Vaishno Devi Temple
Katra (Trikuta Hills), Jammu and Kashmir
Vaishno Devi Temple, enshrined within a sacred cave at an altitude of approximately 5,200 feet in the Trikuta Mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, is one of the most revered Shakti Peethas in India and the second most visited pilgrimage site in the country after Tirupati.
Traditional associations
Wealth & Prosperity
Traditional worship at the shrine includes prayers associated with prosperity and wellbeing.
Documented by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.
Alignment reflects tradition and belief — not outcomes or guarantees.
Temple details
- About this temple
The goddess is worshipped in the form of three natural rock formations called Pindis — representing Mahakali (black), Mahalakshmi (golden-yellow), and Mahasaraswati (white). According to mythology, the cave was discovered about 700 years ago by Pandit Shridhar after the goddess appeared to him in a dream. The 13 km trek from Katra through scenic mountain terrain is an intrinsic part of the pilgrimage experience, accompanied by the continuous chant of 'Jai Mata Di.' The Shrine Board maintains outstanding facilities including wayside amenities, medical posts, and accommodation for pilgrims. Millions of devotees visit annually, seeking the Mother's blessings for wishes, health, marriage, and liberation. The cave also features the sacred Garbha Joon — a narrow womb-shaped passage at Adhkuwari — symbolizing spiritual rebirth for those who pass through it.
- Deity
Mata Vaishno Devi (manifestation of Adi Parashakti / Durga – as Mahakali, Mahalakshmi & Saraswati)
- Temple type
Shakti Peetha
- Architectural style
Cave Shrine (natural sacred cave)
- Established
Ancient; cave discovered ~700 years ago by Pandit Shridhar
- Festivals
- Navratri (Chaitra – March/April)
- Navratri (Sharad – Sep/Oct)
- Sawan (Shravan) Month
- Diwali
- Janmashtami
- Managed by
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB)
Location
Katra (Trikuta Hills), Jammu and Kashmir, India