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PRICE
HOTELS
TERMS
VALIDITY
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How To Visit |
Story About Vaishnodevi |
Yatra |
Bhavan |
Darshan |
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Weather,
Climate & Clothing |
Do's & Don'ts |
Yatra Registration |
Medical Facilities |
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Name:
Vaishno Devi Mandir
Primary Deity: Vaishno Devi(Shakti)
Location:
Vaishno Devi, Jammu and Kashmir |
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HOW TO VISIT |
Mata's cave shrine is nestled in the mighty Trikuta mountain 61
kilometres north of Jammu at a height of 5,200 feet above the
sea level in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Appropriate Season :
The shrine is visited all through the year, but the path is
difficult during the winters due to snowfall.
How to Reach...
Airway :
Nearest airport - Jammu (48 km from Katra)
Daily Flights are available from Delhi and Srinagar. These
flights (Indian Airlines) connect Chandigarh & Amritsar on some
days of the week.
Railway :
Nearest Railway Station - Jammu By rail, Jammu is directly
connected cities like Mumbai, Delhi Kolkatta and Chennai.
Besides, it is connected with other major cities of the country.
Roadways :
Jammu is the terminus of a large number of Inter State Bus
Services.
Jammu to Katra :
Buses leave for Katra every 10 minutes from the main bus stand
at Jammu between 5.30 am to 8.30 pm. During rush periods,
additional buses are also pressed into service between Jammu and
Katra.
Private Taxis are also available for hire between Jammu and
Katra. These can be hired from Jammu Airport, Jammu Railway
Station and the Tourist Reception Centre at Jammu.
Where to stay :
Jammu
Yatri Niwas managed by the Shrine Board. Various private hotels,
the room rent ranging from Rs.300/- per day to Rs.3000/- per
day.
Katra
Yatri Niwas managed by the Shrine Board, Rest Houses maintained
by the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department, other hotels.
Sarais, managed by the Shrine Board offer free accommodations at
Adhkawari, Sanjichhat and Darbar. Dharamshala, run by various
organizations offer reasonable accommodation to the pilgrims.
Yatris are however advised to keep themselves away from touts
promising free Dharamshala accommodations . |
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STORY ABOUT VAISHNODEVI |
Indian Spiritual tradition has propounded four Purusharth
(objectives) of a human life. These being Dharm (Righteousness),
Arth (Material Pursuits), Kaam (Contentment) and Moksh
(Enlightenment). Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is believed to grant all
the four boons to those who visit Her Holy Shrine. She is
considered to fulfill anything and everything that a person
wishes for in life, in a righteous way. It is an experience of
all, that no one goes empty handed from Her Great Pilgrimage.
The journey to the Holy Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is thus an
enchanting journey of the places where Mata Vaishnavi had spent
some time while observing various spiritual disciplines and
penances. The culmination of this journey is at the Holy Cave
where She merged Her Human form with the astral form of Her
creators, the three Supreme Energies
Vaishno Devi Mandir (Hindi: वैष्णोदेबी मन्दीर) is one of the
holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Shakti, located in the hill
of Vaishno Devi, Jammu and Kashmir, India. In Hinduism, Vaishno
Devi, also known as Mata Rani and Vaishnavi, is a manifestation
of the Mother Goddess.
The temple is near the town of Katra, in Udhampur district in
the state of Jammu and Kashmir,. It is one of the most revered
places of worship in Northern India. The shrine is at an
altitude of 5200 feet and a distance of approximately 12
kilometres (7.45 miles) from Katra. Million of pilgrims visit
the temple every year and is the second most visited religious
shrine in India, after Tirupati Balaji Mandir. The Shri Mata
Vaishno Devi Shrine Board maintains the shrine. A rail link from
Udhampur to Katra is being built to facilitate pilgrimage.
