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27 March 2023 - 2:30 AM (6th day of Chaitra Navratri): As I made my way through the trek I had reached a spot where I got the first glimpse of Bhawan, the Holy Darbar of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi. Cradled by the Trikuta mountains, Bhawan with the luminal display of colorful lights was a breathtaking visual delight. The view I had been waiting for the past couple of hours was at my eye's reach and I stood there in silent gratitude about it before resuming my trek.
Coming from South India, I wasn't entirely familiar with the process of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi yatra. Most of what I know, I picked from the internet a week before my solo pilgrimage. After going through the experience myself, I thought it would be helpful to share everything I learned for anyone planning their own Yatra. Here is a step-by-step guide including all the important details I learned before and during the trip.
Yatra Parchi & RFID Tag
The 14 Km trek to Bhawan starts from Ban Ganga check post in Katra and the route is open 24X7. It is mandatory for all yatris to do a Yatra Parchi registration & obtain an RFID tag before starting the trek. The yatra parchi registration can be done free of cost either online from the Shrine Board official website or from one of the Yatra Registration Counters (YRC). Make sure to carry a government issued identity proof for verification. Below are the locations of YRCs in Jammu & Katra: Katra RFID Card Counters
Katra Bus Stand Counter No 1 (Katra)
Katra Counter No 2 (Trikuta Bhawan) (Katra)
Katra Railway Station SVDK (Katra)
Niharika Bhawan (Katra)
Army Reception (Katra)
Helipad at Katra (Only for those opting for helicopter services)
Jammu RFID Card Counters
Vaishnavi Dham
Jammu Airport
The RFID card is a smart card embedded with a microchip and has been introduced to track the movement of pilgrims. This has to be collected from the YRC even if you have obtained the yatra parchi online. Make sure to cross the Banganga check post within 6 hours of issue of the card. The RFID card comes at free of cost and has to be in your possession throughout the trek until it is returned on your way back.
Sim Card
Due to security reasons, pre-paid SIM cards of other states don't work in Jammu. So, to stay connected you should either have a post-paid sim card or get a tourist sim after entering Jammu. Once you reach Katra, just look for shops that have the 'Yatri SIM /Tourist SIM' board to get one.
Reaching Bhawan
While majority of the pilgrims choose to trek (12-14 KM) there are alternate ways to reach Bhawan:
Palki and Pony
A palki is an enclosed seat carried by porters and is usually used by elderly pilgrims. One can opt in for palki or pony services throughout the journey. The rates of this are fixed and are displayed on various sign boards at the Assistance Centers at Katra, Banganga and other places. Check the official website for more information about these services.
Battery Operated Vans This service is from and to Inderprastha (Adhkuwari), the midpoint of the trek. Tickets for the battery cars can be booked online at the official website or at the counters in Inderprastha. However, please note that the counters aren't open 24X7 and the bookings are subject to availability. Remember, these vehicles are available only from the midpoint of the trek and you will either have to walk or utilize a palki or pony till there.
Helicopters
This service takes you to Sanjichhat, located 2.5 KM from Bhawan. The tickets can be booked online from the official website.
Try Not To Miss Ardhkuwari
A small detour from Inderprastha (midpoint of the trek) takes you to Ardhkuwari, a place that holds deep significance in the pilgrimage to Bhawan. This is where Mata Vaishno Devi is believed to have meditated for nine months in a cave known as Garbh Joon. However, due to the high number of yatris visiting Ardhkuwari, there might be a wait as you need to collect a separate token for darshan.
Locker Rooms
Electronic equipment like mobile phones & smartwatches aren't allowed inside the Holy Cave in Bhawan and have to be stored at locker rooms located at the temple complex. You will be given a lock and key and can use any available locker.
The Sacred Darshan
The original cave passage leading to the darshan is closed most of the year due to its narrowness, opening only during special occasions and lean periods. For most of the year, access to the holy cave is facilitated via a tunnel that takes us to the darshan of the Pindies - three naturally formed rock formations representing the divine aspects of Mother Goddess. These sacred formations symbolize Maha Kali, the goddess of power & destruction; Maha Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth & prosperity; and Maha Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom & knowledge.
Final Blessings at Bhairon Baba Temple
Located 1.5 KM uphill from the main shrine at Bhawan, Bhairon Baba Temple can be accessed by trekking, palkis, ponies, or the ropeway. The ropeway operates from 9 AM to 5 PM (please verify the timings on site) and takes only 5 minutes to reach. A round-trip ticket costs ₹100 and can be bought from the ropeway ticket counter at Bhawan.
I've tried to keep this article as concise as possible while covering all the key details to make your pilgrimage smooth. Hope this guide serves its purpose and enhances your overall journey. Jai Mata Di!
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