The devotion and faith of the Vaishno Devi pilgrim cannot help but touch even the most skeptical observer. Every one of the lakhs of visitors here will surely enjoy the feeling of oneness amongst the yatris, their faith in Ma Vaishnavi's generosity, their belief that she will know what's best for them, and that she will reach out to help. No description of the Vaishno Devi Temple Tour can do justice to the pilgrimage has to take one step; the rest of the journey just follows by her divine grace.
Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the cleanest and best maintained pilgrimages in India. The natural beauty of the mountains and the well-maintained road, right to the top, is literally out of this world and make Vaishno Devi Travel Package a truly divine Tour. While one may like to plan the trip meticulously, and it is known that the peak crowds are during the Navaratras, the locals and those who are in the know say that some days are simply unpredictable. Once you have received the bulava (the call), it is best to step forward, go with the flow, and soak in the experience. Whether you find great crowds or are treated to a leisurely darshan, whether you can wait to see a beautiful sunrise and sunset from the mountain top or you return quickly by helicopter, whether you sing energetically with other pilgrims or find yourself breathless on the steep slope, the Vaishno Devi Temple Tour Package will surely be an unforgettable journey linked to your very soul.
To take a pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi, it will be better to book Vaishno Devi Temple tour package from a reliable tour operator having expertise in managing Temple Tour Packages in India. Templeyatri is one of such operators.
Known as the 'munh maangi muraaden poori kame wali Mata', Goddess Vaishno Devi is believed to fulfil all the longings of human life - dharma, artha, kama and moksha. The time taken for the yatra itself depends on the fitness and enthusiasm levels of the pilgrim, the weather and crowds. It is good to plan Vaishno Devi Travel Package for at least two days for a return journey but the yatra can be completed in a day during the lean period. The 12-km long walking path is wide, paved and well-maintained. The entry is from what is called the Darshani Deodhi. There is a view of the entire Trikuta Mountain from here, which is 1 km away from the Katra Bus Stand, and can be reached on foot or by auto rickshaw (Rs 20, or Rs 5 for a shared seat). One's own vehicle may be parked here. It's best to remove valuables as parking is at your risk. The Shrine Board also runs an hourly bus service from the bus stand to the Darshani Deodhi. After the check post comes a small bridge under which flows the River Banganga. Some pilgrims like to take a dip in the Banganga before proceeding further.
At various points along the yatra, there are two routes to choose from - the old one, has steep steps, the newer main track has a much gentler gradient. Heart patients and asthmatics are advised to use the main track. Some pilgrims do take the steps for reasons [of nostalgia, and as the steps keep crossing, the main track at regular intervals, the yatris can continue to choose between the paths. Steps are preferred on the way down but they are steep. Basic conveniences like toilets have been setup on the main track at regular intervals. They are well-maintained. About 1.5 km from the Banganga River is the Charan Paduka - imprints of the Mata's feet on a rock slab. Thus, symbocially, one can take the mother'sblessings at the start of the journey.At Indraprastha, 5 km from Banganga, an alternate track to Bhavan has been built. This is wider, cleanerand has a gentler gradient and bypasses Adkuwari, which is 500m from Indraprastha on, the older route. Those who wish to have darshan at Adkuwari need not return to Indraprastha to join the new track. A subway is available from Adkuwari to the new alternate track.
Fluttering flags and the temple spires of Adkuwari can be seen much before actually reaching the yatra's halfway trunk. This is where the Mata meditated in a cave known as Garbha Joon for nine months. Only one person can pass through the cave at a time. Doing this is considered a rejuvenating experience. Not more than 4,000 pilgrims can pass through this cave in 24 hrs. A special group number is provided to 50 at a time. When the number is displayed, members of the group are required to queue up and pass through.From Adkuwari onwards, there are two tracks. The old one passes via Himkoti (the most scenic spot), Haathi Mattha (so named because of the steep climb), and Sanjhhi Chhat (which is the highest point at 5,200f t), from where it is a 3-km downhill walk to Bhavan. At Bhavan, one Crosses a small patio-like structure. On the right is the way to the original cave. It's narrow and remains closed when the crowd is larger than 8,000 pilgrims on a given day.
In the holy cave, it is believed that the pilgrim also has darshan of 330 million gods and goddesses who have at some time visited the mother goddess. The legendary River Charan Ganga flows by the feet of the mother, and pilgrims have their feet washed by the holy water as they move Closer towards the Goddess. About 20 ft down, the Cave flares and the entire weight of the rocks appears to rest on an image of the many headed-serpent Seshnag. Just below Sehnag is the havan kund and by its side are the sacred symbouls of shankh (conch), chankra (disc), gada (mace) and padma (lotus). Further down is Sher ka Panja, which symbolizes the lion, the goddess's mount. Two new tunnels facilitate the movement of larger crowds - one entry and the other for exit. After crossing the original cave the pilgrim walks through a corridor where many bells have been suspended from the ceiling. Further down is a broad platform, upon which a life-size idol of the Mother has been enshrined.
At the end of the tunnel (the original or the new corridor) is the raised marble platform on which the Mother has revealed herself in a natural rock formation. There are no statues, pictures or idols inside. The pindi to the extreme left is worshipped as Saraswati the supreme energy of creation. This is whitish in colour. In the middle is a somewhat yellow pindi of Lakshmi, the supreme energy of maintenance. The black pindi on the right is known to be of Maa Kali, the supreme energy of dissolution. Maa Vaishno Devi is considered to be an incarnation of all these three energies. One only gets a glimpse of the deities as the queue is long and pilgrims are required to keep moving but it is a moment that remains with the devotee for a lifetime.
The Bhairon Mandir is 1.4 km away from the holy cave. It is reached by another steep climb, which can be done by foot, pony or palanquin. The rock deity here symbolizes the severed head of Bhairon Baba. The ash from the havan kund here is believed to provide protection from untoward happenings and ailments. Truly, Maa Vaishno Devi Travel Package is a divine tour package.
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