Vaishno Devi Temple | Timings & Dress Code

Vaishno Devi Temple, nestled amidst the scenic Trikuta Mountains in Jammu and Kashmir, is a sacred abode of Goddess Vaishno Devi. The temple timings are 05:00 am to 09:00 pm.

This revered pilgrimage site attracts millions of devotees annually, seeking divine blessings. The temple’s timings and dress code are essential in maintaining its sanctity and preserving its rich cultural heritage.

About the Vaishno Devi Temple:

The second-most visited Hindu pilgrimage in India, Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Temple, is situated in the Trikuta Hills in Katra, Jammu & Kashmir. 

Vaishno Devi Temple Timings

Hindu devotees from around the world visit this famed religious site where the Goddess or Mata Vaishno Devi is said to fulfil their wishes. 

This religious place is considered the most important Shaktipeeth as it believes that the skull of the Sati fell.

At Vaishno Devi Cave, the goddess is a five-and-a-half-foot-tall rock with three heads or the Pindies.

History of Vaishno Devi Temple:

Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board was formed in 1986, and ever since, this most famous religious site in Jammu has started attracting many Hindu pilgrims.

The religious cave of Mata Vaishno is said to have been discovered by Sridhar Pandit, a Hindu priest. Vaishnavi Devi appeared in the priest’s dream and instructed him to find her abode in Trikuta Hills. 

Following her instruction, the priest heads out for the journey after the dream and finds the cave as instructed earlier. Vaishno Devi appeared and blessed him with four sons. 

She gave him the boon of being the custodian of the cave. Even today, Pandit Shridhar’s descendants abide by the commitment.

Mata Vaishno Devi Temple Mythology:

Mata Vaishno Devi was born Vaishnavi and was asked by the devi who created her to live in the world and spend her time attaining a high level of consciousness. 

Lord Rama later directed her to set up a house at the base of Trikuta Hills, Tapasya, grow spiritually, and do as she had directed.

When the goddess started to live in Trikuta Hills, Mahayogi Goraksh Nathji sent his disciple, Bhairon, to test if the goddess had attained a higher level of spirituality. 

However, Bhairon gradually loses her sense of purpose and falls in love with her. He started to annoy her to marry him.

To continue her Tapasya undisturbed, Vaishnavi fled to the mountains but was chased by Bhairon. The devi killed him, and while dying, Bhairon realized his mistake and, thus, asked for forgiveness. 

Devi not only forgave him but also granted him a blessing. Every devotee performing a pilgrimage must have the Darshan of Bhairon after the goddess’; only then would the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra be complete.

Vaishno Devi Temple Timings:

The temple timings are 05:00 am to 09:00 pm.

DaysTimings
Monday5 am to 9 pm
Tuesday5 am to 9 pm
Wednesday5 am to 9 pm
Thursday5 am to 9 pm
Friday5 am to 9 pm
Saturday5 am to 9 pm
Sunday5 am to 9 pm

Deities of Vaishno Devi Temple:

There are three main deities or forms of Vaishnodevi worshipped in the temple

  • Lord Mahasaraswati
  • Lord Mahakali
  • Lord Mahalakshmi

Best Time to Visit Vaishno Devi Temple:

The best time to visit Vaishno Temple is from March to October. This period covers the region’s spring, summer, and early autumn seasons, providing favourable weather conditions for the pilgrimage.

Vaishno Devi Temple Entry Fee:

The ticket price for the Vaishno temple is nil, which means there are no entry fees. 

Though there are no Vaishno Devi entry fees, you must pay for the porter or mule services if you use them to assist with your luggage. 

Vaishno Devi Temple Aarti Timings:

No Darshan during aarti timings. The temple aarti timings are here.

Sessions Timings
Morning Session 06:20 am to 08:00 am
Evening Session 07:20 pm to 08:30 pm

Helicopter Service for Mata Vaishno Devi Temple:

The Vaishno Devi helicopter price for one way, from Katra to Sanjichhat, is around Rs 1,005, whereas the cost of booking both ways for the same route is around Rs 2,010. One helicopter only accommodates 5 to 6 people in one go, taking 10 minutes.

