Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple

Renowned globally as Moonh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata, or the Mother who grants Her children's wishes, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji dwells in a sacred cave nestled within the creases of the tripartite mountain known as Trikuta (pronounced as Trikoot). The Shrine was found some 700 years ago by Pandit Shridhar, who had arranged a Bhandaara in which Mata Vaishno Devi had assisted. He was devastated by her leaving and prayed a lot for her to come back. Mata led him to the Holy Cave in the Trikuta Mountain and implored him to break his fast. He struggled but eventually located the Cave, where Mata materialised in front of him. She gave him a blessing, showed him the three heads (Holy Pindies) of the rock form, and gave him instructions to share the glory of the shrine. At the Holy Cave, Pandit Shridhar dedicated his life to serving Mata. 5200 feet is the altitude of the Holy Cave of the Mother. From the base camp at Katra, the Yatris must trek for almost 12 km. The pilgrims receive the Mother Goddess's Darshans at the Sanctum Sanctorum, or Holy Cave, at the end of their journey. The Pindies are three naturally occurring rock formations that resemble these Darshans. The Cave is devoid of idols or statues. It's believed that the Pandavas built temples at Kol Kandoli and Bhawan to honour the Mother Goddess. Nearby, on a mountain, stand five stone structures believed to symbolise the five Pandavas. Guru Gobind Singh is said to have visited the Holy Cave via Purmandal, with the old foot track passing through this pilgrimage centre. Some traditions consider this Shrine the holiest Shaktipeeth, where Mata Sati's skull or right arm fell, while others disagree. Nonetheless, the Holy Cave contains stone remains of a human hand, known as Varad Hast (the hand that grants boons).