Vaishno Devi Temple

Although the Vaishno Devi temple is now the most popular Devi shrine in the region, its popularity is relatively recent. File:Mata_vaishno_devi_pindi_photo.jpgIn 1971, when Inderjit Bhardwaj did a study of Devi shrines in the Siwalik mountains, he did not mention the Vaishno Devi temple as particularly important.. Its popularity increased rapidly after an expansion was done in 1976 so that it could accommodate up to 5,000 visitors per day. By 1981, annual visitors to the shrine were about 900,000; by the early 1990s, the number had increased to over 3 million, and the Vaishno Devi temple had become by far the most popular Devi temple in the region. By 2007, the annual number of pilgrims was about 7.5 million. In June 2007, in order to reduce congestion and improve security, the Shrine Board reduced the limit on the number of visitors allowed per month.{{cite book |last1=Foster |first1=Georgana |last2=Stoddard |first2=Robert |editor1-last=Singh |editor1-first=Rana P. B. |title=Sacred Geography of Goddesses in South Asia |date=2010 |publisher=Cambridge Scholars |location=Newcastle upon Tyne |pages=109-24 |url=https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/geographyfacpub/6/?utm_source=digitalcommons.unl.edu%2Fgeographyfacpub%2F6&utm_medium=PDF&utm_campaign=PDFCoverPages |access-date=31 May 2024 |chapter=Vaishno Devi, the Most Famous Goddess Shrine in the Siwāliks}}{{rp|110, 16}}

The Vaishno Devi temple was in existence by 1846, when Maharaja Gulab Singh established the Dharmarth Trust to manage several temples in his territory; the Vaishno Devi temple was part of this trust. The trust remained in the hands of Gulab Singh's descendants after independence, and his descendant Karan Singh was responsible for administering the temple as the hereditary trustee until 1986, when Jagmohan, then governor of Jammu and Kashmir, passed legislation transferring control of the Vaishno Devi temple from the Dharmarth Trust and the hereditary priests to a separate Shrine Board.{{rp|114-5}}

The temple, at a height of {{convert|1585|m|ft}} is 12 km from Katra on Trikuta hill. It is about 61 km from Jammu city.{{cite book|title=Modern History of Jammu and Kashmir: Ancient times to Shimla Agreement|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XNqOjvaAb9cC|first1=J. C.|page=10|last1=Aggarwal|first2=S. P.|last2=Agrawal|publisher=Concept Publishing Company|year=1995|isbn=978-8170225560}}{{cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nation-world/six-toughest-treks-that-pilgrims-undertake/vaishno-devi/slideshow/47780586.cms|title=Six toughest treks that pilgrims undertake|publisher=The Economic Times|date=23 June 2015}} A geological study of the Holy Cave has indicated its age to be nearly a million years. There is also a mention of the Trikuta hill in Rigveda, the place where the temple is located.{{cite web | url=https://www.maavaishnodevi.org/history_of_the_shrine.aspx | title=Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board :: Holy Shrine :: History of the Holy Shrine :: History of the Holy Shrine | access-date=19 June 2022 | archive-date=8 April 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408052204/https://www.maavaishnodevi.org/history_of_the_shrine.aspx | url-status=dead }}

