The Vaishno Devi shrine is located in
a cave towards the top of the Trikuta Mountains in Jammu-Kashmir. There
are three pindies for Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. Vaishno
Devi is mostly identified with Mahalakshmi although She is the combined shakti's
of all three. This is believed to be the only place where these three
Devi's are found in one temple as natural pindies. The yatra, on foot,
starts from Katra and continues up the mountain for around 12 kilometers.
The yatra follows the path Vaishno Devi took when fleeing from Bhairon.
Thousands of devotees make the climb daily to have darshan. It is believed
that Vaishno Devi is the elder sister of the other seven Devi Mata's (Kangra,
Jwalaji, Chamunda, Chintapurni, Naina and Mansa)
During the Treta yuga powerful and evil forces had taken control of the
world. The combined cries of devotees inspired a divine solution.
Mahalakshmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati combined their shanti's (powers)
to produce a Devi powerful enough to free the people of their suffering.
That powerful Goddess that they produced is Vaishno Devi.
Vaishno Mata quickly disposed of an evil demon who was preventing devotees
from their religious practices. She took a birth in South India so
that She could continue with Her divine mission here on earth. After
some time She left home to perform austerities and meditate on Lord Rama.
At that time Lord Rama was searching for his wife Sita who had been abducted
by the evil Ravana. Rama appeared before Vaishno Devi. She asked
to be his wife. Rama refused saying that he was already married but
if Vaishno Devi could recognize him when he returned next then he would agree
to marry her.
After killing Ravana and rescuing Sita Rama returned to Vaishno Devi's hermitage
disguised as an old sadhu. To her disappointment Vaishno Devi did not
recognize him. He consoled her saying that he would again take a birth
in Kali Yuga (the present age) and then they would get married. Lord
Rama told Vaishno Devi to stay in a cave in the Trikuta hills where Mahakali,
Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati were staying. There many devotees would
come for Her darshan and she would fulfill their desires. He also sent
Hanuman to serve Her. Since that time Vaishno Devi has been there,
serving the world, and waiting for Lord Rama to return.
Vaishno Devi (showing yatra)
Adi Kumari cave entrance
Mata's Durbar with snow
Entrance to Holy cave
Darshan of holy Pindies
Rama receives Mata's blessings before attacking Ravana