Vaishno Devi

Vaishno Devi is a temple town that's home to the famous Vaishno Devi Mandir. Popularly known as Mata Rani, Vaishnavi and Trikuta, Vaishno Devi is a manifestation of the Hindu Goddess Durga. Located in Trikuta hills, 13 kms from Katra (in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir); this renowned shrine allures millions of devotees from all over the world. It is believed that during the pooja and aarti, Goddesses arrive at the Holy cave to pay their respect to Mata Rani. Devotees believe goddess herself calls the devotees to reach here.

Vaishno Devi is said to be Moonh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata (the mother who fulfils the wishes of her children). The darshan of Maa Vaishno Devi in the holy cave is in the form of three naturally formed rocks which are known as pindies. These pindies manifest the three forms of the goddess as Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati and Maha Lakshmi. More than one crore devotees visit Vaishno Devi temple each year.

History
The age of the cave is undoubtedly millions of years though the reference of the Goddess could not be found in age old Hindu scriptures of Puranas. The oldest reference to the Shakti is said to be found in Mahabharata, when Lord Krishna asks Arjuna to invoke the Goddess and he did, referring to 'a goddess staying in the temple on the mountain slopes of Jamboo'. Moreover, the five stones in the mountain temple adjacent to the Trikuta hill are believed to be symbolizing each of the Pandavas.

The temple in present day is served by the descendents of Pandit Shree Dhar, and with him is attached the story of appearance of human form of Shakti in Maa Vaishnavi as young girl. Shreedhar was devout to Ma and arranged for a huge 'Bhandara' - luncheon in the name of Maa as per the wish of the Goddess in the girl. A Tantrik named Bhairav saw the mysterious powers of the girl and tried to get hold of Her, which She escaped but not for long. On the way, She shot an arrow from where a fountain of water came out masking Her presence. The water is present in the form of 'Baan-Ganga' (Baan means arrow). She then resided in the cave known as Gabha Gufa and meditated for nine months until Bhairav found Her. She then took form of Goddess Kali and beheaded him. But, She knew that the tantric was seeking her only to attain salvation, She granted his last wish and the boon of his shrine being visited by Her devotees as a completion ritual of Maa Vaishno Devi Yatra. Shreedhar on the other hand dreamt of Maa being present in the cave, followed his instincts and reached there. Since then, the priests serving the temple are of his lineage serving Maa Vaishnavi having taken the form of three pindis.

Katra to Vaishno Devi by helicopter
Regular helicopter facility makes Vaishno Devi Darshan easy. The helicopter service starts at Katra and takes you all the way to Sanjichatt. The facility of Katra to Vaishno Devi by Helicopter has been running successfully and has provided a great facility to the tourists who are short on time. The bookings for Katra to Vaishno Devi Helicopter service can be made from Heli Ticket counter or online via Vaishno Devi temple’s website.

Thomas Cook has come up with the best travel packages with the best amenities and sightseeing plans for Vaishno Devi tour. Thomas Cook has the best hotels, taxi service and other facilities that a traveller would need a successful Vaishno Devi Darshan. Thomas Cook also provides a facility for traveling from Katra to Vaishno Devi by Helicopter. The pilgrims who wish to experience this holy moment, now have the assistance of the most reliable and experienced travel planning company.

Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu & Kashmir is where Mother Nature has bestowed all her love. Enclosed by the Himalayas and Karakoram ranges; and festooned with verdant meadows, lush valleys, dense forests, splendid temples, this new union territory of India is a holiday destination to instantly fall in love with. Being an ideal tourist destination for family tours, honeymoon tours and the perfect place for adventure enthusiasts, Jammu & Kashmir offers abundance tour options for travellers of all kind.

The picturesque Jammu & Kashmir is even home to the popular Hindu shrines like Mata Vaishno Devi and Baba Amarath Cave, this place is always on the radar of pilgrimage tourists from all over the world. The majestic valleys of Kashmir offer adventure opportunities like trekking and skiing. The serene destination is also famous for experiential travels in the form of either a stay at a houseboat or Shikara ride on Dal and Nigeen Lake. Nothing can beat the beauty of Jammu & Kashmir, and to believe it, one has to see it!

In our Jammu & Kashmir Travel Guide, we offer the best information that ensures an unmatched travel experience. With our affordable Jammu & Kashmir tour package includes every detail like places to visit by season, top things to do, the must-see popular tourist attractions, where to stay. With us, you can rest assured of every aspect of Jammu & Kashmir Tourism.