According to Hindu epic, Ma Vaishno Devi took birth in the South
of India in the home of Ratnakar Sagar, Her worldly parents had
remained childless for a long time. Ratnakar had promised, the
night before the birth of the Divine child, that he would not
come in the way of whatever his child desired. Ma Vaishno Devi
was called Trikuta as a child. Later She was called Vaishnavi
because of Her taking birth from Lord Vishnu's lineage. When
Trikuta was 9 years old, She sought her father's permission for
doing penance on the sea-shore. Trikuta prayed to Lord Vishnu in
the form of Rama. During Shree Rama's search for Sita, He
reached the sea-shore along with His army. His eyes fell on this
Divine Girl in deep meditation. Trikuta told Shree Rama that She
had accepted Him as Her husband. Shree Rama told Her that during
this Incarnation He had vowed to be faithful to only Sita.
However the Lord assured Her that in Kaliyuga He would manifest
as Kalki and would marry Her.
In the meantime Shree Rama asked Trikuta to meditate in the cave
found in the Trikuta Range of Manik Mountains, situated in
Northern India. Ma decided to observe the 'Navratra' for the
Victory of Shree Rama against Ravan. Hence one reads the
Ramayana during the 9 days of Navratra, in remembrance of the
above connection. Shree Rama promised that the whole world would
sing Ma Vaishno Devi's praise. Trikuta was to become famous as
Vaishno Devi and would become immortal forever.
With the passage of time many more stories about the Mother
Goddess emerged. One such story is about Shree-Dhar.
Shree-Dhar was an ardent devotee of Ma Vaishno Devi. He resided
in a village called Hansali, 2 Km away from the present Katra
town. Once Ma appeared to him in the form of a young bewitching
girl. The young girl asked the humble Pandit to hold a 'Bhandara'.
(A feast to feed the mendicants and devotees) The Pandit set out
to invite people from the village and near-by places. He also
invited 'Bhairav Nath' a selfish demon. Bhairav Nath asked
Shri-Dhar how he was planning to fulfill the requirements. He
reminded him of the bad consequences in case of failure. As
Panditji was lost in worry, the Divine girl appeared and told
Him not to be despondent as everything had been arranged. She
asked that over 360 devotees be seated in the small hut. True to
Her word the Bhandara went smoothly with food and place to
spare.
Bhairav Nath admitted that the girl had supernatural powers and
decided to test Her further. He followed the Divine girl to
Trikuta Hills. For 9 months Bhairav Nath was searching for the
mystic girl in the mountains, whom he believed was an
incarnation of the Mother Goddess. While running away from
Bhairav, Devi shot an arrow into the Earth from which water
gushed out. The resultant river is known as Baanganga. It is
believed that by taking a bath in Baanganga (Baan: Arrow), a
believer of the Mother Goddess can wash away all his sins. The
banks of the river, known as Charan Paduka, are marked by Devi's
foot imprints, which remains intact till date. Vaishno Devi then
took shelter in a cave known as Garbh Joon near Adhkawari where
she meditated for 9 months attaining spiritual wisdom and
powers. Her meditation was cut short when Bhairav located her.
Vaishno Devi was then compelled to take the form of Maha Kali
when Bhairav tried to kill her. The manifestation of the Mother
Goddess took place at the mouth of the Holy cave at Darbar. The
Goddess then beheaded Bhairav with such sheer force, that his
skull fell at a place known as Bhairav Ghati, 2.5 km from the
Holy Cave.
In his dying moments, Bhairav pleaded for forgiveness. The
Goddess knew that Bhairav's main intention in attacking her was
to achieve salvation. She not only granted Bhairav liberation
from the cycle of reincarnation, but also granted him a boon,
whereby every devotee, in order to ensure completion of the
pilgrimage, had to visit Bhairav Nath's temple near the Holy
cave after the darshan of the goddess.Meanwhile Vaishno Devi
assumed the shape of a rock with three pindis (heads) and
immersed herself into meditation forever.
