Hello fellow seekers! I’m Sonam, and thrilled to share the spiritual journey with my husband to the holy place of Vaishno Devi. It is located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. With a deep sense of devotion, I started on this remarkable adventure.
Route from Hastinapur to Vaishno Devi
We began our travels from Meerut, taking a train to Jammu which lasted for 10 hours and 45 minutes. From Jammu, we caught another train to Katra, the entrance to Vaishno Devi. As we stepped onto this religious land, the feeling of the yatra ahead filled our hearts.
Accommodation & Food in Vaishno Devi
We stayed at Hotel Nek in Katra during our trip, paying Rs.1800 per night for a comfortable stay. After a day of travel, it provided the perfect place to rest and get ready for the divine ascent awaiting us. After resting the following day, for the next day, we planned to climb for the yatra.
You’ll find various stalls offering snacks, water, and tea. Pack some energy bars and stay hydrated.
Climbing the Spiritual Heights :
The next day, we started our trek to Vaishno Devi. It’s not just a physical journey but a soul-stirring experience. The yatra covers about 13 kilometres, surrounded by beautiful landscapes. The path winds through scenery, and the divine melody of bells and chants fills the air.
Yatra Duration: The Vaishno Devi yatra typically takes around 6-8 hours to ascend, depending on your pace and the crowd.
Places Covered in Vaishno Devi
- Ardhkuwari: A sacred cave where Mata Vaishno Devi is believed to have spent a significant amount of time during her penance.
- Sanjichhat: En route, we reached Sanjichhat, a point that provides a stunning scenic view of the Trikuta mountains.
- Bhairon Temple: The pinnacle of our journey was the Bhairon Temple, where devotees seek the blessings of Bhairon, an important deity in Vaishno Devi’s legend.
Necessary things to pack :
- Depending on the season, carry weather-appropriate clothing. Evenings can be cool, so a light jacket.
- Carry first Aid kits and Knee caps.
Tips for travellers Essential Information:
- It’s advisable to start the yatra early to avoid peak crowds.
- Wearing comfortable walking shoes are a must, and consider hiring a pony or a high bun if needed.
- If you wish to make an offering at the temple, consider bringing fruits or other non-perishable items.
- Check the temple guidelines for the most appropriate offerings.
- If you have specific religious items or tokens, bring them along.
Best Time to visit Vaishno Devi
Vaishno Devi is open year-round for pilgrims, with the ideal time for the journey being March to October. Many choose these months for the cool and pleasant weather, but the peak period is during the Navratri, drawing maximum visitors.
We completed this holy journey within a 20k budget, balancing spiritual food, stay and other expenses. Our pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi was more than a physical journey; it was a soulful expedition that left an indelible mark on our hearts. May your own spiritual journeys be filled with blessings and divine grace.
Jai Mata Di!
