HOLY SHRINE VASHNO DEVI

• Piligrimage

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi :-A pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji is considered to be one of the holiest pilgrimages of our times. Popular the world over as Moonh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata, which means, the Mother who fulfills whatever Her children wish for, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji resides in a Holy Cave located in the folds of the three peaked mountain named Trikuta (pronounced as Trikoot). The Holy Cave attracts millions of devotees every year. In fact, the number of Yatris visiting the Holy Shrine annually now exceeds one crore. This is due to the unflinching faith of the devotees who throng the Shrine from all parts of India and abroad, The Holy Cave of the Mother is situated at an altitude of 5200 ft. The Yatris have to undertake a trek of nearly 12 km from the base camp at Katra. At the culmination of their pilgrimage, the yatries are blessed with the Darshans of the Mother Goddess inside the Sanctum Sanctorum- the Holy Cave. These Darshans are in the shape of three natural rock formations called the Pindies. There are no statues or idols inside the Cave.

Shiv Khori :-Lord Shiva is worshipped in many forms. He is conceived in his unborn and invisible form as lingum. The “Shiv-Lingum” symbolizes the power behind the creation. It is believed that at the end of all creation, during the great deluge, all of the different aspects of God find a resting place in the Lingam. Famous cave shrine of “Shiv Khori” situated in District Reasi of J&K state depicts the natural formation of Shivlingum. It is one of the most venerated cave shrines of Lord Shiva in the region. The Holy cave is more than 150 mts long & houses 4 feet high Svayambhu Lingum, which constantly baths in a milky lime fluid dripping from the ceiling. The cave is full of natural impression & images of various Hindu Deities & full of divine feelings.

Legend has it that a demon named Bhasmasur, after a long meditation of Lord Shiva, obtained the boon that he could end the life of anyone by placeing his hand on their head. After obtaining it, this devil had the evil intentions to end Lord Shiva. On seeing the evil design of the demon, Lord Shiva ran to save himself from the powers of the demon and entered through the narrow entrance of this cave which is now known as Shiv Khori. Thereafter, Lord Vishnu in the guise of Mohini came and lured the demon to dance to her tune. As the demon started dancing exactly as per the actions of Mohini, the said demon kept his hand on his own head and destroyed himself with his own powers. As per the legend, 33 crores deities exist in this cave in shape of pindis.