Other Information About Vaishno Devi Temple

Puja Information :

The Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji observes two types of poojans for the devotees.

SHRADHA SUMAN VISHESH PUJA

Those devotees willing to attend the Aarti Darshan of the Holy Goddess can prefer this special pooja.

Individual Poojan

Daily practice of unique pooja is exclusive and is called proper Hawan is done in Yagyashalla. The basic details like name and gotra of an individual for whom poojan is planned is done and changting of special prayers continue to guarantee prosperity and welfare of that individual.

Create your username and password through onetime registration on this website. Those already registered simply need to logon with their valid username and password for access. Once the pages open you are at the right place and ready to click the Poojan on request which takes you further to other pages including Shardha Suman Vishesh Pooja and or Individual Poojan. Any of them can be clicked as per the choice and details can be submitted for that purpose. Click on the next stage where payment gateway is shown to make payment for which bank or credit card details are sought. The card number and CVV besides card expiry date must be described. Wait for acceptance and click on to complete the booking. Once done, take the printout for your reference.

Log in to your account through putting the username and password to reconfirm your booking details. It is indicated at the devotee zone where all transaction details whether success or failure is mentioned. If booking failed and amount was deducted then forward that transaction at online@maavaishnodevi.org to get refunds for which mention each and every information. 

Accomdations :

Free Accommodations:

Several halls have been created at different locations in Adhkuwari, Sanjichhat & Bhawan that are used as rest houses and they make the journey of pilgrims convenient. The pilgrims find in them good resting options while they are advised to wait before they could do the Darshan of the Holy Goddess upon reaching the Holy Cave. There is no charge for these halls hence they are rushed by many. Make it the point that those coming first can get space in them. Such halls are usually used as night halts by the pilgrims arriving here. These halls are equipped with the toilet facilities as well.

Basic amenities including Blanket Stores, Toilet Blocks, Bhojanalayas & Catering Units and Medical Aid Centres have been established nearby those halls to make it convenient for the pilgrims to approach and fulfill their needs.

While there is heavy rush and festival time the nature of Rest Houses at Vaishno Devi changes and in many cases free accommodation facilities are provided at nearby locations especially Katra where Niharika complex locates. The Yatra Parchi counter II (YRC-II) too facilitates accommodation in the sheds form located nearby New Bus Stand. Pilgrims are given blankets free like the accommodation facility without paying a single penny.

Rented Accommodations:  

This accommodation is available at Jammu (at Vaishnavi Dham and Saraswati Dham near Railway Station), at Katra (at Niharika Yatri Niwas and Shakti Bhawan situated at the Bus stand) Katra. Another dormitory accommodation, Trikuta Bhawan, Katra is available at near the 2nd Yatra counter (YRC II). Accommodation is available at Adkuwari, Sajichatt and at main Bhawan also.

Address for making accommodation reservations: 

Officer Incharge (Enquiry and Reservation)
Shakti Bhawan, Niharika Complex (Near Bus Stand)
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Katra - 182301 (J&K)
Phone: 01991- 234053, 
E-Mail: dm_enquiry@maavaishnodevi.net  

Medical Facilites :

There is 24 hours Charitable Hospital avaliable at katra.Emergency needs can be taken care of by basic medical facilities at Banganga, Adkuwari, Sanjichhat and Bhawan. Oxygen cylinders and emergency drugs are also available. A dispensary and 24-hr ICU is also available at Bhawan. 
Specialized and advanced medical treatment is however available only at Jammu.

Railway Reservation centre :

To overcome the difficulties of Devotees Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has facilitated the setting up of a computerised Railway Reservation Counter at Katra.

Bhojanalayas 
While the 12 viewpoints or refreshment units cater to the refreshment and light snack needs of the yatries, the Shrine Board also runs full-fledged Bhojanalyas to provide wholesome and hygienic food to the pilgrims on no-profit basis.The Shrine Board runs five Bhojanalyas in all, one each at Adkuwari and Sanjichhat and three at main Bhawan. The Bhojanalyas at Bhawan run round the clock and serve a varied but traditional menu.

Information Counters :

These are 24-hour information cum enquiry counters. Yatries can use them to obtain important information about various aspects of the Yatra.These inquiry, assistance and announcement booths are located at prominent locations at Katra, Adkuwari, Himkoti, Sanjichhat and Bhawan. The counter at Katra is located near the main Bus Stand. 

Time to Visit :

The Yatra to the Holy Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji is open throughout the year. The summer months of May, June and July and the festival period of Chaitra (spring) and Sharad-Ashwin (Autumn) Navratras and New Year vacations witness peak rush. As a result of this rush, devotees have to often wait for 12-20 hours before having Darshan.

Instead the monsoons and winters are good periods to plan a yatra. During the monsoons, Nature is at its scenic best with water falls and lush green surroundings. The winter months of December and January witness snow fall and barring the very young and the physically infirm, it can prove to be a charming season for others to visit the Shrine. The original Holy Cave of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji is also open during the winters and Darshans through this cave is a unique mystical experience.

One needs to carry heavy woollen clothing during the winters. For the rest of the year, light woollens are needed.