Important temples:The holy cave of Mata Vaishno Devi, Adkuwari,Charan Paduka, Bhairon Mandir
Location : The holy cave is located in the folds of three mountains called Trikuta , at an altitude of 5,200ft, in north-western Himalaya.
Distance: 12 km NE of katre, 62km NE of Jammu
Route from Jammu: NH1A to dormel; district road to Katra; trek to Vaishno Devi.
Timings: The shrine is open round—the-lock throughout the year. The cave is closed for darshan for 2 hrs, for aarti at sunrise and sunset.
Related info: There is no fee for darshan. But special darshan is possible in the Shraddha Suman Vishesh Puja Aarti. As the cave has very limited space, only five people are allowed to participate in this aarti for a payment of Rs 11,000. Reservations can be made at the Niharika Complex, Katra (see Fact File), or through the website (maavaishnodevi. org). Daily havans are performed near the cave. A family of five can participate by paying Rs 5,100. This havan can also be done in the name of devotees if they send the requisite amount through procedures specified on the website (Rs 1,100 for five persons). Prasad is sent by post.
Offerings: The main offerings inside the holy cave are red chunnis, saris, silver or gold ornaments, dry fruits and flowers. Sweets and food items aren’t allowed inside the cave. If you are carrying a coconut, you need to deposit it at a counter in the main waiting hall, against a slip. After puia, a coconut can be reclaimed from another counter after darshan. No coconuts are allowed to be broken near the holy cave. Pilgrims generally take a bath before darshan. Bathing facilities are available near the cave. The most important festivals at the shrine are: Chaim Navaratra (Mar-Apr) and Sharad Navaratra (Sep Oct) when the Shat Chandi Yagna is organiml to! peace and the prosperity of mankind. Diwali h also celebrated with great fervour
Where to stay: In Katra, yatris also have the option of staying at one of the many private hotels there. Prices vary from day to day and rates are negotiable. There are many options provides by Maa Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, JKTDC and IRCTC.
Where to eat: Vegetarian food is available in Katra and all along the route. The Shrine Board runs no- profit, no-loss food counters at the Bhavan. Smoking and drinking are prohibited during the entire yatra.
When to go: The yatra is open through the year. Peak crowds are seen in May, June and July, and during the festive period of the Navamtras (Mar-Apr and Sep-Oct). Year end/ New Year vacations in December also) witness huge number of devotees there.
No comments:
Post a Comment