About Katra

Katra: Katra is world renowned Hindu Pilgrim destination, where the holy Diety Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji resides. The legends says who ever comes, comes at the call of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi (Chalo Bulava Aaya Hai Mata Ne Bulaya Hai). The Trikuta Hills, where the shrine is located is blessed with natural beauty. The snow capped peaks, fresh mountain air is a life time experience. everyday thousands of pilgrims from across the world come to take the blessing and cleanse the soul.

Guide Map

The Legend of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji: The Legend of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji goes back to the hoary past. Vaishnavi took birth in human form and was born to Ratnakar and his wife. Vaishnavi was a worshipper of Vishnu and by observing rigorous spiritual discipline She attained enlightenment. In order to continue her spirtiual pursuits, She made trikuta hills Her abode. Bhairon Nath, a follower of the Tantric sect was attracted towards her. Offended by Bharion Nath's conduct, the Devi decided to go up the Trikuta mountain.

When She felt thirsty, She shot an arrow into the earth and water gushed out of it. This stream came to be known as Banganga. The place where She halted for a while to catch her breath has foot prints of the Devi and is called Charan Paduka. Seeing Bharion Nath in relentless pursuit, the Devi entered a narrow Cave known as Gharbjoon at Adkuwari and meditated there for nine months. However when Bharion Nath chanced upon this cave too, the Devi left it and entered the Holy Cave a top Trikuta mountain.

Infuriated with Bharion Nath's evil intentions, the Devi transformed herself into the divine form of Mahakali. She beheaded him with such might that his head fell atop the next mountain while his torso remained at the entrance of the Holy Cave and became petrified. However , Mata forgave Bharion Nath when he repented for his sins. She declared that her Pilgrimage would be deemed complete only when pilgrims would also visit Bharion Nath's Temple on their return journey.

She then entered the Cave and assuming the shape of a three faced rock form, immersed herself in meditation forever. Thus Vaishnavi, in the form of a five and half feet tall rock with three heads ot the Pindies on the top, is the ultimate destination of a devotee. These Pindies representing respectively three Shaktis of Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati constitute the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Holy Cave known as the Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji, which is reversed by one and all.