Chalo Bhulaavaa Aayaa Hai - Maata Ne Bullaaya Hai Chalo bhulaavaa aayaa hai , Maata ne Bulaayaa hai!!Vaishno Devi Mandir is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Shakti located in the hill of Vaishno Devi, Jammu and Kashmir, India. In Hinduism, Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani and Vaishnavi, is a manifestation of the Mother GoddessThe temple is near the town of Katra, in Jammu district in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is one of the most revered places of worship in Northern India. The shrine is at an altitude of 5200 feet and a distance of approximately 12 kilometres (7.45 miles) from Katra. Million of pilgrims visit the temple every year and is the second most visited religious shrine in India, after Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.According to Hindu epic, Maa Vaishno Devi took birth in the South of India in the home of Ratnakar Sagar, Her worldly parents had remained childless for a long time. Ratnakar had promised, the night before the birth of the Divine child, that he would not come in the way of whatever his child desired. Ma Vaishno Devi was called Trikuta as a child. Later She was called Vaishnavi because of Her taking birth from Lord Vishnu's lineage. When Trikuta was 9 years old, She sought her father's permission for doing penance on the seashore. Trikuta prayed to Lord Vishnu in the form of Rama. During Shree Rama's search for Sita, He reached the seashore along with His army. His eyes fell on this Divine Girl in deep meditation. Trikuta told Shree Rama that She had accepted Him as Her husband. Shree Rama told Her that during this Incarnation He had vowed to be faithful to only Sita. However the Lord assured Her that in Kaliyuga He would manifest as Kalki and would marry Her. In the meantime Shree Rama asked Trikuta to meditate in the cave found in the Trikuta Range of Manik Mountains, situated in Northern India. Ma decided to observe the 'Navratra' for the Victory of Shree Rama against Ravan. Hence one reads the Ramayana during the 9 days of Navratra, in remembrance of the above connection. Shree Rama promised that the whole world would sing Ma Vaishno Devi's praise. Trikuta was to become famous as Vaishno Devi and would become immortal forever. Above is the aerial view of this sacred temple This is the divine entrance of this sacred temple where devotees come in millions every year to sing the praises of maata.They go on Chanting - Jai Maata Di! Prem se bolo - Jai Maata Di !- Sab Milke bholo - Jai Maata Di! .I was fortunate enough to visit this sacred abode twice ,about 19-20 yrs ago.Ofcourse,that time-the roads were not that good and the facilities were'nt all that much great either.But one thing for sure has been common since long --That is the devotion , faith and love of devotees towards their Maata RaaniIt is not only a belief but also a strong experience of one and all that the Divine Mother sends a call to her children. And once a person receives it, wherever he is, is bound to visit the Mother to receive Her unbounded love and blessings A breath taking view to watch from the top!!!! Imagine yourself walking on this trail to Maata Rani's Darbaar Its a long way to reach Ardhkuwari but if you have love and devotion in your heart--Its a blissful and spiritual journey bound to make you happy when you have Vaishnu Maata's DarshanSaare bholo Jai Maata Di! Zor se Bholo- Jai Maata Di! Prem se Bholo - Jai Maata Di! Sab milke bholo- Jai Maata Di ! Dil se bholo - Jai Maata Di! Bholte Jao - Jai Maata Di ! Those who have problems in climbing on the mountains, can hire the services of a pony or dandi (palenquin). Pithus can be hired for carrying the children on shoulders. It is advised that you should avail of the services of only registered people be it the pithu, pony or the dandiwalla and keep his token for the period he is engaged.
