Vaishnodevi temple, established on the Trikuta mountain, is approximately 5200 feet or 1500 meters above sea level. The Dham is one of the holiest pilgrimages in India.

The past of the temple is quite amusing. To take blessings of Mata Rani many devotees come every year. Navratri is the festival during which millions of people visit Vaishnodevi temple all over the world. Therefore, Jag Janani is one of the names of Mata Rani.

The location of this temple is in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir. Furthermore, the dham is one of the 9 temples devoted to Maa Navdurga.

History of the Temple

The story of Vaishnodevi begins with the birth of Devi Trikuta in the family of Ratanakar Maharaj. Mata took birth on the North side. After she grew up, she got into the devotion of lord Vishnu. After some time she went to the forest to meet Shri Ram who was searching for Mata Sita. Furtherly, the first meeting between Maa Vaishnodevi and Shri Ram happened. There Mata urged Shri Ram to marry her. But Shri Ram refused her because he had already married Mata Sita.

• Lord Ram’s promise

Shri Ram promised to Maa Vaishnodevi that while returning to Ayodhya he would come to meet her. If she would recognize him then he would marry her. Otherwise, she had to wait for Kalyug and his Kalki avatar. While returning to Ayodhya Shri Ram came to meet Trikuta but she couldn’t recognize him. As a result, Shri Ram told her to go on Trikuta Parvat, wait until Kalyug, and bless her devotees. So she obeyed him and meditated on the Trikta mountain.

• Who was Pandit Shridhar?

Pandit Shridhar was one of the biggest devotees of Maa Vaishnodevi. He always chanted the name of Mata Rani. Once Bhairavnath announced in the village that if anyone took the name of Mata Vaishnodevi, he would kill him. But Pandit Shridhar never had a fear of Bhairavnath.

 Consequently, to make fun of Shridhar, Bhairvanath sent many saints to his home to eat food. Because Shridhar was poor and didn’t have much food to serve them he became sad. Suddenly, an old lady came and served food. In reality, she was Mata Vaishnodevi. As a result, Bhairvanath’s plan failed.

Fast of Navratri

To humiliate Shridhar, Bhairavnath tricked his wife. His main follower Gorakhnath gave Sulochana a herb as oblation( Prasad ). The effect of the herb was such that she became unable to have a child forever. Shridhar and his wife hadn’t had a child for a long time. So to have a child Shridhar and his wife (Sulochna) kept a fast of Navratri.So they had to serve food to 9 small girls (kanjak) repersenting Navdurga. Bhairavnath poisoned that food to break their fast. After eating that food the girls who came to their home became unconscious. And their fast remained incomplete.

 At last, Mata Rani with her nine roops (Navdurga) visited Shridhar’s house and completed their fast. The little girl ordered Shridhar to arrange a public feast. But Shridhar did not have much space as well as much food. Surprisingly, he arranged a public feast and that little girl came to attend the feast.

Bhairav Nath Mandir

During the feast at Shridhar’s house, Bhairav Nath in addition to his followers ordered the girl to serve them meat and liquor. But the girl refused his demand and disappeared. Bhairavnath followed the girl who was Mata Vaishnodevi. Mata started meditation in Ardhkuwari cave, also known as Garbh Joon for 9 months. During this period Bhairavnath and Hanuman Ji fought a war.

Afterward, Maa Vaishnodevi beheaded Bhairvnath and his head fell in Bhaironghati which is 2.5 km away from the temple of Mata Rani. Mata Vaishnodevi blessed Bhairavnath as her worship will have been completed only after the worship of Bhairavnath.

The beauty of the Vaishnodevi

The temple of Vaishnodevi is situated on Trikuta Parvat which is a picturesque place. Pilgrims can visit the temple step by step by trekking. Trek to the temple is such a memorable journey for devotees.

Also, there are caves where Mata Rani stayed and Pindis are kept. The caves are so beautiful as well as darshan of Maa Vaishno is too adorable.

While trekking to mountains one can find a variety of flora and fauna. Also, the place is for Naturephile people.

Amusing Facts about Vaishnodevi

• Construction-  Pandit Shridhar discovered the abode of Mata around 700 years ago. As Pandit Shridhar had a vision of Maa guiding him to Trikuta mountain. Further, in 1846 Gulab Singh built the temple of Mata Vaishno.

• Pindi (Natural Form)- Similarly, to other temples, there is no idol of Maa. Instead, there are 3 Pindis dedicated to Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasarswati. These Pindis found in the cave on Trikuta mountain.4

• Charan Paduka-  There are 2 Charan Paduka, one in the house of Pandit Shridhar. Secondly, at the place where Maa Vaishnodevi stopped. When Bhairavnath was following her then she had stopped there, turned back, and looked at him.

• Banganga- Maa Vaishno emerged the Ganga to quench Hanuman’s thirst. Also, Mata Rani washed her hair here. Therefore, Balganga is the other name of Banganga.

• Mahabharat Pooja- It is a belief that Pandava Putra worshipped Vaishnodevi before the war on the advice of Shri Krishna. Further, there are 5 temples devoted as a symbol to 5 Pandavas near Mata Rani temple.

• Great Leader- Shri Guru Govind Singh Ji and Swami Vivekanand Ji had a visit to Vaishnodevi temple. Extendedly, Amburda Mata is considered as Vaishnodevi of Rajasthan.

• Darshan and Facilities- For the darshan of Vaishnodevi people stand and wait in long queues. It occupies 5th place in the list of richest temples in India. The authority of the temple provides all facilities such as accommodation, langar, and refreshment facilities. Helicopters and ponnies are available there for pilgrims.

• Festivals- Firstly, Navratri is one of the most gorgeous festivals celebrated here. Many devotees visit during Navratri and donate approximately 500 crore during these 9 days. Secondly, New Year’s Eve because a number of people want to start their year with the blessing of Vaishnodevi. March and October are preferred months to visit the dham.

Conclusion

• Before planning your visit, check weather conditions, wear easy clothes to trek, and take your essentials.
• Trekking to the temple and chanting “Jai Mata Di” makes the journey exciting. Several people walk barefoot as an act of faith.
• In short, spending time in Vaishnodevi is a journey of faith, devotion, and spiritual understanding or knowledge. There is a divine presence of Maa Vaishnodevi.

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