Meanwhile Pandit Shree-Dhar became impatient. He started to
march towards Trikuta Mountain on the same path that he had
witnessed in a dream. He ultimately reached the cave mouth. He
made a daily routine of worshiping the 'Pindis' in several ways.
His worship pleased the Goddess. She appeared in front of him
and blessed him. Since that day, Shree-Dhar and his descendants
have been worshiping the Goddess Mother Vaishno Devi. |
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YATRA |
Yatra to Mata's Darbar
The Yatra begins at Katra and pilgrims have to cover 13 km. of
terrain on foot to reach the Darbar. One kilometer away from
Katra, you would find Banganga, place where Mata quenched her
thirst and at 6 km., the holy cave at Adhkawari.
Yatris are advised to obtain a yatra slip only from the Yatra
Registration Counter at the Tourism Reception Centre, Katra Bus
Stand and nowhere els.e. Without an authentic yatra slip,
crossing of Banganga check post will not be allowed. The Yatra
Slip is absolutely free but is necessary to commence the Yatra.
You can obtain caps, canvas shoes, sticks etc. on hire for the
Yatra. Pithus (people who carry weight on their backs) can be
hired for carrying your luggage.
Those who have problems in climbing on the mountains, can hire
the services of a pony or dandi (palenquin). Pithus can be hired
for carrying the children on shoulders. It is advised that you
should avail of the services of only registered people be it the
pithu, pony or the dandiwalla and keep his token for the period
he is engaged.
The entire 13 km route is quite wide and tiled. Besides, the
whole path is lit up every night by powerful sodium vapour
lamps.
The whole route is swept and cleaned from time to time
throughout the day. Yatris are requested to keep the path clean.
Shelter cum sheds and shelter cum cafeterias are setup
throughout the route. Pure vegetarian food is available at these
outlets. Price charts are exhibited at all these outlets
prominently.
Drinking water has been made available all along the route, with
water coolers and storage facilities.
Public utilities with automatic flushing systems along the track
and at the Bhawan.
After 6 km. of trekking, you would reach Adhkawari, the holy
cave where Mata meditated for nine months. Do visit the cave.
After 9.5 km., you would reach Sanji Chhat where you can rest
for sometime. Accommodation is also available at this place.
Bhawan is just 3.5 km. away
On reaching Bhawan, show your Yatra Slip at the Registration
Office and obtain the Batch no. provided on the slip. This
number is important as it will determine your place in the queue
for darshan.
On reaching Bhawan, have a bath and change your clothes. Be sure
to get your luggage and leather items booked in the cloak rooms
and obtain the receipt. Book the valuables separately and obtain
the receipt.
You can also get blankets on refundable deposit for
Rs.100/Blanket.
Buy Prasad, Chunri and Coconuts from the shops situated at the
entrance of the Bhawan.. |
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BHAVAN |
On reaching Bhavan, buy prasad and other offerings. Show the
Yatra Ticket at the office and collect the Token No., and check
the group No. and time for your turn. Have a bath and change
clothes before the darshan.
Deposit your belongings in the cloak room.
Stand in the queue for darshan according to your Group No. at
gate No. 2. Keep chanting Jai Mata Di.In case of overcrowding,
it may take sometime in the queue. Please wait patiently.You
would not be allowed to carry the Cocunut in the cave. Before
entering the cave, deposit the coconut and collect a token for
each of such coconuts deposited. When you come out, be sure to
collect an offered coconut from the other side by depositing the
coconut. Do not lose the token.Keep the prasad in your hands,
and chant Jai Matadi inside the cave. While inside the cave,
please concentrate on the darshan of mother goddess in her three
pindi forms - Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati.
The holy water coming from the feet of the mata can be collected
while you come out near the exit gate.
Deposit the token and collect your coconut from the counter near
the exit.
It is believed that the Yatra is complete only after visiting
the shrine of Bhairon while returning. Bhairon's Shrine is 2.5
km. from Bhavan. Please collect your belongings before going to
the shrine, as the path of return is different.
