Katra Vaishno Devi: Where Blessings Come True

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November 18, 2009

katra Besides of the natural beauty striking, the state of Jammu and Kashmir serves as a prominent destination in terms of spirituality. The holy cave of Mata Vaishno Devi, where people from far off places come to ask blessings, is situated near Katra town in Udhampur district in J&K. Lying in the foot of Trikuta Mountains, Katra Vaishno Devi is a perfect blend of spirituality and natural beauty.

Overview

The cave is located at 48 km from Jammu and 13 km from Katra town. Every year, the maximum devotees are witnessed in the months of March-April and September-October here. Katra is basically the base camp for the yatra to the holy shrine / cave of Mata Vaishno Devi, which lies at an altitude of about 2500 feet above sea level. To reach the cave of Vaishno Devi, the nearest railhead is Jammu from where one needs to take a bus or taxi to Katra. The rest of the journey to the holy cave (13 km) is to be covered on foot. Those who can not walk can also hire mediums like horses. Now, a new railhead from Udhampur to Katra is being made to facilitate this pilgrimage.

This 98 feet long cave is believed to be built by the five Pandavas, the heroes of the epic Mahabharata. The Goddess here is worshipped in the forms of Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati and Maha Lakshmi. Other Attractions near Vaishno Devi

* Jahan Kosha Katra, located at a distance of one km from Katra, is poular for a massive 17.5 feet long canon (Jahan Kosha) and a lovely mosque (having the footprint of Prophet Hazrat Mohammad).
* Aghar Jitto Katra – shrine of Baba Jitto (a devotee of Mata Vaishno Devi) – is situated at 5 km from the town. As the legend goes, if any pre-natal women takes a dip in the holy spring water here, safe delivery of the baby is assured.
* Dera Baba Banda Katra (30 km) is a highly frequented Hindu-Sikh pilgrimage centre.
* Baba Dhansar Katra (10 km) is a heaven for nature lovers offering charming dense grove of trees, lovely spring dipping out of the mountainside, cascading waterfalls, and a naturally formed Shivling.
* Bawey Wali Mata Katra is a popular Hindu temple, located inside the Bahu Fort (4 km from Jammu Railway Station). The fort was built by Raja Bahu Lochan that still stands tall retaining the age old glory and royalty.

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