Katra, Jammu & Kashmir
Maa Vaishno Devi
By Devansh Taneja
According to legend, Goddess Vaishno Devi, a manifestation of Durga, was pursued by the demon Bhairavnath. She sought refuge in the Trikuta Mountains, where she beheaded the demon, marking the site as a holy shrine.
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After defeating Bhairavnath, Goddess Vaishno Devi forgave him, granting him liberation. The Bhairavnath Temple, located near Vaishno Devi, is a crucial part of the pilgrimage, believed to complete the yatra.
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Vaishno Devi Temple is nestled in a cave on the Trikuta Mountains, housing three rock formations known as Pindies, representing the goddess’s forms: Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati.
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While the exact origins of the Vaishno Devi Temple remain unknown, references to the goddess can be found in ancient texts like the Mahabharata, where Arjuna is said to have sought her blessings before battle.
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Pilgrims often stop at Banganga, a sacred stream created by Goddess Vaishno Devi to quench her thirst. The waters of Banganga are believed to have healing properties, and devotees take a dip here before continuing their journey.
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At Charan Paduka, a significant stop on the yatra, devotees can see the imprints of the goddess’s feet on a rock. It is said that the goddess paused here while fleeing from Bhairavnath, blessing the ground with her divine presence.
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Adhkuwari is a cave halfway along the trek where Goddess Vaishno Devi is believed to have meditated for nine months. The cave, also known as Garbh Joon (Mother’s Womb), is a place of deep spiritual significance for pilgrims.
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Devotees tie sacred threads or ‘Mauli’ around their wrists before embarking on the yatra. It is believed that this thread, once offered to the goddess, protects the wearer and brings them closer to her divine grace.
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Navratri, a nine-day festival celebrated twice a year, is the most auspicious time to visit Vaishno Devi. The temple is beautifully decorated, and special rituals are performed, drawing pilgrims from all over the country.
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