VAISHNO DEVI

		This cave temple is 50 km from Jammu to trekked up to 13.5 km from Katra. The devout often walks barefoot over the tiled paths or the steep staircases that take you up to the shrine. On the way, Adhkunwari Temple is spotted. Here homage is paid as it is said that the Goddess spent nine months of her journey up the mountain here. On the route many stalls for snacks and beverages are spotted, too. To reach this holy sanctum sanctorum the pilgrims have to walk through a cold stream of Charan Ganga. The cave Shrine is narrow and houses the rock-cut idols of the Goddess, Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. The canopies of the idols are made up of silver and gold.
The devout offer coconuts and red scarves here.During winters the route upwards can be blocked by snows, but summers are pleasant. The entire route has been electrically lit for the convenience of the pilgrims. Passes for this yatra are available at Katra. Overnight accommodations are available at the shrine. Our myths say that when Vaishnav Devi was chased by Bhairon, the demon she stayed here. She slayed him outside this shrine and therefore it is obligatory part of the pilgrimage to visit the temple dedicated to Bhairon. It is said that a visit here absolves a person from his sins.