Vaishno Devi, Katra (India)

Vaishno Devi, the Most Famous Goddess Shrine in the Jammu Katra (J&K, India)

Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani, Trikuta, Ambe and Vaishnavi, is a manifestation of The Hindu Mother Goddess, 
Devi. The words "Maa" and "Mata" are commonly used in India for mother, and thus are often heavily used in connection 
with Vaishno Devi. Goddess Vaishnavi was formed from the combined energies of Goddess Parvati/Mahakali, 
Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati.

Vaishno Devi Mandir is a Hindu temple located in Katra at the Trikuta Mountains within the Indian State of Jammu.

The Temple is a Trek of 13Km from Basecamp of Katra to Bhavan and various modes like Pony, Helicopter, and 
ropeway are now available for the ease of devotees, however, it is still recommended to climb the trek by foot.
Ever since the inception of the Shrine Board in 1986, the Holy Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi has witnessed an 
ever-increasing number of devotees. 
The Yatra that stood at 13.96 Lakhs in the year 1986, increased to 104.95 lakhs (10.4 Million) in the year 2012, 
93.24 Lakhs in the year 2013, 78.03 Lakhs in the year 2014, 77.76 Lakhs in the year 2015, 77.23 Lakhs in the 
year 2016 and 85.87 Lakhs in the year 2018.
Tourists and pilgrims can avail the free of charge Dharamshala facility available around the main shrine area. 
Payment of a nominal sum for the upkeep of the Dharamshala is appreciated, but not imposed. Hotels and 
guest houses are available in sufficient numbers at the base camp in Katra. Make sure you make prior 
bookings, more so, if you are making a trip during peak season between April to September.