The Mahabharata, which gives the account of the Pandavas and the Kurukshetra War, does mention the worship of goddess Vaishno Devi. Before the Kurukshetra War Arjuna is said to have worshipped Durga by the advice of Lord Krishna for the blessings. Pleased by his devotion, Mother Goddess appeared in front of him in the form of Vaishno Devi. When goddess appeared, Arjuna started praising her with a stotra, in which a Shloka goes by saying ‘ Jambookatak Chityaishu Nityam Sannihitalaye ’, which means ‘you who always dwell in the temple on the slope of the mountain in Jambhu’ {{mdash}} probably referring to the present day Jammu.{{cite news|title=Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/sri-mata-vaishno-devi-shrine/as59557879.cms|publisher=Times of India|date=15 March 2018}} Former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Jagmohan says, "the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine is an ancient one whose antiquity is pre-Mahabharathan, Lord Krishna is believed to have advised Arjuna to go up in the hills of 'Jambhu' and seek the blessings of Vaishno Devi before taking up arms in the battlefield. 'Jambhu' is identified with present-day Jammu. Arjuna while worshipping Vaishno Devi, calls her highest yogi who is free from decrepitude and decay, who is the Mother of the Vedas and the Science of Vedanta and who is giver of Victory and personification of victory itself".{{cite book|title=Soul and Structure of Governance in India|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QsDSGn8jLPAC|page=334|author=Jagmohan|publisher=Allied Publishers|year=2005|isbn=978-8177648317}} It is also generally believed that the Pandavas were the first to build the temples at Kol Kandoli and Bhawan in reverence and gratitude for the Mother Goddess. On a mountain, just adjacent to the Trikuta Mountain and overlooking the Holy Cave are five stone structures, which are believed to be the rock symbols of the five Pandavas.{{cite news|title=President visits Vaishno Devi, inaugurates two new facilities|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/pranab-mukherjee-visits-vaishno-devi-katra-nn-vohra-206873-2014-09-02|publisher=India Today|date=2 September 2014}}{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/maiden-master-plan-for-vaishnodevi-shrine-area/articleshow/58148044.cms|title=Maiden master plan for Vaishnodevi shrine area|date=2017-04-12|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2018-12-25}}{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/vaishno-devi-bhairon-mandir-ropeway-service-starts-from-today/as67227545.cms|title=Vaishno Devi-Bhairon Mandir ropeway service starts from today|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=2018-12-25}}

While various versions of the origin and legend of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi are prevalent, there is unanimity on the discovery of Shrine around 700 years back by the Pandit Shridhar, at whose place Mata Vaishno had helped organize a Bhandaara. When she left amidst the Bhandaara to escape Bhairon Nath, Pandit Shridhar is said to have felt as if he had lost everything in his life. He felt immense grief and gave up the intake of food or even water and closed himself in a room of his house, fervently praying for Vaishnavi to reappear.

File:Vaishno.jpgFile:Mata Ki Kahani Play.jpg.]]

It is then that Mata Vaishnavi appeared in his vision (dream) and told him to search for her at the Holy Cave situated amidst the folds of the Trikuta Mountain. She showed him the way to the Holy Cave and insisted him to break his fast. Pandit Shridhar then went on to discover the Holy Cave in the mountains. Every time he seemed to lose the way, the vision of his dreams reappeared before his eyes and finally he reached his destination. Upon entering the Cave he found a rock form with three heads atop it. At that moment Mata Vaishno Devi appeared before him in all her glory (another version says that the Supreme Energies of Mata Maha Saraswati, Mata Maha Lakshmi and Mata Maha Kali appeared in the Holy Cave) and introduced him to the three heads (now known as the Holy Pindies) of the rock form along with various other identification marks in the Holy Cave. She blessed him with a boon of four sons and a right to worship her manifestation and asked him to spread the glory of the Holy Shrine all over. Pandit Shridhar then spent his remaining life in the service of Mata at the Holy Cave.{{Cite web |title=Discovery {{!}} Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board |url=https://www.maavaishnodevi.org/blog/discovery |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=www.maavaishnodevi.org}}

;The story of Bhairon Nath

File:Bhairav Mandir.jpg

It is said that Bhairon Nath, a famous Hindu Tantric, saw the young Vaishno Devi at an agricultural fair and fell madly in love with her. Vaishno Devi fled into Trikuta hills to escape his amorous advances, later she turned into her original form of Durga and cut off his head with her sword in a cave.{{cite book|title=Journal of Religious Studies, Volume 14|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NOonAAAAYAAJ|page=56|publisher=Department of Religious Studies, Punjabi University|year=1986}} The place where his severed head fell is now called the Bhairon Ghati, which has a temple dedicated to him.

According to author Manohar Sajnani, some legends hold that the original abode of Vaishno Devi was Ardh Kunwari, a place about 6 km{{Cite web |last=Rajput |first=Raghav |date=21 November 2023 |title="Vaishno Mata" - Vaishno Mata: Who Is Simrat Kour In 'Gadar 2'|url=https://mygeniusbrand.com/2023/11/21/vaishno-mata/ |access-date=21 November 2023 |website=mygeniusbrand.com |language=HI}} between Katra town and the cave.

