Mata Vaishno Devi · Jammu & Kashmir
Vaishno Devi
त्रिकूट पर्वत में मातृ-शक्ति को समर्पित यह गुफा-तीर्थ कटरा नगर से एक खड़ी तीर्थ-यात्रा के मार्ग से पहुँचा जाता है। माता वैष्णो देवी का तीर्थ त्रिकूट पर्वतों की एक प्राकृतिक गुफा में स्थित है, जहाँ देवी की पूजा तीन पवित्र पिंडी-स्वरूपों में की जाती है। तीर्थयात्री कटरा से एक लंबे मार्ग पर, प्रायः रातभर, चढ़ते हुए माता का आह्वान करते हैं। यह उत्तर भारत के सर्वाधिक दर्शनार्थियों वाले देवी-तीर्थों में से एक है।
कटरा के बारे में।
अभिलेखपढ़ने में 1 मिनट→इसकी स्थापना — एक प्राचीन गुफा-तीर्थ जिसकी पूजा लिखित इतिहास से भी पुरानी है; आधुनिक काल में तीर्थयात्री सुविधाएँ निरंतर बढ़ती रही हैं।
Vaishno Devi के भीतर का सत्यापित मार्ग अभी यहाँ दर्ज नहीं है।
मंदिर और उसके नक्शे से जानकारी शुरू करें।
मंदिर स्वयं क्या प्रकाशित करता है
नीचे की जानकारी मंदिर के ट्रस्ट की साइट से उस तारीख़ को पढ़ी गई थी जो स्रोत के साथ दी है। समय और शुल्क बदल सकते हैं। यात्रा से पहले मूल स्रोत जाँचें।
नीचे मंदिर के पड़ाव और स्रोतों के अंश अभी अंग्रेज़ी में हैं। यात्रा से पहले जुड़े हुए मूल स्रोत जाँचें।
पहले कहाँ जाएँ, फिर कहाँ
- Register (free) at the Yatra Registration Counter (YRC) near Katra bus stand, or YRC-II about 1 km away on Udhampur Road — provide basic details and be photographed for an RFID Yatra Access Card.
- Cross the first check post at Banganga (about 1.5 km from the YRC) within 6 hours of the card being issued, or you are turned back.
- Walk the route via Tarakote, Adhkuwari, Sanjhichhat and Bhairon — each has a free langar; Adhkuwari and Sanjhichhat also have accommodation.
- Reach Bhawan, the central site, for darshan of the three Holy Pindies in the cave.
- Optionally take the Bhawan–Bhairon ropeway (operating 9 am to 5 pm) onward to the Bhairon Temple.
स्रोत: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board — Yatra Registration (पढ़ा गया 2026-08-27) · Shrine Board — homepage (route, langar, ropeway) (पढ़ा गया 2026-08-27)
देखने योग्य पड़ाव
- Tarakote — A free langar operates here on the route.
- Adhkuwari — Free langar and pilgrim accommodation are available here.
- Sanjhichhat — Free langar and accommodation, further along the climb.
- Bhairon — Free langar, and the point where the Bhawan–Bhairon ropeway connects to the Bhairon Temple.
- Bhawan — The central site of the pilgrimage — the Holy Cave and the three Pindies.
स्रोत: Shrine Board — homepage route description (पढ़ा गया 2026-08-27)
कब जाएँ
- The Shrine Board's own advice names May–July and the spring/autumn Navratras as the peak-rush periods.
- The same page recommends the monsoon or winter months for 'a more comfortable experience' — its own framing for lower-rush travel.
स्रोत: Shrine Board — Climate & Clothing (पढ़ा गया 2026-08-27)
क्या करें
- Register at the YRC — the process is entirely free and computerised.
- Travel light; avoid bulky baggage.
- Wear footwear with adequate grip; carry weather-protective clothing such as a raincoat or poncho.
- Carry only essentials: drinking water, light snacks, medicines, valid ID and the Yatra slip.
- If you have a medical condition, consult a registered practitioner before starting.
- Use only the designated route and tracks — no shortcuts or unmarked trails.
- Follow public-address announcements and cooperate with officials during halts or emergencies.
- Stay hydrated and rest at the designated shelters.
- Carry heavy woollens in December–January; light woollens the rest of the year — even summer nights at the shrine are cool.
- Canvas shoes with flat or platform soles, a walking stick, and rain gear are recommended; these can be hired in Katra and along the route, at negotiable prices.