Drinking water has been made available all along the route, with water coolers and storage facilities. Deccan Avaiation operates two flights daily from Jammu and 5 flights from Katra to Shrine. Since its inception, it has been the constant endeavour of the Board to provide adequate, neat & clean resting places to the devotees visiting the holy cave Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji. Towards these objectives, many decent resting places such as Saraswati Bhawan, Waiting Hall near Manokamana Bhawan, etc. have been created at Bhawan Complex. These are meant to be used by the devotees waiting for their turn for Darshans of the Holy Goddess. These resting places are in the shape of large halls which are available for the yatries. This accommodation is free of cost and is made available on a first-come-first-served basis. No booking or permission is required for using these premises since they are kept open round the clock and yatries can just go and occupy them subject to availability. With the passage of time many more stories about the Mother Goddess emerged. One such story is about Shree-Dhar. Shree-Dhar was an ardent devotee of Ma Vaishno Devi. He resided in a village called Hansali, 2 km away from the present Katra town. Once Ma appeared to him in the form of a young bewitching girl. The young girl asked the humble Pandit to hold a 'Bhandara'. (A feast to feed the mendicants and devotees) The Pandit set out to invite people from the village and near-by places. He also invited 'Bhairav Nath' a selfish demon. Bhairav Nath asked Shri-Dhar how he was planning to fulfill the requirements. He reminded him of the bad consequences in case of failure. As Panditji was lost in worry, the Divine girl appeared and told Him not to be despondent as everything had been arranged. She asked that over 360 devotees be seated in the small hut. True to Her word the Bhandara went smoothly with food and place to spare. Bhairav Nath admitted that the girl had supernatural powers and decided to test Her further. He followed the Divine girl to Trikuta Hills. For 9 months Bhairav Nath was searching for the mystic girl in the mountains, whom he believed was an incarnation of the Mother Goddess. While running away from Bhairav, Devi shot an arrow into the Earth from which water gushed out. The resultant river is known as Baanganga. It is believed that by taking a bath in Baanganga (Baan: Arrow), a believer of the Mother Goddess can wash away all his sins. The banks of the river, known as Charan Paduka, are marked by Devi's foot imprints, which remains intact till date . Vaishno Devi then took shelter in a cave known as Garbh Joon near Adhkawari where she meditated for 9 months attaining spiritual wisdom and powers. Her meditation was cut short when Bhairav located her. Vaishno Devi was then compelled to take the form of Maha Kali when Bhairav tried to kill her Bhol Saache Darbaar ki Jai!!!! Pilgrims first go to the temple at Adhkawari and then enter the narrow cave of 15 ft known as Garbha Joon. At most places the cave is not more than two feet wide. In spite of this people of all sixes are able to crawl though it. This cave is believed to be symbolic of the womb.The legend states that Garbha Joon where the Goddess hid herself for nine months and showed her self to a saint. The cave is narrow, and you have to almost crawl all the way though it. When Bhairo nath entered the cave, the Goddess made a new opening with her trident and ran away. Ardh Kuwari is 4.5-km from Charan Paduka. Atlast You are in the cave to have the blessed Darshan of Maata RaaniThe manifestation of the Mother Goddess took place at the mouth of the Holy cave at Darbar. The Goddess then beheaded Bhairav with such sheer force, that his skull fell at a place known as Bhairav Ghati, 2.5 km from the Holy Cave In his dying moments, Bhairav pleaded for forgiveness. The Goddess knew that Bhairav's main intention in attacking her was to achieve salvation. She not only granted Bhairav liberation from the cycle of reincarnation but also granted him a boon, whereby every devotee, in order to ensure completion of the pilgrimage, had to visit Bhairav Nath's temple near the Holy cave after the darshan of the Goddess.. Meanwhile Vaishno Devi assumed the shape of a rock with three pindis (heads) and immersed herself into meditation forever After worshipping Mata devotees generally head towards Bhairon temple. Situated at a height of around 6619 feet it is the highest point of the entire climb.The track consists of concrete steps as well as well lit paved roads. Due to the steep climb some people try to skip this wonderful temple. The downward trek starts after this temple. According to popular beliefs the journey to Vaishno Devi is not complete unless you visit the Bhairav Temple. Bhairon Mandir is situated atop an adjacent hill of the main shrine. Getting inside the Bhairon temple you will find no image or statue. He is worshipped in rock form. The rock is round shaped and covered with a black cloth. According to the legend when Mata killed Bhairon his head had fallen at this very place. The rest of his body remained near the the Holy Cave of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji at the entrance. There is another rock form that is worshipped as Hanumanji and covered with red coloured cloth. You can also find a Havan kund at the Bhairon Temple. The ashes of this kund are considered to be sacred and applying them can ward off evils. Some Quick Facts About Bhairon Mandir Distance from Bhairon Temple to Bhawan is 1.42 kilometers of steep climb You can go by foot, ponies or palanquins(Dandis) Bhairon track is further connected to Sanjichhat. The distance is nearly 2 kms. So from Bhairon temple, you have the choice to proceed directly on the connecting track to Sanjichhat without getting back to Bhawan. Be cautious of the monkeys on the way back. This is true in case you are using commonly used bags for Prasads. They can pounce upon you While getting down don’t miss the majestic viewpoint called Om.
