Shri Mata Vaishnodevi Katra

Mata ne bulaya, ‘Call from Mother’ in other words is true in my case.  It was just 15 days earlier we thought (me and my wife) of going to Katra and behold both my sons joined the chorus and said we are also coming. So, we confirmed our seats on IRCTC air package of 3 days from Mumbai to Katra (transfer from Jammu to Katra by a comfortable road vehicle to Best Western – Sky High hotel. Breakfast and dinner aka MAP inclusive.)

Bhavan as seen from walkway

It was planned to reach the Bhavan, as the Mandir is called, by walk.  We checked the internet, friends and all other sources to know what are all the places we have to see after having darshan of Goddess.  It was then finalised that Bhaironath and Adhkuwari are the must visit places.

With blessings from Goddess, could get helicopter ride scheduled next day morning.  Hence, we tried to go around Jammu and enquired with the front desk of the hotel. Hotel staff helped us with a vehicle to go to Naudevi, Baba Aghar Jitto, Baba Dansar.  He also informed that Shivkhori is two hours drive and being Shivratri on that day, it took him 3 hours for darshan in the morning.  Off we went to Aghar Jitto, Naudevi and Dansar in that order.

Baba Aghar Jitto a spiritual devotee of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. This place is also source of attraction for the pilgrims from all over the country. Many people take natural source of water from here which is really the centre of attraction. It is believed that childless couple will be blessed when they come to Aghar Jitto. Legend is that this is the only place where one can see Bhavan (mandir) without any hindrance. The statue of Baba Jitto is situated near road side.

Baba Aghar Jitto

The Nau Devi Temple is a descent of about hundred stairs leads to the small holy cave. Here, you will find “pind” of the nine ‘devis’ (goddesses) which are incarnations of Goddess Durga namely Shailaputri Devi, Bharmachirini, Chandraghanta, Kushmanda, Skanda mata, Katyayani, Maha Kali, Maha Gauri and Siddhidatri. There are two caves here, one housing a Shiva Linga and the other the Nau Devis. Photography prohibited inside the cave.

Stairs of Nau Devi

Baba Dansar Temple of Lord Shiva is located at a distance of about 15 Km from Katra on way to Shivkhori. Here, a huge spring emerges from the rocks in a thick grove of trees and forms a number of small cascading waterfalls before ultimately flowing into the Holy rivulet that merges with the Chenab River. There is a naturally formed Shivling on which droplets of water fall at a constant pace all the year round. A big fair is held here during Shivratri. It is 220 steps down first and then climbing 220 stairs back to the road. We visited this temple on Shivratri day. 

Baba Dansar

Please read here about Mythology and legends of Mata

We started next day at 10.00 am and the seats are allocated in helicopter as per their weight.  (similar procedure at Kedarnath also.) We reached the Sanjichhat in few minutes.  Your mobile and other handbag will fly with you in separate bag as you are not allowed to carry in helicopter except your purse.  On reaching the destination, the same will be returned to you.

View from walkway - Helipad to Bhavan

At Bhavan, you have to deposit your purse, mobile, belt, or anything leather and other bags have to be deposited at the counter.  You can carry only puja articles.  The main cave through which you have to reach Mata for her darshan is no more open to visitors now.  You can get a feel about main cave here

Shrine board has constructed a tunnel through which darshan of Mata is made available. Reason for it is here

We had a good darshan of Mata and started around 12.30 afternoon for Bhaironath.

Earlier, Bhaironath is another 2 km walk. But recently cable car started. For a trip to top and back charges are Rs.100 per person. Photography is prohibited in cable car.

