Yatra Registration (Yatra Parchi)
OfficialMandatory free slip from Katra before starting the trek.
N/A
Entry permit for the yatra.
Free
Book Official 
Shakti PeethaVerified
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine
Goddess Vaishno Devi (Shakti)•Katra (Trikuta Hills), Jammu & Kashmir
Official Temple WebsiteTimings
Opens 4–5 AM
See full schedule below
Main Festivals
3 major
Navaratri (Sharad and Chaitra)
Dress Code
Traditional
Details below
Entry
Free
Pujas are paid
Book Puja via Darshya
Verified priests, video proof, prasad delivery to your door
Official Temple Booking
Direct booking on the temple's official site
Opens the temple's official website in a new tab
Watch Live Darshan
Real-time video stream from the sanctum
About Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine
History
Mata Vaishno Devi's cave shrine is at 5,200 ft in the Trikuta hills of Jammu & Kashmir. Devi Vaishnavi was born from the combined energy of Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati and Mahakali to destroy demons. She meditated in the Trikuta cave for centuries awaiting Lord Vishnu. Legend of the yatra: a demon Bhairon tried to molest Vaishnavi; she fled into the cave. After 9 months (the gestation period — hence her hindu form as Mata), she emerged as Chandi and decapitated Bhairon, who then begged forgiveness. She granted him that a yatra would not be complete without visiting his shrine atop the hill first. The yatra is 13 km from Katra. The shrine was formally managed by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board from 1986 onwards, under whom cleanliness, queue management and pilgrim welfare dramatically improved.
Significance
One of the 108 Shakti Peethas. The Devi is self-manifested in three Pindis (natural rock formations) representing Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati.
About the Deity
No murti — Devi manifests as 3 Pindis (natural rock outcrops) inside the cave, representing the three primordial Shakti forms: Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati.
Pujas Offered (7)
Helicopter Ticket (Katra to Sanjichhat)
OfficialGovt-authorised helicopter ride.
8 min
Accessibility for elderly, saves 11 km uphill.
₹1,830
Book Official Battery Car (Bhavan)
Last 500m uphill access.
15 min Video proof
For those unable to walk the final stretch.
Free
Book NowAtka Aarti Darshan (Cave Pujan)
OfficialVIP darshan including participation in the aarti at the Pindis.
2 hours
Direct closeness to Devi.
₹1,100
Book Official Sponsored Navaratri Havan
OfficialSponsor a day of the Navaratri havan in the Bhavan.
Full day
Nine Devis' blessings.
₹5,100
Book Official Prasad Courier Service
OfficialTemple prasad couriered to your home address.
N/A
Devi's blessings reach your home.
₹300
Book Official Bhairon Darshan
Required trek to Bhairon temple (2.5 km uphill from Bhavan) — essential for yatra completion.
2 hours Video proof
Completes the yatra; without this, yatra is considered incomplete.
Free
Book NowFestivals & Events
- Navaratri (Sharad and Chaitra)October and March/April
- Yatra Darshan AnniversaryNovember
- Vaishno Devi MelaDuring Navaratri
Plan Your Visit
How to Reach
Nearest Airport
Jammu Airport (50 km from Katra) or Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Airport (upcoming)
Nearest Railway
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Railway Station (1 km from Katra base)
By Road
Katra is the base town. From Katra, the yatra is by foot, pony, palki, battery car (last 500m) or helicopter to Sanjichhat.
Where to Stay
- Hotel Asia Vaishnodevi
- The White Hotel, Katra
- Country Inn & Suites Katra
- Shrine Board Bhawans (Niharika, Vaishnavi, Kalika)
- Adhkuwari guest house (midway halt)
- Sanjichhat guest house (helicopter drop point)
Nearby Attractions
- Bhairon Baba Temple (2.5 km above Bhavan)
- Ardhkumari (Garbhjoon) — the cave where Devi meditated for 9 months
- Ban Ganga (sacred river at start of yatra)
- Charan Paduka
- Shiv Khori (77 km from Katra)
- Patnitop (hill station, 75 km)
Opening Hours
Morning
24/7 open (except Aarti breaks)
Afternoon
Morning aarti 6:00 AM; closed for aarti 6:00–8:00 AM
Evening
Evening aarti 7:00 PM; closed 7:00–9:00 PM
Dress Code
Comfortable warm clothing — temperatures drop at the shrine. Sports shoes or trekking shoes for the 13 km trek. Traditional attire not strictly required.
Rules & Guidelines
- Yatra Parchi is mandatory — free but must be obtained at Katra Yatra Registration Counter
- No mobile phones beyond Adhkuwari (banned in the Bhavan and cave)
- Free cloakroom at the Bhavan for all belongings
- No leather, no eggs or non-veg from the moment you start the yatra
- Pregnant women should carry medical consent
- Children below 10 and elderly above 75 should use palki or helicopter
- Beware of unauthorised darshan sellers near Katra — all bookings via Shrine Board only
Pilgrim's Note
The 13 km yatra from Katra to Bhavan is a pilgrimage in itself. "Jai Mata Di" chants echo throughout the path. Start early morning or late evening to avoid heat. The yatra is NOT complete without visiting Bhairon temple (2.5 km above Bhavan). Helicopter seats sell out months in advance during Navaratri.
Photo Gallery
Tips from Devotees
“Walked all 13 km — took 6 hours up. The "Jai Mata Di" chants keep you going. Darshan of the Pindis in the cave is life-changing.”
DS
Dipti Sharma
Delhi
“Took helicopter both ways — saved my knees. But I walked to Bhairon temple afterward. Perfect balance.”
RM
Rakesh Malhotra
Chandigarh
“Visited during Navaratri — crowded but the energy is beyond words. Prasad was couriered home beautifully.”
SK
Sunita Kapoor
Mumbai
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the yatra take?
On foot: 6–8 hrs one way. By pony: 3–4 hrs. By helicopter: 8 min to Sanjichhat + 2.5 km walk to Bhavan.
Is Bhairon darshan really necessary?
Yes — tradition holds that the yatra is incomplete without Bhairon darshan. A 2.5 km steep uphill from the Bhavan.
Best time to visit?
March–May and September–November. Navaratri is spiritually peak but crowded.
Is the cave open year-round?
Yes, but during heavy snowfall (January–February), the route can be disrupted briefly.
Can I carry food?
Yes, veg only. Langar (free community meal) runs at multiple points on the trek.