Important things to keep in mind when you going to Vaishnov Devi

1. Important things to keep in mind when you going to Vaishnov Devi 1: The trek Vaishno Devi temple positioned on top of the Trikuta Hills will test your resolve from time to time. Before embarking on this trip, you must know that pilgrims need to prepare themselves for a 12KM long uphill trek. The trek is rated as the third most difficult temple trek in India. And only the fit individuals, today, think of this gruelling uphill climb on uneven roads. If your travel troupe has aged, children or homemakers then it would be a good idea to hire helicopter ride. The chopper trip that starts from Katra will take you to the Sanjichhat (base camp) within 10 minutes. You can hire Pony rides for the next 2KM long trek ahead. Tip: Do care to carry your pre-booked entry slip (Parcha) before the trek. 2: Feel the Adrenaline There are many miracles linked with the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. You can experience one such, first hand. You will be wonder-struck to feel a sudden surge of energy soon after you reach Sanjichhat. The sight of Ardh Kuwari Cave takes away the tiredness of the long journey. The Holy Cave falls 2KM ahead of the main temple and it is believed that Mata Vaishno Devi meditated within this cave for nine months. You would hear vigorous chanting of Mata Vaishno Devi’s name. 3: See the Unique Pindis

2. Once you are inside the Sanctum sanctorum of the Mata Vaishno Devi temple you will not find any idols. There are rather three Pindis (pieces of rock). The miracle associated with the Pindis is that they are part of the same rock, but each of them has a different texture and colour. Inside the main temple one can find the Holy Pindi of Mata Maha Kali situated on your right side, and it is black in colour. Right in the centre is the Holy Pindi of Mata Maha Lakshmi and rock has a yellowish tinge to it. While the Holy Pindi towards the extreme left is that of Mata Maha Saraswathi and when looked at carefully you would find a whitish tinge to the rock. Mata Vaishno Devi Miracles are considered to be an amalgamation of all three energies. Tip: It is wise to pre-book VIP entry passes (hardly takes a couple of hours for Darshan) or you would have to enter the general queue (which would use up 7-8 hours of your time). 4: Be a Part of the Impressive Aarti The Aarti conducted within the temple, brings a huge crowd. The first Aarti is performed in the just after sunrise, while the second one is scheduled during the dusk hours at evening. Logically, the evening Aarti receives the highest turnover. There is a long process to the Aarti. First, the Pujaris perform ‘Aatam pujan’ or the act of self-purification. Then there is the conventional Aarti inside the temple as well as outside the cave. During the worshipping process – the Goddess is bathed in water, milk, ghee, honey and sugar. Then she is adorned with saree, chola and churni and ornaments. Do not miss a moment of this grand Aarti.

3. 5: Go Temple Hopping Though the Mata Vaishno Devi Darshan is the real deal here, but do not miss out on touring some of the other revered temples within the compound. There is the Baba Bhaironath Temple, which is perched higher in the mountain. It is believed that pilgrimage is only complete once you have visited the Bhaironath Temple. There are also temples of Maa Durga and Shri Ram. Tip: These temples are situated in different areas of the Bhawan complex. Follow the signboards to reach them. 6: Yagnas or Havans Mata Vaishno Devi temple gives its pilgrims the opportunity to book appointments with the priests and get their personalized worshipping done. You need to visit the Temple Board’s website and book under the Poojan Scheme. During the Yagyas the name/s and Gotra of the devotees are chanted and prayers are offered by the priests for their prosperity. The Yagyas or Havans are believed to bring positivity within the pilgrims and subside all negativity existing in their lives. Choosing a package that solely takes you to Mata Vaishno Devi shrine is a wastage of your potential. There are many great Kashmir tourism attractions close to Katra. You can visit Srinagar, Gulmarg or Patnitop and stay awestruck by the supreme natural beauty that Kashmir has to offer.