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It is about 3 hours journey by bus from Pathankot to Jammu. Now-a- days,
even the trains run up to Jammu. Pilgrims can reach Katra by
bus within 2 hours time From the city. The distance from Jammu to Katra
is about 52 kms. From Katra pilgrims set their Journey on foot to
Vaishnavdevi. People who are unable to walk can hire ponies, horses and
palanquins etc. depending on the choice of the individual. An average healthy
person takes about 4 hours to climb the hill. Everyone has to get a
journey endorsement slip at the entrance gate, this can be obtained free of
cost from Katra bus stand . Even
the other modes of journey commence from this place, where everyone is expected
to register inevitably.
The second day used to begin after completing the ablutions, by taking
bath in the holy waters of
Charanganga whose water is very cool and as bright as silver is.
Dressing in fresh clothes the devotees move out for the Darshan of Goddess.
During the times when there was no electricity available, people used to light
the country made torches all along the journey. Pilgrims proceed for Darshan of
goddess happily chanting the Jaykar (praise) "Jay mata –ki" to each other
whoever they face and proceed for Darshan of
Goddess. Pitch darkness and Chill waters of Charanganga,
does not trouble the pilgrims but provides peace and happiness. During the
process of Darshan, description of Goddess, history of the temple etc., will be
given by the Pundit/ Pujari (the priests) and they also accepts the offerings
of the devotees. He then gives the sanctified water (Teerth)
and remainant of eatables (Prasad) of the Goddess. Thus
pilgrims pouring in from all parts of the country, feel very happy, thinking
themselves to be very fortunate to have the Darshan of Goddess and come out of
the cave. Exiting from the cave, devotees offer their respects to the young
girls and distribute ‘Chunnies’, gives food to Sadhus (hermits) and other
presents there. After this, the pilgrims too take Prasad and other food
articles and prepare for their return.
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