The return path is just 13 km. as the return path from the
Bhairon Shrine joins the main path at Sanjhi Chhat.
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DARSHAN |
JAI MATA DI
High, High to the north, amidst snow capped mountains and
sprawling forests arise from within the holy shrine of Maa
Vaishno Devi. Our journey takes you to this awesome wilderness,
a place so holy and sacred, a place of mystery and adventure
scarcely known to most in modern world. The Yatra begins at
Katra and pilgrims cover 13km of terrain on foot to reach the
holy Darbar. There is a common faith among the folk that
Goddess-Vaishno sends a 'Call' to her devotees : and that once a
person receives it, wherever he or she is, marches towards the
holy shrine of the great Goddess. Howsoever difficult the
passage may be : the difficult ascents, with innumerable stairs,
are accomplished on foot by those who had never walked even
small distances at their homes. A supernatural power seems to
draw them through the mountain and they climb up those great
heights step by step, chanting 'Prem se bolo, JAI MATA DI' The
Holy Cave Shrine of Maa Vaishno Devi is situated in a beautiful
recess of the Holy Trikuta Mountains forming a part of the lower
Himalayas as in the State of Jammu and Kashmir. There are images
of three deities - The Mahakali, Maa Saraswati and Maha Lakshmi.
PAUDI PAUDI CHADDA JA, JAI MATA DI KARDA JA |
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Weather
CLIMATE & CLOTHING Information... |
Katra town is located at an altitude of nearly 2500 ft above sea
level while the sanctum sanctorum is located at nearly 5200 ft.
above sea level. There is obviously a significant temperature
difference between the two locations. A reference to the
temperature of Katra town alone may thus be misleading, for,
even at the height of summer, the Bhawan area may be
considerably cool. For this purpose, a chart outlining the broad
range of summer/winter temperatures at both Katra and Bhawan is
outlined below. The temperature figures are merely indicative
and actual values may vary from year to year. Nevertheless,
these values are meant to give the pilgrims a fair idea of the
temperature range and to plan their yatra and clothing
requirements accordingly..
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Distances from Katra, Altitude w.r.t. Mean Sea
Level & Average Temperature |
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Location |
Altitudes(ft)
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Temperature °C |
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Winter |
Summer |
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Min. |
Max. |
Min. |
Max. |
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Katra |
2500 |
03
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15 |
20 |
40 |
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Banganga |
2800 |
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Charan Paduka |
3380 |
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Adhkuwari |
4800 |
01 |
14 |
16 |
35 |
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Himkoti |
5120 |
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Sanjichhat |
6200 |
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Bhawan |
5200 |
- 02 |
13 |
15 |
30 |
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Bhairon Ghati (Via Bhawan) |
6619 |
- 03 |
11 |
12 |
25 |
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Climatic
Considerations and Clothing
Best Season The Yatra to the Holy Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji
is open throughout the year. The summer months of May, June and
July and the festival period of Chaitra (spring) and
Sharad-Ashwin (Autumn) Navratras and New Year vacations witness
peak rush. As a result of this rush, devotees have to often wait
for 12-20 hours before having Darshan. It is therefore strongly
adviced, that for comfortable, quick and satisfying Darshan, the
period of peak rush must be avoided.
Instead the monsoons and winters are good periods to plan a
yatra. During the monsoons, Nature is at its scenic best with
water falls and lush green surroundings. The winter months of
December and January witness snow fall and barring the very
young and the physically infirm, it can prove to be a charming
season for others to visit the Shrine. The original Holy Cave of
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji is also open during the winters and
Darshans through this cave is a unique mystical experience. A
thumb rule to plan one’s journey is to log on to this website
and check out the pattern and number of pilgrims visiting the
Holy Shrine. If the average number of pilgrims during a period
is less than 15,000-18,000 on any given day, one can expect a
comfortable trip and a satisfying Darshan of the Holy Pindies.