Festivals Celebrated at Vaishno Devi Temple:

Vaishno Devi Temple Festivals

Some of the festivals celebrated at the Devi temple are:

Navratri: 

This nine-day festival dedicated to Goddess Durga is celebrated twice yearly, during Chaitra (March/April) and Ashwin (September/October). The temple witnesses a massive influx of devotees during these times.

Diwali: 

The entire complex was illuminated, and made special decorations to mark the occasion.

Sharad Purnima: 

This festival falls during October/November and marks the end of the monsoon season. 

Vaishno Devi Jayanti: 

Celebrated on the 8th day of the Navratri festival, it commemorates the appearance day of Maa Vaishno Devi. 

Shardiya Navratri: 

Another celebration of Navratri during the autumn season attracts pilgrims from different parts of the country.

Devotee’s Offerings at Vaishno Devi Temple:

On the Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, devotees make traditional offerings to the Mata. Those are

  • Chunri (a red-coloured drape)
  • Sarees
  • Dry Fruits 
  • Silver 
  • Gold Ornament
  • Cholas
  • Sweets
  • Flowers

Vaishno Devi Temple Dress Code:

Devotees should avoid wearing short or disclosed clothes out of respect for the sentiments of another devotee.

Additionally, the weather conditions in Trikuta Hills can be unpredictable, so it is preferable to carry warm clothes even on sunny and bright days.

Tourist places near Vaishno Devi Temple:

Hotels nearby Vaishno Devi Temple:

  • Le Grand Hotel
  • Prefectstayz Homes
  • Hotel Arsh Residency
  • Ganga Amrit Haridwar
  • Hotel Fortune Ganga
  • Hotel Landmark
  • Vibhav Grand
  • Hotel Classic Residency
  • Hotel Le Central

Restaurants nearby Vaishno Devi Temple:

  • Mandir Bhojanalayas
  • Refreshment units
  • Private Dhabas
  • Dominos
  • Cafe coffee day
  • Sagar Ratna

Vaishno Devi Temple Contact Details:

  • Address: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, Katra Road, Reasi District, Katra, Jammu & Kashmir – 182301.
  • Contact Number: 01991 234 053

How to Reach Vaishno Devi Temple:

By Road:

The nearest bus stand to Vaishno Temple is Katra Bus Stand, located in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir.

By Rail:

The closest railway station to Devi Temple is Jammu Tawi Railway Station in Jammu City.

By Air:

Jammu Airport (Satwari Airport) is the nearest airport.

FAQs:

In which city is Vaishno Devi Temple?

Vaishno Devi shrine is located on the lap of Trikuta hills, 13 km from base camp Katra, one of the prominent towns of District Reasi and 63 km from Jammu city.

Why is the Vaishno temple so famous?

This temple is popular worldwide as it is believed that “Moonh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata”, the deity here, fulfils whatever her believers wish. This holy cave was located at an altitude of 5,200 feet, and the pilgrims had to undertake a trek of almost 12 km starting from Katra.

Which month is good for Vaishno Devi?

The best time to undertake the journey is between March and October.

What is the significance of the Vaishno Temple?

Vaishno Temple holds immense spiritual importance for Hindus as it is dedicated to Maa Vaishno Devi, a revered manifestation of Goddess Durga.

Can I visit Devi Temple during the monsoon season?

It is advisable to keep away from visiting during the monsoon season (July to early September) due to heavy rainfall,

Is photography allowed inside the temple premises?

Photography is allowed in some areas but is restricted in the main sanctum sanctorum to maintain the temple’s sanctity.

Where is Vaishno Devi Temple located?

Vaishno Temple is in the Trikuta Mountains, near Katra town, in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, India.

Is it very cold in Vaishno Devi?

Vaishno Devi experiences varying temperatures throughout the year. It can get quite cold during winters (November to February), with temperatures often dropping below freezing point, especially in the higher altitudes.