स्रोत: Shrine Board — Do's and Don'ts (पढ़ा गया 2026-08-27) · Shrine Board — Climate & Clothing (पढ़ा गया 2026-08-27)
क्या न करें
- Do not proceed during adverse weather; reschedule on a heavy-rainfall or landslide advisory from the Shrine Board or District Administration.
- Do not carry heavy or unauthorised luggage, or hazardous/flammable items.
- Do not rest near landslide-prone areas or drains.
- Do not ignore safety signage or instructions.
- Do not rely on unverified social media for yatra status.
- Do not trek alone, especially at night or in low visibility.
- Do not crowd around shelters or obstruct emergency routes.
- Do not take shortcuts or unmarked trails — stick to the designated path.
स्रोत: Shrine Board — Do's and Don'ts (पढ़ा गया 2026-08-27)
शुल्क और खर्च
- Yatra Registration (RFID Access Card) — Free ('The registration process is entirely FREE and is fully computerized.')
- Included accidental death insurance (registered pilgrims) — ₹3,00,000 for adults; ₹1,00,000 for minors
स्रोत: Shrine Board — Yatra Registration (पढ़ा गया 2026-08-27)
भक्त यहाँ किसलिए आते हैं
- पावन गुफा में देवी की तीन पिंडियों के दर्शन
- अर्पण के रूप में की जाने वाली कटरा से चढ़ाई की यात्रा
- नवरात्रि, जब देवी-भक्ति अपने चरम पर पहुँचती है
- हार्दिक इच्छाओं की पूर्ति और रक्षा के लिए वंदनीय
दर्ज समय
- खुलने का समय
- Open 24 hours
- बंद होने का समय
- Open 24 hours
- सुबह की आरती
- Darshan pauses approx. 06:20–08:00 for the morning Aarti
- शाम की आरती
- Darshan pauses approx. 19:20–20:30 for the evening Aarti
श्राइन बोर्ड के FAQ में कटरा के मुख्य बस अड्डे पर निःशुल्क यात्रा पर्ची 06:00–22:00 बजे उपलब्ध बताई गई है। अन्य काउंटरों के लिए यही समय न मानें; यात्रा से पहले बोर्ड से वर्तमान पंजीकरण विवरण जाँचें। ये समय संदर्भ के लिए हैं, वर्तमान समय-सारणी नहीं। यात्रा से पहले मंदिर प्रशासन से मौजूदा समय की पुष्टि करें।
बुकिंग कैसे करें
चरण
- www.maavaishnodevi.org पर आधिकारिक श्राइन बोर्ड वेबसाइट पर जाएँ।
- 'New Devotee' पर क्लिक करें और लॉगिन क्रेडेंशियल बनाने के लिए अपने विवरण के साथ रजिस्टर करें।
- OTP या यूज़रनेम और पासवर्ड के साथ अपने मोबाइल नंबर का उपयोग करके लॉग इन करें।
- बुक करने के लिए 'Yatra Parchi' (यात्रा पंजीकरण) या अन्य ऑनलाइन सेवा चुनें।
- भक्त और तीर्थयात्री विवरण दर्ज करें, पंजीकरण शुल्क का भुगतान करें, और सबमिट करें।
- RFID यात्रा एक्सेस कार्ड विवरण प्राप्त/सहेजें; बुकिंग के दौरान उपयोग किया गया वैध ID प्रमाण साथ लाएं।

आपको क्या चाहिए होगा
- मोबाइल नंबर (OTP लॉगिन के लिए)
- तीर्थयात्रियों का वैध ID प्रमाण
- पंजीकरण शुल्क भुगतान
केवल श्राइन बोर्ड की आधिकारिक साइट का उपयोग करें; एजेंटों और रीसेलर्स से बचें।
आधिकारिक साइट पर बुक करें ↗अंतिम जाँच: 28 सित॰ 2026
Stay aware
What visitors and officials have reported
7 things people have run into at Vaishno Devi. Every line below comes from a page we opened and read ourselves. We name no individual.
Ran into something here?
Tell us what happened at Vaishno Devi. Sign in first, so we know a real person sent it.
Online, before you travel
Look-alike booking sites and apps
Look-alike websites, travel portals and unpaid agents sell helicopter seats, rooms and other yatra services in the shrine board’s name. Payment is taken, then the ticket or booking does not exist.
What to do. Book helicopter, rooms, battery car and pooja only on maavaishnodevi.org or the official Mata Vaishno Devi app. If a link or call is unclear, confirm on the shrine board helpdesk 9906019494 before paying.