Clothing and accessories
One needs to carry heavy woollen clothing during the winters.
For the rest of the year, light woollens are needed. Even during
hot summers, when the base camp, Katra too turns hot and humid,
the main Shrine area, known as Bhawan continues to remain on the
cooler side especially in the nights. Blankets are available
aplenty free of cost and there is no need to carry them. One may
also need canvas shoes for the Yatra. Fancy shoes and footwear
make it difficult to walk on the track and footwear with flat or
platform soles are therefore recommended. For those going on
foot, a walking stick is very helpful in negotiating the steep
climbs. Umbrellas and rain coats are required during the rainy
seasons. Shoes, cameras, walking sticks, torches, head bands,
umbrellas and many more such articles for which a person may not
be prepared beforehand are readily available on hire at various
private shops all over Katra and also on the way to Holy Shrine.
Rates as usual are negotiable. However, the quality of the some
of them may not be very good and hence the pilgrims may need to
check carefully the same before hiring or purchasing anything. |
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DO'S & DONT'S |
Before Yatra
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1. |
Before
proceeding for the trek, obtain a Yatra slip from Yatra
Registration Counter, near bus stand KatraThe slip is
issued free of cost. . No one is allowed to proceed
beyond Banganga check post without obtaining the Yatra
slip. |
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2. |
In case
you wish to avail of the facility of rented
accommodation at Katra, Adkuwari, Sanjichhat or Bhawan,
please get the room reservation done from the Enquiry
and Reservation Counter at Niharika Complex (near the
Bus Stand) Katra. |
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3. |
Kindly
confirm the rates of the Porters, Ponies and Palanquins
before hiring them and ensure that they carry a valid
registration card. Note down their numbers before
entrusting them with your valuables. Please do not pay
more than the approved rates. |
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4. |
Video
cameras, mobile phones and other electronic equipment
are not allowed on the track. Please make arrangements
for their safekeeping at Katra itself. |
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5. |
Travel
light. Please leave all unnecessary clothes and luggage
at Katra itself. Food, drink and blankets are freely
available. There is no need to carry these items along. |
While on the Track
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1. |
Please
uphold the sanctity of the pilgrimage and avoid loud
dresses, vulgar language or offensive talk or gestures.
The yatra is a journey of faith. Please do not treat it
as a picnic or a vacation outing. |
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2. |
Respect
the sentiments of co-pilgrims. |
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3. |
Cooperate with the security agencies for security
checks. |
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4. |
Please
avoid resting near landslide prone areas. |
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5. |
Refrain
from smoking, chewing tobacco and betel leaves,
spitting, spreading litter, playing cards etc.
Consumption of liquor, intoxicants and non vegetarian
food is strictly prohibited. |
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6. |
Keep the
environment clean. Do not dirty the hill slopes. Throw
the disposables in the dustbins only. In particular,
minimize use of plastics. |
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7. |
Avoid
carrying too much cash, jewelry and valuables. Take
proper care whatever you carry and beware of pickpockets
and petty thieves. |
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8. |
Don’t
trust strangers with belongings. Deposit all excess
baggage in the cloak rooms. |
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9. |
Don’t
eat anything offered by strangers |
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10. |
Beware
of suspicious persons and unclaimed articles and report
about the same to the security personnel. |
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11. |
Don’t
encourage begging. Begging is strictly prohibited. |
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12. |
Obtain
cash receipt for any cash paid at the Shrine Board
outlets. |
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13. |
Avoid
using routes closed for repairs. This can prove
extremely dangerous. |
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14. |
Yatries
with high blood pressure or heart or asthamatic problems
must seek clearance from their doctors before starting
the journey. |
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15. |
Yatries
with any kind of medical problems are strongly advised
against using the stairs. |
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16. |
Sticking
posters, writing on the walls, mutilating or damaging
