Vaishno Devi is a venerated Hindu shrine and a cave situated at 1,700 mts.,30 mts long and 1.5 mts high. It is dedicated to Mahakali, Mahalaxmi, and Mahasaraswati who are three mother goddesses of Hinduism. According to Legend, Vaishno Devi used the cave as a refuge when she was feeling from the demon Bhairon who wanted to marry her. She would have nothing to do with this and killed him. A pilgrimage to the cave should be accompanied by a visit to the temple of Bhairon who was absolved of his sins before he died. The cave is one of the region's most important pilgrim sites.
The shrine board issues yatra( journey) slips from counters that must be presented at Bangange checkpoint within 6 hours. Visitors should leave all the leather items in a cloakroom at Vaishno Devi before entering the cave. There is a regular bus service upto Katra, the remaining distance has to be covered on foot by pony. A helicopter service now connects Jammu airport with the Vaishno Devi shrine twice daily, the duration of which is five minutes. Bookings are handled over Jammu airport at the Pawan Hans counter. Accomodations are available at tourist Bunglow in Katra, shrine in pilgrim shelters and hotels.Previous < Amar Mahal
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