Read the 5 sources
“Pilgrims have been advised to make all bookings exclusively through the official Shrine Board website: https://maavaishnodevi.org.”
India TV · Reported in the news · 7 January 2026 · we opened this page on 10 September 2026
“पीड़ितों की शिकायत पर साइबर पुलिस ने जांच की तो पाया उन्होंने जिस वेबसाइट से टिकट की बुकिंग की वह फेक थी।”
Dainik Jagran · Reported in the news · 19 August 2025 · quoted in Devanagari · we opened this page on 10 September 2026
“The Shrine Board also said that it has not authorized any private travel agency for helicopter booking from Katra-Sanjichhat-Katra.”
Mint · Reported in the news · 8 March 2022 · we opened this page on 10 September 2026
“The Jammu and Kashmir police on Saturday said they produced a chargesheet against seven fraudsters, who were involved in issuing fake online helicopter tickets to the intending pilgrims of Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra.”
Hindustan Times · Reported in the news · 29 May 2022 · we opened this page on 10 September 2026
“All the online services offered by Shrine Board are offered through the official website of the shrine board: www.maavaishnodevi.org and MATA VAISHNO DEVI APP, only.”
IBTimes India · Reported in the news · no date on the page · we opened this page on 10 September 2026
“VIP” and “quick darshan” passes
Callers and WhatsApp forwards claim they can book helicopter seats, rooms, special puja or faster VIP or priority darshan. After the payment, the number is switched off.
What to do. The shrine board says no private agent is authorised for these services. Use only maavaishnodevi.org and call the official helpdesk if a message mentions guaranteed or VIP darshan.
Read the 3 sources
“The Shrine Board has warned devotees against making any payments in response to fraudulent messages, phone calls or WhatsApp forwards that falsely claim to offer bookings for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra or associated services.”
India TV · Reported in the news · 7 January 2026 · we opened this page on 10 September 2026
“कई बार फेक मैसेज में दावा किया जाता है कि विशेष पूजा या प्राथमिकता दर्शन की बुकिंग हो रही है, जबकि ऐसा कुछ नहीं होता.”
ABP Live · Reported in the news · 6 January 2026 · quoted in Devanagari · we opened this page on 10 September 2026
“फर्जी मैसेज में दावा किया जाता है कि वे माता वैष्णो देवी यात्रा के लिए हेलिकॉप्टर टिकट, विशेष पूजा, प्राथमिकता दर्शन या कमरों की बुकिंग करवा रहे हैं।”
News Track · Reported in the news · 7 January 2026 · quoted in Devanagari · we opened this page on 10 September 2026
On the road in
Prices well above the going rate
Some pithu, pony and palki handlers on the track ask for more than the posted fare, and some run without a valid registration card. Unlicensed touts also offer rides off the prepaid counters.
What to do. Hire only at shrine-board prepaid counters on the track, such as Banganga, Adhkuwari, Sanjichhat and Bhawan. Check the posted rate list, the handler’s registration card, and take a receipt.
Read the 5 sources
“श्रद्धालुओं को उपलब्ध कराई जाने वाली पिट्ठू, पोनी और पालकी सेवाओं को लेकर भी कुछ लोगों द्वारा निर्धारित दरों से अधिक राशि वसूलने के प्रयास के आरोप लगाए गए हैं।”
Dainik Jagran · Reported in the news · 8 August 2026 · quoted in Devanagari · we opened this page on 10 September 2026
“Two illegal pony operators were booked along Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine track in the jurisdiction of Police Post Banganga.”
Daily Excelsior · Reported in the news · 12 August 2026 · we opened this page on 10 September 2026
“In a continued drive to ensure strict compliance with regulatory guidelines and maintain proper records of pony operations along Mata Vaishno Devi track, Katra Police has registered five separate FIRs against pony handlers found operating without valid registration cards.”
Daily Excelsior · Reported in the news · 7 June 2026 · we opened this page on 10 September 2026
“The police reiterated that strict action will be taken against anyone found violating the prescribed rules governing pony and palki operations, particularly in areas witnessing heavy pilgrim movement, to ensure the safety and convenience of pilgrims and visitors.”
The Hans India · Reported in the news · 11 August 2026 · we opened this page on 10 September 2026
“Always check authorized rate boards and insist on receipts.”
eTourismKashmir.com · Visitors report · 23 January 2026 · we opened this page on 10 September 2026
In the market
Other things visitors have reported
Shops around Katra and the track sell jewellery and coins that look like silver for offering at the shrine. Tests of donated metal later found much of it was mixed with cheaper metals.