the property is a legal offence punishable with both
fine and imprisonment. |
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17. |
Don’t
crowd anywhere. Instead keep moving. |
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18. |
Video
film shooting is prohibited enroute. Please leave your
video cameras at Katra. |
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19. |
Ponies
are not allowed on the new track. Plan your trip
accordingly. |
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20. |
Self
service is the motto at all Shrine Board outlets, hence
no room or table service is provided. |
At Bhawan & for Darshans
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1. |
On arrival
at Bhawan, obtain the group number at the Yatra slip
check post to get into the queue for Darshans. |
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2. |
Proceed
for Darshans only when the Group number is announced and
avoid crowding for Darshans at Gate No.1. Abide by the
procedure and wait for the turn of Darshans. Do not
attempt to jump the queue. |
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3. |
Don’t
use soaps, shampoos, oils etc. at the bathing Ghats. |
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4. |
Freshen
up and wear clean clothes before proceeding for the
Darshans. |
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5. |
Nothing
except cash and selected offerings are allowed inside
the Holy Cave. All other belongings need to be deposited
in the free cloak rooms. |
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6. |
Deposit
your Coconuts inside the main waiting hall against a
token. |
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7. |
While
inside the Sanctum Sanctorum, focus your attention on
the Holy Pindies of the Divine Mother. |
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8. |
Chanting
of slogans of praises inside the cave is not allowed as
it disturbs the other pilgrims. |
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9. |
Don’t
offer any cash or jewelry in front of the Holy Pindies.
Instead deposit the same in the donation/jewelry boxes. |
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10. |
Deposit
donations in the donation boxes kept at various
locations or at the computerized donation counters
against a proper receipt. No individual is authorized to
accept any donation on behalf of the Board. |
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11. |
Kanya
Poojan is strictly prohibited. |
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12. |
Please
do not offer any tip or dakshina or any other
gratification to any employee or person. |
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13. |
Darshans
at Bhairon temple are done only after Darshans at the
Holy Cave. |
Help & Assitance
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1. |
For any
kind of help or assistance, contact the
functionaries of the Shrine Board. OR contact your
travel agent |
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2. |
Complaints and suggestion boxes are available at all
the establishments of the Shrine Board. These are
regularly opened and complaints/suggestions are duly
acted upon. |
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3. |
Complaint registers are also available at important
locations. |
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Yatra Registration - Obtaining
a Yatra Parchi |
The most important activity that a pilgrim has to undertake on
reaching Katra is getting registered for the Yatra. Yatra
Registeration is carried out at the Yatri Registeration centre (YRC)
near the Bus Stand Katra.
All pilgrims without exception are required to register
themselves before undertaking the Yatra. The task of
registration is done by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board
which is the only STATUTORY & LEGAL authority for the purpose.
No other organization, private or public is authorized to issue
the Yatra slip. The registration process is entirely FREE and is
fully computerized. This process is carried out at the Yatra
Registration Counter, popularly known as (YRC), situated at Bus
stand, Katra. Under this, a visitor has to register his name
along with the number of companions and he is issued a
computerized Slip (Yatra slip/Parchi) which is the documentary
permission for him to proceed on his journeyto the main Shrine.
He is required to cross the first Check Post located at Banganga
(around 1.5 kilometers from the YRC) within 6 hours of the issue
of the slip, failing which his slip is confiscated at the Check
Post and he is required to take a fresh slip altogether. The
entire Yatra Registration process is fully computerized, thus
making it convenient, efficient and smooth. It is to be noted
that yatries who proceed without this slip/Parchi shall be
turned back from Banganga check post and not allowed to proceed
further. In the rare case of any yatri being found at Bhawan/en-route
without the yatra slip, he/she shall not only be turned back but
disciplinary action shall also be taken against him/her.