If you have booked for helicopter then you return by cable car to go for helipad. Else after having darshan at Bhaironath, go from there to Adhkuwari by walk, which we opted.  Around 1.45 pm we reached the prasad distribution place where we had suji (sheera) and hot chana which is given as prasad. At 6 km on the descent we reached Adhkuwari around 3.30 pm. As one has to pass through the cave from ground level to a higher level, the devotees are given group number.  A display board informs the present group number which is having darshan.  Wait for your turn.  It is located at an altitude of 4800 feet which is the half way mark on the track as it is situated at a distance of nearly 6 km from Katra. Adhkuwari is one of the most important Darshans on the visit, second only to the main Darshans at the Holy Cave. Legend here

Since the cave is very narrow, only one person can pass through it at a time. While the entrance is comfortably broad, as one enters further one starts wondering whether it would be possible for him/her to pass through it or not. A prompt or a nudge from the person waiting behind him/her, a remembrance of Mata in the hearts and on the lips, and crawl by crawl, one is out of the cave, fully recharged with an energy that definitely belongs to the other world.

Adhkuwari Post Office

On way down had Charanpaduka darshan. Legend is while going to Adhkuwari, Mata stood at a place to see whether Bhaironath is following or not. This stop has made the foot prints of Mata. 

By the time we reached Banganga at around 6.00 pm, we again had one more prasad of Sheera which was piping hot.  This particular place is opposite to T Series showroom of Gulshan Kumar, whom it is believed has given a great push in propagating this particular pilgrimage in 90s.

We called for pickup from Hotel which arrived at the point for us to back home for the day.  The pickup and drop of devotees by Hotel are free.

Next morning after breakfast, started our return to Jammu and then to Mumbai. On way near Jammu you can shop for carpets, dress, dry fruits, etc. by tourism department.

View of Katra town and Katra railway station from walkway 

Tips if you are planning 3 days trip to Katra by flying from Mumbai 

Day 1 - Arrival at Katra by 330 pm - Check in.  Try for Shivkhori which will take 2 hours one way. Although some prefer Patnitop which is also 2 hours one way, keep in mind that you have planned for pilgrimage. Else visit Jammu and around and can return by dinner time.  

If you plan to walk during night to Bhavan, you can start around 9.30 pm and after darshan at Adhkuwari (it may take more time here. Keep a buffer of about 3 hrs on a rough estimate), Bhavan and Bhaironath, you should be back by lunch time to your hotel.  

Day 2 - You can start in the morning also and return by 6.00 pm or so. If you start in the morning you may have to wait at Adhkuwari for a longer time or give a miss.  

Day 3 - After breakfast, you can check out and proceed to Jammu. You can do shopping at Katra or on way to Jammu at a J&K government outlet. 

General Information

Mata darshan is 24 x 7

Online and Offline Yatra parchi is free of cost. 

Offline yatra parchi is also available at Yatra registration counter near bus stand Katra and Vaishnavi Dham, Jammu. 

You require Government ID (Aadhaar is preferable)

Helicopter bookings to be done for to and fro. Charges Rs.1045/- one way 

o   If you plan only from Katra to Sanjichat be prepared for your trip starting at 1200 noon.  Preference is given for up and down passengers first.

o   Yatri Parchis are made at helipad also. 

     Battery cars are available from Adhkuwari to Bhavan or Bhavan to Adhkuwari.

o   But limited to 190 persons only. 

o   Each person can book a maximum of 3 tickets. 

o   Charges Rs.300/- per person one way

o   Available through online booking only. 

o   To avail this facility, you must be 50 years and above as per the website. 

     Prasad items are available at certain areas only.

     There are plenty of information boards on way.

     Charges for mule one way down - Rs.3000/- per person and Palki one way up - Rs.1500/- per person

     You can book mule or palki bothways.  Keep their ID card till you reach your destination. In between they may require energy hence, pay for their snacks, etc. on way. While coming down, there are many kiosks with reclining chairs where you can have electric massage of your legs for 15 minutes for a fee of Rs.50/- .  

Climate & Altitude

Average temperature in winter minimum -3 maximum 11 and in summer minimum 12 and maximum 25 degree Celsius.  Katra is 2500 ft altitude. Banganga 2800, Charan Paduka 3380, Adhkuwari 4800, Himkoti  5120, Sanjichhat 6200, Bhavan 5200, Bhairon Ghati (Via Bhavan) 6619 ft.

Note: Charges/Fares mentioned are liable to change by Shrine Board.