Vaishno Devi

The temple, at a height of 1,585 metres (5,200 ft) is 12 km from Katra on Trikuta hill. It is about 61 km from Jammu city. Geological studies show that the Trikuta Hills are primarily made of limestone and formed during the Precambrian era. A geological survey cited by the Shrine Board suggests that the holy cave is close to one million years old. There is also a mention of the Trikuta hill in Rigveda, the place where the temple is located. The Mahabharata, which gives the account of the Pandavas and the Kurukshetra War, does mention the worship of goddess Vaishno Devi. Before the Kurukshetra War Arjuna is said to have worshipped Durga by the advice of Lord Krishna for the blessings. Pleased by his devotion, Mother Goddess appeared in front of him in the form of Vaishno Devi. When goddess appeared, Arjuna started praising her with a stotra, in which a Shloka goes by saying ‘ Jambookatak Chityaishu Nityam Sannihitalaye ’, the translation refers to the Goddess residing in a mountainside temple in 'Jambhu,' believed to be the ancient name for Jammu. Former Governor of Jammu and Kashmir Jagmohan says, "the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine is an ancient one whose antiquity is pre-Mahabharathan, Lord Krishna is believed to have advised Arjuna to go up in the hills of 'Jambhu' and seek the blessings of Vaishno Devi before taking up arms in the battlefield. 'Jambhu' is identified with present-day Jammu.

Lakshmi, also known as Shri, is one of the principal goddesses in Hinduism, revered as the goddess of fortune, wealth, prosperity, beauty, fertility, sovereignty, and abundance. She, Parvati, and Sarasvati form the trinity of goddesses called the Tridevi.

Read more about [Lakshmi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshmi).

The Vaishno Devi shrine is one of the most visited Hindu pilgrimage sites in India, attracting millions of devotees annually. According to official data from the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, the shrine receives over 8 million pilgrims each year, making it one of the busiest religious destinations in the country. The shrine is also regarded as one of the most prominent pilgrimage centres in the Himalayan region, comparable to other major shrines such as Amarnath and Kedarnath. Its well-developed infrastructure, including paved trekking routes, helicopter services, and digital registration systems, has made it a model for pilgrimage management in India. In addition, the shrine is among the highest-earning religious institutions in India, receiving substantial donations from devotees, which are utilised for infrastructure development and welfare activities.

The most prominent festivals held at Vaishno Devi Temple are Navaratri, a nine nights festival celebrating Devi's victory over evil demons and Diwali, a festival of lights symbolizing the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance.

The Navaratri festival is a festival celebrated during the month of Ashvin, which typically falls in the Gregorian months of September and October.

Located in: Reasi, Jammu & Kashmir.