Important: - One Yatra Slip is
issued for a maximum of 9 family members. For more members, more
than one Yatra slip can be taken. In case of yatries in large
groups, a separate yatra Slip should be taken for each family.
Yatra Counter No. II: - In order to reduce the waiting time in
the main YRC, a second Yatra counter has been made operational
near the second bus stand. It is situated nearly one km away
from the main Yatra counter on Udhampur road and is called YRC-II.
This counter in addition to the usual registration has also been
authorized to issue Yatra slips for large yatra groups (say one
bus load or more) traveling as a single group. This has been so
designed because the area near the YRC-II is used for idle
parking of travel and luxury coaches and for pilgrims arriving
through these coaches, it is more convenient to obtain the
Parchi from YRC-II.
Waiting Slip: - Since the carrying capacity of the Holy Trikuta
Mountain is limited, the maximum numbers of yatries who can have
Darshans in a single day are about 23,000-24,000. However,
during the peak rush periods, the number of yatri arrivals is
far in excess of this number. In such a situation, the yatries
are then asked to wait at Katra itself. This phenomenon is
called Waiting and no yatra slips are issued during waiting.
Instead red/pink waiting slips are issued. These have to be
validated at the YRC, the following morning or whenever
“Waiting” is called off. Then the waiting slips are taken back
and the original yatra slips are issued following which yatries
can begin the Holy journey. The phenomenon of waiting is
inconvenient but is necessary owing to the geographical
limitation of the Holy Hill. Yatries are advised to check out
the yatra status from this website before embarking on the yatra.
As a thumb rule, weekends during May, June and the second half
of December or any other block of school/college/office holidays
invariably witness heavy rush thereby necessitating “Waiting”.
Need and Importance of Registration
Registration at YRC is important
because of the following reasons:-
* All Devotees, once they get registered at the YRC for their
trek are automatically and compulsorily insured against any
accidental causality (a rare possibility) on their way to the
Holy Shrine. This is a free insurance to all those who undertake
this holy pilgrimage. The amount of insurance is Rs.1,00,000/-
for majors and Rs 25,000/- for minors and is valid only in case
of accidental deaths. For cases of natural deaths including
heart attacks, this insurance package is not applicable.
* Unlike other major pilgrim spots, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi
Shrine is located deep in the mountains. Though a lot of
development has taken place all along the way from Katra to
Bhawan, the Holy Mountain has its own limitations and saturation
levels as regards its capacity to hold and sustain large crowds.
Besides, the resources available to provide various services and
facilities to the Devotees are also limited. This is because, in
the absence of a road, even the most basic and essential items
have to be carried either on ponies or by humans.
* Further, since the Holy Pindies are situated in a narrow Cave,
group visits for Darshans are not possible. The system of
Darshans is thus through a continuously moving queue, round the
clock. Thus only a limited number of pilgrims can have Darshans
everyday.
Thus, because of all the above reasons, the number of pilgrims
on the track and at the main Shrine Complex needs to be
regulated. This regulation to helps to avoid overcrowding and
accidents and also ensures that all of them get basic facilities
like food and water. |
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MEDICAL FACILITIES |
While no specific medical certificate is needed to undertake the
Yatra, those suffering from heart, breathing or similar ailments
are advised to proceed with the Yatra only after due medical
checkup and advice. Cardiac, asthmatic and orthopedic problems
are known to get aggravated due to the strenuous climb. In any
case, these patients are strongly advised against using the
stairs. To cater to the medical needs of the yatries there is a
block hospital at Katra as well as a 24 hours charitable
dispensary run under the aegis of the Shrine Board. Emergency
needs can be taken care of by basic medical facilities at
Banganga, Adkuwari, Sanjichhat and Bhawan. Oxygen cylinders and
emergency drugs are also available. A dispensary and 24-hr ICU
is also available at Bhawan.
Specialized and advanced medical treatment is however available
only at Jammu. |
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65 8484 89 |
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32 5213 61 |
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2673 6111 |
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0
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