Vaishno Devi Temple

Vaishno Devi Temple, also known as Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites in India, located in the Reasi district of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Situated at an altitude of around 1,585 metres (5,200 feet) in the Trikuta Hills, the temple is dedicated to Mata Vaishno Devi, a manifestation of Goddess Mahalakshmi, Mahakali, and Mahasaraswati. Unlike most temples, the deity is worshipped in the form of three natural rock formations (Pindis) inside a sacred cave. Every year, millions of devotees undertake the approximately 13-kilometre pilgrimage from Katra to seek the blessings of the Goddess, making it one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations in the world.

The history of Vaishno Devi Temple is rooted in ancient Hindu traditions and mythology. According to legend, Mata Vaishno Devi undertook deep meditation in the Trikuta Hills and later took refuge in the sacred cave while being pursued by the tantric ascetic Bhairon Nath. After defeating him, the Goddess granted him salvation and declared that devotees visiting her shrine should also visit the Bhairon Temple, making it an integral part of the pilgrimage. References to the shrine are believed to date back centuries, while the modern pilgrimage gained prominence through the devotion of Pandit Shridhar, a local priest associated with the traditional discovery of the holy cave. Over time, the shrine evolved into one of Hinduism's most important centres of worship. In 1986, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board was established to manage the temple, improve pilgrim facilities, and oversee its development. Today, Vaishno Devi Temple stands as a symbol of faith, devotion, and spiritual resilience, attracting millions of pilgrims from across India and around the world.

The trek begins at Katra, which is connected by rail and road to Jammu, about 50km away.