Welcome, fellow seekers of divine enlightenment, to the sacred journey of a lifetime with me, Chetna. Nestled amidst the picturesque Trikuta Mountains in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir, Vaishno Devi beckons devotees from all corners of the globe with promises of spiritual solace and celestial blessings.
Join me as I recount my religious 3-day journey with family to the place of Mata Vaishno Devi.
Arrival in Katra: Day 1 of Her Spiritual Journey
Route to Vaishno Devi: In January, my family and I embarked on a journey from Faridabad to Katra, the starting point for the revered Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. Opting for the train, each ticket cost us approximately Rs. 2000.
Stay here: Upon arrival, we stayed in a comfortable Vaishnodevi IRCTC guest house, which was 1.6 km away from the main market, so it was convenient for us.
After a short rest to rejuvenate from our travels, we ventured out to see the lively ambience of Katra’s local market in the evening. Also, we shopped for a few artefacts.
Trek to the Vaishno Devi Shrine on Day 2
We started our day early, knowing we had a tough journey to Vaishno Devi Shrine ahead of us. We chose to take the traditional trekking path, walking the 13-kilometre distance, which would take us several hours.
Finally, we reached the sacred shrine and felt the peaceful atmosphere surrounding the temple. We prayed for the blessings of Goddess Vaishno Devi. Afterwards, we made our way back to Katra, tired but spiritually content. Back at our hotel, we found comfort in rest and thought about the meaningful day we had.
Soulful Exploration of Katra and Departure on Day 3:
On our final day, we decided to check out some other places in and near Katra. First, we went to the Ardhkuwari Temple, a cave temple halfway to the Vaishno Devi shrine. Also, it was quite a unique experience. Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to visit the Bhairon Temple, which is also very important for pilgrims. I recommend checking it out if you have the chance. Later in the afternoon, we headed back to Katra and checked out of our hotel. Finally, we left Katra by train.
Choosing the Perfect Time for the Mata Vaishno Devi Trip:
The peak season for visiting Vaishno Devi is between March and October, especially during the Navratras when the weather is pleasant and cool. The season, from November to February, is marked by sub-zero temperatures. I visited in January to witness the area covered in snow.
Packing List for the Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage:
- Wear modest clothes that cover your arms and legs as a sign of respect. Shawls and scarves can help with both modesty and staying warm.
- Also, wear comfortable shoes for trekking.
- Remember to pack only the essentials, like medicines, basic toiletries, raincoats or umbrellas, water bottles, and snacks.
Tips for Travellers Embarking on a Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage:
- Prepare adequately for the trek to Vaishno Devi, considering its physical challenges.
- Check the weather conditions before embarking on the journey to ensure appropriate clothing and gear.
- Be aware of any special events or festivals happening during your visit that may affect your experience.
- Pace yourself during the trek; avoid rushing and enjoy the journey.
- Take breaks when needed to rest and recharge during the trek.
Embarking on the Vaishno Devi Yatra offers a mix of spirituality, adventure, and devotion. Follow these tips for a safe and transformative journey to Mata Vaishno Devi’s religious place. Immerse yourself in compelling travel accounts at https://sowl.in/stories and ignite your sense of wanderlust! Have a fantastic trip, everyone!
