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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 real journey begins 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. A new road has been
constructed from Katra to Vaishnodevi but for the convenience of
the old and unable persons. But no motor vehicle are allowed in
this track. One can hire pony, horse or palanquin to fare through this route.
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 journey in the 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. At Banganga there is
another check point where the entry slips would be asked to produced and the
pilgrims have to wait there for their turn as the caravan are entitled in
several groups according to their numbers. It is to be noted that refreshment
facilirties are available at the places on the way and they can take foods
snacks and rest here.
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. the paraphernalia carried by the devotees are
handed over to the counter at the entrance of the cave and there the
endorsement slips are given to the devotees showing which one can collet the
'Prasads' from the other end.
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 towards Vairavnath temple.
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