File:Vaishno devi.jpg

The three icons {{mdash}} Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati, all images of Vaishno Devi are worshipped at the temple. The feet of the icons are washed by the water brought from the perennial flowing river Banganga.{{cite book|title=Modern History of Jammu and Kashmir: Ancient times to Shimla Agreement|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=XNqOjvaAb9cC|first1=J. C.|page=11|last1=Aggarwal|first2=S. P.|last2=Agrawal|publisher=Concept Publishing Company|year=1995|isbn=978-8170225560}}

File:Vaishno Devi Bhawan Facade Lighting.jpg

Author Abha Chauhan identifies Vaishno Devi with the power of Vishnu as well as the incarnation of Lakshmi.{{Sfn|Chauhan|2021|p=154}} Author Pintchman identifies with great goddess Mahadevi and says Vaishno Devi contains all powers and is associated with the entire creation as Mahadevi.{{Sfn|Pintchman|2001|p=63}} Author Pintchman also says that, "Pilgrims identify Vaishno Devi with the Goddess Durga{{mdash}} Dogras and Punjabis also use the epithet Seranwali, "the Lion-rider"{{mdash}} while referring to her.{{Sfn|Pintchman|2001|p=63}} The temple is sacred to both Hindus and Sikhs. Many prominent saints such as Swami Vivekananda have visited the temple.{{cite book|title=Jammu and Kashmir: Charting a Future|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iEhuAAAAMAAJ|author1=Dipankar Banerjee|author2=D. Suba Chandran|publisher=Saṁskṛiti|year=2005|page=61|isbn = 9788187374442}}

The temple receives an estimated annual $16 million according to some authors{{cite book |author1=Michael Barnett |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L3NpAgAAQBAJ |title=Sacred Aid: Faith and Humanitarianism |author2=Janice Gross Stein |date=3 July 2012 |publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0199916030 |page=140}} and has received over 1,800 kg of gold, 4,700 kilos of silver, and {{INRConvert|2000|c}} cash in the last two decades (2000–2020) as donation.{{cite web | url=https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/economy-politics/story/vaishno-devi-temple-received-1800-kgs-of-gold-rs-2000-cr-cash-in-20-years-291573-2021-03-23 | title=Vaishno Devi Temple received 1,800 KGS of gold, Rs 2,000 cr cash in 20 years | date=23 March 2021 }}

The most prominent festivals held at Vaishno Devi Temple are Navaratri, a nine nights festival celebrating Devi's victory over evil demons and Diwali, a festival of lights symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.{{cite news|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/archive/j-k/vaishno-devi-board-organises-diwali-function-in-katra-157057|title=Vaishno Devi board organises Diwali function in Katra|work=The Tribune|date=11 November 2015}}{{cite news|title=Maha Yagya at Vaishno Devi shrine as Navratri begins, Vedic hymns fill air|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/maha-yagya-at-vaishno-devi-shrine-as-navratri-begins-vedic-hymns-fill-air/story-cNkL9fJ8iARjCmNpXdGzFJ.html|publisher=Hisdustan Times|date=18 October 2020}}{{cite news|title=Special arrangements for Navratri at Mata Vaishno Devi temple|url=https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/news/india/special-arrangements-for-navratri-at-mata-vaishno-devi-temple-amid-covid-19/articleshow/78695794.cms|publisher=India Times|date=16 October 2020}}

File:Vaishno Devi Navratras.jpg

The Navaratri festival is a festival celebrated during the month of Ashvin, which typically falls in the Gregorian months of September and October.{{sfn|James G. Lochtefeld|2002|pp=468–469}} The festival lasts for nine nights (ten days); artists from all over the country perform during the function at Vaishno Devi darbar.

Devotees of all faiths and all schools of thought of Hinduism visit the Vaishno Devi Temple.{{cite book|title=Mountains of the God|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=K5AaI2PhiV8C|author=Kuldip Singh Gulia|publisher=Gyan Publishing House|year=2007|page=15|isbn = 9788182054202}}

