Katra - Vaishno Devi Yatra
On reaching Katra, get your Vaishno Devi Yatra Parchi from Shrine Board's counter or you can also book online by visiting Shrine Board's Website Link : Mata Shri Vaishno Devi Yatra Parchi . After getting Parchi you can start your Yatra.
From Katra, you will climb one km to Banganga, where the goddess is believed to have stopped to drink water; then after a couple of kms you will reach Charan Paduka where the goddess stopped and looked behind while running away from the Bhairon Nath; 6 kms further is the cave shrine of Ardhkunwari, where it is believed she rested and meditated for nine months.
The last halt before the actual shrine is the Bhawan, where there are arrangements for wash- and- change, accommodation and for depositing luggage and valuables.
The vaishno devi cave is 30 metres long and just one-and-a half mt high. At the end of the cave are shrines dedicated to the three forms of the mother goddess – Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasarasvati. A rock just opposite these Pindees in the main Bhawan oozes out continuous natural water and is said to mark the presence of Lord Shiva in the temple.
According to legend, the mother goddess hid in the cave while escaping a demon (Bhairon Nath), whom she ultimately killed.Night Stay at hotel.
Distance from Katra to Vaishno Devi: 17 kms Approx| Journey Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
Katra to Chamunda Devi ( 7 Hours | 250 kms Journey)
Check out from your hotel and drive for about 6 hours to reach Chamunda Devi. Chamunda Devi is also referred to as Raktha Kali, Charchika and Chamundeshwari, Chamunda Devi is a terrifying version of Mother Durga or Durga Maa as locals refer her. It is believed that Goddess Durga created another goddess with immense power and strength to destroy the demons, Chanda and Munda. Upon destruction, the goddess was then named Chamunda Devi, or the one who triumphs over evil.
Legend of Chamunda Devi
About four centuries ago, some priests and a king were trying to build a temple dedicated to Chamunda Devi. When a priest prayed to the goddess to help them out with the process, she appeared in the priest's dream and demanded that the temple must possess an idol that would be revered in her name. She described the spot that would have the idol buried underneath the ground. This event furthered the priest to inform the king, and thus the king sent a group of men to bring the idol. However, none of them could move the idol even by an inch. It was then that the priest prayed again in fright and confusion to the goddess. Chamunda Devi then warned the priest that his men approached the holy site with a casual and physically unclean state. The next day, the king ensured his men were clean and devoted before they went to the idol and they were able to bring the statue, which was kept in the present-day's Chamunda Devi temple.
Night stay at hotel in Chamunda Devi.
Night Stay at Jwala Mukhi
Check out from your hotel at Chamunda Devi and we will drive for about 26 Kms to reach Brajeshwari Devi at Kangra. The main deity of this temple is Bajreshwari Devi who is also known as Vajrayogini or Nagarkot Dhaam . She is also the incarnation of Parvati, the Goddess or Aadi Maya on the Earth. It is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths of Devi Mata Ji. It is said to be built over the ashen and charred breasts of Goddess Sati. The sacred and holy shrine is known for its extreme wealth it has gathered overages.
After darshans we will drive again for about 1 Hour to reach Bagla Mukhi Temple. The shrine is dedicated to one of the Ten Mahavidyas of the Supreme Goddess as per Shaktism. Devotees visit the temple with hopes of getting their wishes fulfilled, cases won, exams passed or life otherwise to be happy and successful. It is said that anything asked for after performing homagni and yajna at the temple is granted.
The name Bagalamukhi comes from two separate Sanskrit words, 'Bagala' meaning 'bride' and 'mukhi' meaning 'face'. In essence, it translates to the deity having captivating and hypnotising powers in her face or herself which fights the evil away. It is said that yellow is the favourite colour of the goddess which is why the Baglamukhi Temple has been painted yellow in colour. All the worshippers of the Goddess wear yellow coloured clothes, and yellow sweets are offered to the deity. Many festivals are celebrated at Maa Baglamukhi Temple including Navratri, Guru Purnima, Vasant Panchami, and other special pujas and aartis.
Later proceed for Jwala Devi temple dedicated to Jwala Ji - a Hindu Goddess depicted by a set of eternal flames. One of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India, it is believed that the tongue of Goddess Sati fell where the Jwala Devi Temple is now situated. A novel temple which does not have an idol, the five aartis conducted at Jwala Devi Temple are the main attraction.
It is believed that the Goddess resides in the holy flames of the temple, which miraculously burn day and night without any fuel from outside. The flames represent the nine forms of Goddess Durga - Mahakali, Annapurna, Chandi, Hinglaj, Vindhya Vasini, Mahalakshmi, Saraswati, Ambika and Anji Devi. Usually, an offering of Rabri is served to the Goddess.
Night Stay at hotel in Jwala Devi.
Night Stay at Chintpurni
After check out we will start our journey for Naina Devi and drive for about 3 Hours to reach Naina Devi. The Temple of Shri Naina Devi Ji is situated on a hilltop at a height of 1219 m above sea level, it was built by Raja Bir Chand in the 8th century. This temple was constructed on a triangular hillock and is considered one of the 51 Shakti Peeths of Sati. The temple can be reached on foot or manual carriages. There is also a ropeway that can be used to reach the hilltop. After crossing the main entrance gate, you will notice a grand Peepal tree on the left side. Just opposite the tree, there are idols of Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman. Upon reaching the main temple, you will be greeted by two statues of lions.
The inner sanctum of the temple has three idols- Kali Devi on the left,the Eyes of the Shakti in the middle, and Lord Ganesha on the right. The entire stretch leading up to the temple is lined with small shops that sell prasad and souvenirs. The temple attracts thousands of devotees and can be very crowded on auspicious Hindu days. This temple is among the most revered temples in the country.
Later we will drive for about 3 hours to reach Chintpurni Shaktipeeth located at a distance of about 110 kms from Naina Devi Ji. Chintpurni Shaktipeeth is also known as Mata Shri Chhinnamastika Devi.
On reaching check in to your hotel and freshen up. Later visit Garbha Griha & have darshan of Mata Ji.According to legend the head of Devi Sati fell at this place and is thus considered one of the most important of the 51 Shakti Peeths. The Goddess is depicted in a pindi (phallic) form at the temple & is also known as Shri Chhinnamastika Devi who takes away all the worries of her devotees. The term 'Chhinnamastika' means 'without the head'. Night stay at hotel in Chintpurni.
On reaching check in to your hotel and freshen up. Later visit Garbha Griha & have darshan of Mata Ji.According to legend the head of Devi Sati fell at this place and is thus considered one of the most important of the 51 Shakti Peeths. The Goddess is depicted in a pindi (phallic) form at the temple & is also known as Shri Chhinnamastika Devi who takes away all the worries of her devotees. The term 'Chhinnamastika' means 'without the head'. Night stay at hotel in Chintpurni.
4 Hours | 160 Kms
Early morning check out from hotel and drive for about four hours from Chintpurni to Amritsar. On reaching Amristar we will visit Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh. We will drop you in the evening. You can catch your train or flight for your desired destination.
Note: All our tours are customizable meaning if you also want to spend more days in North India and wish to visit Dalhousie also, all you need to do is ask! The team at Tour Trip Mart.com would like to thank you for choosing to visit Devi Temples with us.
