Antra’s Divine Pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi Spiritual Journey

Hello fellow travellers,

Vaishno Devi is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites, and my family and I had the incredible opportunity to visit Mata Rani for darshan. My name is Antra, and I’m excited to share the details of our spiritually enriching journey.

The Journey Begins from Delhi to Vaishno Devi

Our adventure started early on March 9th from New Delhi Railway Station at 6 AM. Also, we boarded a train bound for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra station, which cost us 1,700 INR per person. With five of us travelling together, the total cost for the train tickets came to 8,500 INR. After a comfortable ride, we arrived at Katra by 2 PM.

Best Hotel Check-in Vaishno Devi

Upon reaching Katra, we headed straight to our pre-booked accommodation at Hotel Ishan, costing 1,400 INR per night for all. We checked in, ordered food from the hotel, and rested up for the trek that lay ahead. We planned to start our yatra at midnight to make the most of the spiritual journey.

The Trek to Vaishno Devi Starts:

At midnight, we woke up, freshened up, and packed our essentials for the trek. We made our way to the base camp in Katra to complete the mandatory Yatra registration. By 3 AM, we began our 13 km trek on foot, which was as spiritually uplifting as it was physically demanding. Also, the path was alive with the chants of “Jai Mata Di,” filling us with a sense of profound devotion.

Our first major stop was Banganga, where we took a refreshing dip in the holy river. Moreover, the trek continued to Charan Paduka, where we saw the sacred footprints of Vaishno Devi imprinted on a rock. The sheer significance of these sites was awe inspiring.

Midway through our journey, we reached Adhkuwari, a place where Vaishno Devi is believed to have meditated for nine months. Likewise, the atmosphere here was deeply peaceful, and we felt an intense spiritual connection.

A Moment of Holy Feeling at Bhawan

Upon reaching the shrine (Bhawan), we joined the queue for a glimpse of the holy cave, where the three pindis representing Goddess Vaishno Devi, Goddess Saraswati, and Goddess Kali are enshrined. Also, the energy and tranquillity we experienced during the darshan were truly profound. The shrine board provides accommodation and facilities, including lockers to store our belongings.

After darshan, we enjoyed a delicious meal of Rajma Chawal and Kachalu with a beautiful view. Moreover, the taste was exceptional, even without garlic and onion, which made the meal even more memorable.

Completing the Pilgrimage with Bhairon Temple Visit

No pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi is complete without a visit to Bhairon Temple, located 2.5 km from the main shrine. This temple is considered an essential part of the pilgrimage. Also, the powerful energy here was equally fulfilling.

Returning home after the Divine Experience:

We trekked back to Katra, feeling spiritually recharged and physically exhausted. Despite the fatigue, especially in my younger brother, I felt a different kind of strength and vitality, undoubtedly due to Mata’s blessings.

We also spent some time shopping for religious items and Kashmiri handicrafts as souvenirs.

Our trip was a perfect blend of physical exertion and spiritual rejuvenation. Moreover, we all felt deeply connected to the divine and eagerly looked forward to our next visit when Mata ka Bulava (divine call) came again.

Vaishno Devi: Peak Season and Beyond

Vaishno Devi is open to pilgrims year-round, but the best time to visit Vaishno Devi is from March to October when the weather is cool and pleasant. Also, many pilgrims choose this period, especially during the Navratri, when the number of visitors is highest.

Tips for Vaishno Devi for beginner travellers

Make sure you’re physically prepared for the trek. Elderly individuals or those with health concerns should consider using ponies or helicopter services.
Also, check the weather forecast and plan your trip accordingly, as it can be very cold, especially at higher altitudes.
Moreover, wear comfortable trekking shoes, as the path can be steep and uneven.
Likewise, bring plenty of water and light snacks, like energy bars, fruits, and nuts. Expect some fatigue and take regular breaks. Pace yourself throughout the trek.

Must know: Firstly, the train tickets cost INR 17,000 for a round trip (5 tickets x INR 1700 each x 2). Next, the hotel stay amounts to INR 4200 for 3 nights (INR 1400 per night). Additionally, shopping expenses are INR 3000. Moreover, food and miscellaneous costs are approximately INR 5000. Consequently, the total budget for 5 people comes to around INR 30,000 for Vaishno Devi.

This pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi was an unforgettable spiritual journey that left us all deeply moved and spiritually fulfilled. I hope you find this account helpful and inspiring for your own visit.Feel the wanderlust calling? Explore the incredible stories on https://sowl.in/stories and get lost in the beauty of travel. Your next unforgettable adventure is just a click away.