The Vaishno Devi Temple was included in the Jammu and Kashmir Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Act No. XVI/1988 and also part of Article 26 of the Constitution of India.{{cite news|title=Control of Vaishno Devi Shrine: HC issues notice to J&K, shrine board over Hindu Baridars plea|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/control-of-vaishno-devi-shrine-hc-issues-notice-to-j-k-shrine-board-over-hindu-baridars-plea/story-RSnQyX81RKVcXvQytwGmzO.html|publisher=Hindustan Times|date=26 August 2020}} The name of the administrating and governing board is the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. There are nine members in the board; all are nominated by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly by Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. The Governor of Jammu and Kashmir is the ex-officio chairman of the board.{{cite book|title=THE JAMMU & KASHMIR SHRI MATA VAISHNO DEVI SHRINE ACT,1988 (Act No. XVI of 1988)|url=https://jk.gov.in/jammukashmir/sites/default/files/2151.pdf|publisher=Government of Jammu and Kashmir|date=31 August 1988|access-date=28 December 2020|archive-date=18 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418145221/https://jk.gov.in/jammukashmir/sites/default/files/2151.pdf|url-status=dead}} In 1991, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board management also took the control of Shiv Khori, a famous Shiva temple, {{Sfn|Pintchman|2001|p=75}} but administration of the Shiv Khori temple has since been handed over to a separate shrine board in 2008, namely Shiv Khori Shrine Board,{{Cite web |title=Separate Board for Shiv Khori Shrine constituted - Early Times Newspaper Jammu Kashmir |url=https://www.earlytimes.in/newsdet.aspx?q=146778 |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=www.earlytimes.in}} with SMVDSB only serving an ex-officio role.

The following nine members serve in the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, as per the latest reconstitution in June 2025:{{Cite web |last=Excelsior |first=Daily |date=2025-05-19 |title=LG Sinha Reconstitutes Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board |url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/lg-sinha-reconstitutes-shri-mata-vaishno-devi-shrine-board/ |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=Daily Excelsior |language=en-US}}

The Shrine Board is responsible for governing and administring the entirety of the Mata Vaishno Devi tracks and temples. The temples under the board include the main Bhawan complex, the Ardhkuwari temple, the Bhairon temple, and the other temples on the tracks. {{Cite web |title=About {{!}} Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board |url=https://maavaishnodevi.org/about |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=maavaishnodevi.org}}

File:LG Sinha inugurating Command and Control centre.jpg

For pilgrim comfort, the Shrine Board has established multiple guest houses and accommodation facilities. These include the Niharika complex, Aashirwad Bhawan, Trikuta Bhawan, and Shakti Bhawan at Katra. A Spiritual Growth Centre is also run by the Shrine Board in Katra whose facilities include an auditorium, conference hall, amphitheatre, and library. At Bhawan, the shrine board has developed the Kalika Bhawan, Shridhar Bhawan, Gauri Bhawan, Vaishnavi Bhawan, Manokamana Bhawans, Durga Bhawan, etc. for pilgrim accommodation. Multiple other accommodations are run by the board on the tracks, such as the Shubhra Bhawan at Banganga and Bhawans at Ardhkuwari. In Jammu, the Shrine Board has constructed the Kalika Dham, Saraswati Dham, and Vaishnavi Dham near the Jammu Railway Station. The Shrine Board also runs a souvenier and prasad shop at the Jammu airport. {{Cite web |title=Accommodation {{!}} Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board |url=https://www.maavaishnodevi.org/causes/accommodation |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=www.maavaishnodevi.org}}{{Cite web |title=Rented Accomodation {{!}} Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board |url=https://www.maavaishnodevi.org/blog/rented-accomodation |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=www.maavaishnodevi.org}}{{Cite web |last=Excelsior |first=Daily |date=2023-06-06 |title=LG inaugurates SMVDSB's Prasad-cum-Souvenir Counter in departure area of Jammu Airport |url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/lg-inaugurates-smvdsbs-prasad-cum-souvenir-counter-in-departure-area-of-jammu-airport/ |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=Daily Excelsior |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2011-11-26 |title=President inaugurates Spiritual Growth Centre at Katra |url=https://www.kashmirmediawatch.com/president-inaugurates-spiritual-growth-centre-at-katra/ |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=Kashmir Media Watch |language=en-US}}

The Shrine Board has also constructed and maintains a sports complex in Katra town, which includes badminton and tennis courts along with a dedicated gymnasium and a sports stadium, which is the largest in Reasi district. The sports complex is well known for producing gifted sportspersons, like Sheetal Devi and Rakesh Kumar, both of whom won bronze medals at the Paris Paralympics in 2024. {{Cite web |title=Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sports Complex {{!}} Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board |url=https://www.maavaishnodevi.org/projects/shri-mata-vaishno-devi-sports-complex |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=www.maavaishnodevi.org}}{{Cite web |last=Excelsior |first=Daily |date=2024-09-05 |title=Historic Achievement at Paralympics |url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/historic-achievement-at-paralympics/ |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=Daily Excelsior |language=en-US}}

