Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, Navratri Festival 2018 скачать в хорошем качестве

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple, Navratri Festival 2018

Situated in a cave in the Trikuta mountain in Jammu and Kashmir, the Vaishno Devi temple is one of the most popular pilgrimages in India. Perched at an altitude of 5200 feet, it involves a trek of nearly 12 km from the base camp at Katra. Despite this arduous journey, it is estimated that the shrine gets over one crore visitors annually, and more so during the Navratri. The climb of Vishno Devi Yatra itself is on a well-paved path with a gentle slope. Its duration varies according to the weather, the crowds and your speed. The route is dotted with shops selling souvenirs and devotional music, with pleasant views all along. You also have the option of climbing up stairs, which are shorter but much steeper and hence, more physically demanding. Key landmarks include Darshani Deodhi, Banganga, Chara Paduka, Indraprastha, Adhkuari, Garbha Joon, Himkoti, Haathi Matha, Sanji Chhat Bhavan, Sher ka Panja and Bhairon Mandir. The mid-point is at Adhkuari, from where you continue to Sanji Chhat, a scenic plateau that has been developed as a helipad and resting point. From here, it is a comfortable two-and-a-half km walk to the shrine. A second, cleaner track (it doesn’t allow ponies) separates from the main one half-a-km before Adhkuari. For other ways to reach the shrine, refer to the how to reach section below. Once you reach the shrine, wait for your turn — the waiting period is much longer during the peak season. The registration slip decides your entry into the inner sanctum. Instead of idols and pictures, the cave itself comprises of three natural rock formations or pindies which are immersed in water. A marble platform has now been constructed for easy access. The main complex, known as the Bhawan, also has free and rented accommodation facilities, vegetarian restaurants, a medical unit, blanket stores, cloak rooms, and shops selling religious offerings and souvenirs. The small town of Katra serves as the base camp for Vaishno Devi. It is located 50 kms away from Jammu, the nearest airport and railway station. Buses (Rs 50) are available at the railway station and at the Jammu Bus Stand. Taxis cost around Rs 1500. The 12 km climb from Katra to Vaishno Devi is on a well-paved road. If you’re running short of time or unable to do the climb, there are regular helicopter flights from Katra to Sanjhhi Chhat, followed by a 2.5 km walk. These can be booked from the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board’s official website. Ponies, porters and palanquins are also available for hire.