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.
