Vaishno Devi

More things are wrought by prayer than the world dreams of'. And the shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi gives credit to this famous line of Alfred Lord Tennyson's poetry. Sheer faith brings in multitudes of people of all ages, races and religions to kowtow before the Goddess, who showers her grace on each of them and grants them their wishes. The pilgrimage requires great fortitude, both physical and mental, as you have to climb mile after mile, uphill, before getting a glimpse of the Goddess. But as they say 'tough times never last, tough people do' and millions of people make this journey successfully, year after year. So can you! History Mata Vaishno Devi represents the collective energies of the three main goddesses of the Hindu religion: Lakshmi, Kali and Saraswati. Mata Vaishno Devi took the form of a young girl who spent her days in divine reflection at the base of the Trikuta Mountain, thus empowering herself with great spiritual powers. \\ There is interesting story behind the popularity of Vaishnodevo temple. A selfish saint, Bhairav Nath was trying to kill Mata Rani to get salvation. While escaping from Bhairav Nath, Mata Rani shot an arrow into the Earth from which water flooded out. This resulted in form of a river called as Baanganga. Devotees believed that taking bath in the river wash away all sins. She also took shelter in the concrete cave covered with ice to escape from him and took meditation for power and wisdom. Mata got the victory and cut the skull of the Bhairav which felt at 2.5 km above the main shrine. Mata granted him liberation along with granted him a boon. Vaisno mata told that every devotee had to visit Bhairav Nath temple for completion of pilgrimage. Since then Vaishno Devi Temple along with Adhkawari and Bhairav Nath Temple have become holiest Hindu Pilgrimage Tours Pandit Shridhar recognised Vaishno Devi as a divine being and began searching for her. Guided by divine forces, he located the holy cave nestled in the Trikuta Mountain. There he found a rock form with three heads atop it. These three heads, known as pindis represent the three goddesses Lakshmi, Kali and Saraswati. The Mata then appeared before him in all her glory and asked him to spread the faith to one and all. How to Reach Air Wherever you are, reach Jammu and then take the road to Katra, a small town about 50 km away. Jammu is connected air to Delhi and Srinagar; by train to all metros and important cities in northern India. There are regular bus services from all major north Indian cities like Amritsar , Chandigarh , Delhi , Srinagar and Mansar . Jammu to Katra You may hire cabs from Jammu airport, railway station and the Tourist Reception Centre. Buses services are also available from Katra every 10 minutes, the first bus is at 5.00 am and the last at 9:00 pm. The journey is about 2 hours, but the terrain is hilly and winding. So if you are prone to nausea and vomiting, then popping a pill is advisable. Helicopter Service (7 minutes) Vaishno Devi Helicopter Service from Katra to Sanjichhatis also available, just a couple of kilometers from the holy shrine. If you are driving down in your own vehicle and do not wish to halt at Jammu, then head straight on National Highway No.1A. Katra to the Shrine It's a 14-km long most pilgrims do it, so lace up, chant "Jai Mata Di" and keep walking! If you absolutely can't, then there are ponies and palanquins that you can ride on. Devotees put their luggage in Katra and just carry the necessary things for trek. Normal adult takes about 6 hours to reach the temple from Katra. Due to formation of trust facilities have considerably improved enroots and at the temple premises. The whole path is well ample lighting at Night. Resting places with sheds are built every 400 to 500 meters with facility of toilets and canteens. Vaishno devi is located on a hill top,due to this there is temperature difference of around 10 degrees between the temple site and Katra. This needs to be kept in mind while planning for warm cloths, however free blanket service is available at the temple premises

Kashmir the paradise on Earth

Set like a jewelled crown on the map of India, Kashmir is a multi-faceted diamond, changing its hues with the seasons - always extravagantly beautiful. Two major Himalayan ranges, the Great Himalayan Range and the Pir Panjal, surround the landscape from the north and south respectively. They are the source of great rivers, which flow down into the valleys, forested with orchards and decorated by lily-laden lakes.
The Mughals aptly called Kashmir ‘Paradise on Earth’ where they journeyed across the hot plains of India, to the valley’s cool environs in summer. Here they laid, with great love and care, Srinagar’s many formal, waterfront gardens, now collectively known as the Mughal Gardens. Anecdotes of four and five centuries ago describe their love for these gardens, and the rivalries that centred around their ownership. They also patronized the development of art & craft among the people of Kashmir, leaving behind a heritage of exquisite artisanship among thes people and making the handicrafts of the land prized gifts all over the world.

Kashmir is a land where myriad holiday ideas are realised. In winter, when snow carpets the mountains, there is skiing, tobogganing, sledge-riding, etc. along the gentle slopes. In spring and summer, the honey-dewed orchards, rippling lakes and blue skies beckon every soul to sample the many delights the mountains and valleys have to offer. Golfing at 2,700 m above the sea, water-skiing in the lakes and angling for prized rainbow trout, or simply drifting down the willow fringed alleys of lakes in shikaras and living in gorgeous houseboats are some of the most favoured ones.

                                                           PLACES TO VISIT

GULMARG

Gulmarg's legendary beauty, prime location and proximity to Srinagar naturally make it one of the premier hill resorts in the country. The journey to Gulmarg is half the enchantment of reaching there-- roads bordered by rigid avenues of poplar give over to flat expanses of rice fields interspersed with picturesque villages. Depending on the season, nature's colours could be the translucent green of spring, summer's rich emerald, or autumn's golden hues, when scarlet chillies festoon windows of village homes. After Tangmarg, the climb to Gulmarg begins through fir-covered hillsides. At one point, known simply as View Point, travellers generally stop their vehicles for a few minutes and look out a spectacle of snow-covered mountains, almost within touching distance

PAHALGAM

The Valley of Shepherds : Pahalgam (2,130 m) was once a humble shepherd's village with breathtaking views. Now it is Kashmir's premier resort, cool even during the height of summer when the maximum temperature does not exceed 250C. Around Pahalgam are many places of interest, and because the resort is set between fairly steep hills, it is worth hiring a pony rather than walking. Pony fares are posted at prominent locations. The most beautiful of these is the huge, undulating meadow of Baisaran, surrounded by thickly wooded forests of pine. Hajan, on the way to Chandanwari, is an idyllic spot for a picnic. Filmgoers will recognize it instantly as it has been the location of several movie scenes.

SONAMARG

The Meadow of Gold : Sonamarg is the base of a major trek that passes along several mountain lakes –Vishansar, Kishansar, Gadsar, Satsar and Gangabal. Sonamarg is also the take off station for the drive to Ladakh across the Zojila, a major pass in the Great Himalayan Range, through which the Srinagar-Leh Road passes.

AMARNATH JI

A journey into faith : "The Himalayan pilgrimages are the oldest organised travel system, evolved over time by Hindu sages and embodying the spirit of wander, adventure and spirituality" One of the holy trinity, Shiva is a living god. The most ancient and sacred book of India, the Rig Veda evokes his presence in its hymns. Vedic myths, ritual and even astronomy testify to his existence from the dawn of time. Shiva is known to have made his home in the Himalayas. He built no house nor shelter, not for himself or his bride. He was an ascetic, and yet married; he could be both for "he was the wild god sporting in the forest or taking his ease on a cloud."