What to do. Do not buy silver for offering from unsolicited roadside sellers. If you wish to donate, use shrine-board counters and keep a receipt.
Read the 3 sources
“आशंका यह जताई जा रही है कि वैष्णो देवी और कटरा के आसपास के दुकानदार नकली चांदी की बिक्री कर रहे हैं.”
Zee News · Reported in the news · 21 April 2026 · quoted in Devanagari · we opened this page on 10 September 2026
“The complainant sought an investigation into whether devotees had been sold fake or adulterated silver articles by vendors and jewellers, or whether genuine silver offerings had been substituted, diluted, pilfered or misappropriated at any stage after their receipt.”
The Indian Express · Reported in the news · 14 July 2026 · we opened this page on 10 September 2026
“The controversy arose after reports claimed that around 20 tonnes of accumulated silver offerings at the shrine, estimated to be worth about Rs 550 crore, had been sent by the Shrine Board for testing, melting and processing, and that only 5-6% of the material was reportedly found to be actual silver.”
The Indian Express · Reported in the news · 16 July 2026 · we opened this page on 10 September 2026
Prices well above the going rate
Hawkers sit on Katra footpaths and roads selling wooden rings, purported saffron and other goods, blocking walking space. Locals say the goods are often not genuine.
What to do. Buy prasad and offerings from shrine-board shops, not from unsolicited street sellers. Keep to the main walking path.
Read the source
“लकड़ी की रिंग, नकली केसर और अन्य सामान बेचने वाले कई फेरी वाले सड़क किनारे और फुटपाथ पर अपना सामान लगाकर बैठ जाते हैं।”
Dainik Jagran · Reported in the news · 8 August 2026 · quoted in Devanagari · we opened this page on 10 September 2026
Station and bus stand
Other things visitors have reported
Around the main bus stand and markets in Katra, people repeatedly ask pilgrims for money, which leaves visitors uncomfortable.
What to do. A polite no is enough. Move on and use shrine-board or police help points at the bus stand if you need assistance.
Read the source
“श्रद्धालुओं से बार-बार पैसे मांगने के कारण उन्हें असहज स्थिति का सामना करना पड़ता है।”
Dainik Jagran · Reported in the news · 8 August 2026 · quoted in Devanagari · we opened this page on 10 September 2026
Inside the complex
Crowd theft and snatching
Valuables have been stolen from pilgrims at the Bhawan. Police have recovered stolen property after complaints at Police Station Bhawan.
What to do. Carry little cash or jewellery. Use the shrine board’s locker rooms at the Bhawan and keep bags closed in crowds. Report loss at Police Station Bhawan.
Read the source
“A complaint regarding theft of valuable articles worth approximately Rs 2.20 lakh was received at Police Station Bhawan.”
Daily Excelsior · Reported in the news · 13 April 2026 · we opened this page on 10 September 2026
तीर्थयात्री समीक्षाएँ लोड हो रही हैं…
Questions devotees ask
- Where is Vaishno Devi?
- Vaishno Devi is recorded at Katra, Jammu & Kashmir.
- Who is the presiding deity at Vaishno Devi?
- The presiding deity recorded for Vaishno Devi is Mata Vaishno Devi.
- Is there a dress code at Vaishno Devi?
- Wear footwear with adequate grip; carry weather-protective clothing such as a raincoat or poncho. Canvas shoes with flat or platform soles, a walking stick, and rain gear are recommended; these can be hired in Katra and along the route, at negotiable prices.
- What does a visit to Vaishno Devi cost?
- As printed by the source: Yatra Registration (RFID Access Card): Free ('The registration process is entirely FREE and is fully computerized.'); Included accidental death insurance (registered pilgrims): ₹3,00,000 for adults; ₹1,00,000 for minors. Confirm current amounts with the shrine.
इस मंदिर को अपने पास बनाए रखें
We do not sell darshan.Here is the temple’s own desk.
Temple World keeps the record. The timing, the ticket and the entry rule are the shrine’s to publish — read them there before you travel, and treat anything on this page as a reference only.
- The shrine’s own sitemaavaishnodevi.orgToday’s hours, and any entry ruleOpen ↗
- Published enquiry line1800-180-7212 (toll-free)As published by the shrine. Confirm before you rely on itEnquiry
- Darshan optionsRecord a request for helpNo payment is taken. A request is not a bookingReference
- Plan the visitSourced guidance, cited line by lineEvery section there names the page it was read fromPlanner
- Durga Saptashati PathA rite connected to this templeA reference record, not a provider-owned online serviceRite