The Shrine Board is the patron of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Super Speciality Hospital in Katra, which is run in collaboration with Narayana Healthcare.{{Cite web |title=Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Super Specialty Hospital {{!}} Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board |url=https://www.maavaishnodevi.org/projects/shri-mata-vaishno-devi-narayana-super-specialty-hospital |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=www.maavaishnodevi.org}} The Shrine Board also runs a medical college, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence{{Cite web |last=Excelsior |first=Daily |date=2025-06-05 |title=PM to launch over Rs 46,000 cr worth projects from Katra tomorrow |url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/pm-to-launch-over-rs-46000-cr-worth-projects-from-katra-tomorrow/ |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=Daily Excelsior |language=en-US}} and a nursing institute, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi College of Nursing at Katra town. The Shrine Board also oversees the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University and runs a gurukul for secondary students at Banganga.{{Cite web |title=Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (The only Official Website) – Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University was established under an Act of J&K State Legislature in 1999 as fully residential and technical university, the first of its kind in J&K. Recognized by UGC under Section 2(f) & 12(B) of the UGC Act of 1956, the university receives funding from UGC. The university ranked 26th among Architecture Institutions, 101-150 among Engineering Institutions and 151-200 amongest top Universities in National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF 2023) declared by the MHRD, Govt. of India. |url=https://smvdu.ac.in/ |access-date=2025-06-09 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Gurukul |url=http://www.smvdgurukul.in/ |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=www.smvdgurukul.in}}{{Cite web |title=Shri Mata Vaishno Devi College of Nursing |url=https://www.smvdnursing.org/ |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=www.smvdnursing.org}}

The shrine board operates battery vehicle services on the Bhawan-Himkoti-Ardhkuwari route, especially for senior citizens and persons with disabilities who receive special quotas for the service. The shrine board also operates helipads at Sanjhichhat and Panchi on the yatra track and at Katra, allowing pilgrims to reach Bhawan via air. A cablecar service has been in operation since 2018 for transporting pilgrims along the Bhawan-Bhairon route. {{Cite web |last=PTI |date=2025-01-31 |title=Vaishno Devi Board announces helicopter quota for senior citizens, specially-abled pilgrims |url=https://theprint.in/india/vaishno-devi-board-announces-helicopter-quota-for-senior-citizens-specially-abled-pilgrims/2474013/ |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Excelsior |first=Daily |date=2014-09-03 |title=Prez visits Vaishno Devi shrine, inaugurates helipad, elevators |url=https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/prez-visits-vaishno-devi-shrine-inaugurates-helipad-elevators/ |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=Daily Excelsior}}

The shrine board also operates a nursery for plant conservation and undertakes drives for afforestation of the Trikuta hills. The shrine board also publishes a quarterly newsletter, [https://www.maavaishnodevi.org/newsletter Trikuta] to apprise the public of its developmental works and on yatra statistics. {{Cite web |last=Times |first=Hindustan |date=2024-07-23 |title=Drone-based seed dispersal project rolled out to enhance green cover on Trikuta hills |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/chandigarh-news/dronebased-seed-dispersal-project-rolled-out-to-enhance-green-cover-on-trikuta-hills-101721755542403.html |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=Hindustan Times}}

The executive tasks of the SMVDSB are conducted by a chief executive officer, additional chief executive officer, joint chief executive officer, deputy chief executive officer, assistant chief executive officers, multiple section heads and managers and supervisors. {{Cite web |title=Management {{!}} Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board |url=https://www.maavaishnodevi.org/blog/management |access-date=2025-06-09 |website=www.maavaishnodevi.org}}

• Shiv Khori Temple
• Kheer Bhawani Temple
• Amarnath
• Raghunath Temple
• Sharada Peeth
• Jammu
• Avantiswami Temple

{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{Citation|first=Tracy|last=Pintchman|title=Seeking Mahadevi: Constructing the Identities of the Hindu Great Goddess|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-c_j8Xggl0gC|year=2001|publisher=State University of New York Press|isbn=978-0-7914-5007-9}}
• {{cite book|author=James G. Lochtefeld|title=The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: N-Z|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5kl0DYIjUPgC |year=2002|publisher=The Rosen Publishing Group|isbn=0-8239-2287-1}}
• {{cite book|title=Understanding Culture and Society in India: A Study of Sufis, Saints and Deities in Jammu Region|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=izQ1EAAAQBAJ|first=Abha|last=Chauhan|publisher=Springer|year=2021|isbn=9789811615986}}

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