pindies which are said to represent the three forms of Durga, Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati. The cave temple is perched on top of the Trikuta Mountain , which is approximately 5200 ft above sea level.
It is believed that one of the earliest mentions of Vaishno Devi was named Trikuta and at the mere age of nine years, she decided to meditate and pray to Rama who she eventually considered to be her husband. However, while Rama was looking for his abducted wife Sita, he came across Trikuta who was praying to him. On learning that the girl has been a devotee for several ye4ars and has considered Rama to be her husband, Rama was taken aback. He explained to the girl how he was devoted to his wife Sita. However, he also promised to marry her in Kalyuga in the form of Kalki. Before departing, he named her Vaishnavi as she was born as an aspect of Vishnu.
Through the various yugas it so happened the Pandavas traveled to the trikuta mountain to seek Mata Vaishno Devi’s blessings before going on war at Kurukshetra.
The temple located in Jammu and Kashmir has a trust that also provides facilities like free accommodation in dharamshalas, minimally priced meals and free medical care fro those in need. The municipality has made arrangements for travelers to who need assistance to reach the temple. From helicopter services (Rs 1,170 one way, Rs 2,340 both ways), pony rides (maximum of Rs 850, depending on the duration and route), porters, called pithoons can carry around 25 kg of your luggage or children less than six years of age (Rs 700 both ways) to palanquin services (Rs 5,000 both ways for a six carrier), there are several options that you can pick one from! If the weather conditions are favorable, the temple is open throughout the year!
BEST TIME TO VISIT VAISHNO DEVI
The average minimum and maximum temperature of Vaishno Devi is as given below. The best time to visit Vaishno Devi is also specified.