5/5 Anubhav G. 5 months ago on Google
Journey
to
Vaishno
Devi
and
Bhairo
Baba
Temple:
A
November
Pilgrimage
Experience
November
marks
the
onset
of
winter,
adding
a
crisp
chill
to
the
air
in
the
Katra
region.
The
journey
can
be
done
via
Airplane
,
Train
and
Buses.
I
preferred
to
travel
by
Train
as
per
my
convenience.
You
also
have
helicopter
rides
to
travel
to
top
if
required.
Advance
bookings
are
always
recommended
to
avoid
last
minute
mashups.
Accommodations
in
Katra:
Katra
offers
a
variety
of
accommodations.
There
are
many
hotels
available
at
this
places
which
might
cost
you
around
500-600
per
person,
You
also
have
Dormitory
rooms
available
at
a
very
decent
price
(Around
150-200).
Booking
in
advance
is
recommended,
especially
during
November,
when
pilgrim
numbers
tend
to
be
high.
Commencement
of
the
Trek:
The
pilgrimage
to
Vaishno
Devi
and
Bhairo
Baba
Temple
involves
a
trek
of
around
13
to
16kms
.
November's
weather
brings
cool
temperatures,
making
the
journey
pleasant.
Pilgrims
can
choose
between
walking,
riding
horses,
or
hiring
palanquins(Acc
to
your
comfortability).
Avoid
carrying
food,
water
and
other
heavy
objects
as
they
are
available
all
along
the
way.
Spiritual
Experience:
As
you
ascend,
the
atmosphere
becomes
charged
with
spirituality.
The
chanting
of
religious
hymns
and
the
occasional
ringing
of
temple
bells
create
a
reverent
ambiance.
The
natural
beauty
of
the
landscape
adds
to
the
divine
aura.
The
Trekking
Route:
Passing
through
Banganga,
Charan
Paduka,
and
Ardhkuwari,
each
stop
holds
its
significance
in
the
mythology
of
the
pilgrimage.
The
gradual
ascent
allows
for
moments
of
rest
and
reflection,
with
breathtaking
views
of
the
surrounding
mountains.
You
do
have
shops
and
washroom
facilities
at
these
places
to
have
a
break
while
trekking.
Ardhkuwari:
A
Sacred
Midway
Point:
Ardhkuwari,
roughly
halfway
to
the
shrine,
is
a
crucial
stop.
Pilgrims
often
take
a
break
here
to
refresh
and
recharge.
The
temperature
drop
is
noticeable
here.
The
stalls
offer
hot
beverages
and
snacks,
providing
much-needed
warmth
for
the
remainder
of
the
journey.
Do
carry
your
medicines
if
you
are
under
medication.
Vaishno
Devi
Darshan:
Reaching
the
Vaishno
Devi
temple
is
a
culmination
of
both
physical
and
spiritual
efforts.
The
queue
for
the
darshan
can
be
long,
but
the
well-managed
crowd
control
systems
ensure
a
smooth
and
orderly
experience.
The
sight
of
the
deity
and
the
profound
sense
of
accomplishment
make
the
entire
pilgrimage
worthwhile.
Bhairon
Baba
Temple:
The
Ultimate
Ascent:
For
those
seeking
an
extended
spiritual
journey,
the
trek
to
Bhairon
Baba
Temple
is
an
additional
challenge
but
as
they
say
the
journey
is
incomplete
till
you
visit
this
temple.
The
path
is
steeper,
could
be
tiring
too
and
the
weather
becomes
colder
during
nights.
It's
recommended
to
start
this
part
of
the
journey
early
in
the
day
to
allow
sufficient
time
for
both
ascent
and
descent.
The
panoramic
views
from
Bhairon
Baba
Temple
become
a
reward.
Return
Journey:
Descent
with
Reflection:
The
descent
offers
a
different
perspective,
allowing
pilgrims
to
absorb
the
spiritual
energy
of
the
journey.
The
return
journey
often
involves
moments
of
introspection
and
gratitude,
as
the
challenges
faced
during
the
trek
become
part
of
the
spiritual
narrative.
Overall
Impression:
Visiting
Vaishno
Devi
and
Bhairo
Baba
Temple
in
November
during
weekdays
is
a
unique
and
spiritually
enriching
experience.
The
cool
weather
adds
a
refreshing
touch
to
the
physical
exertion
of
the
trek.
Whether
a
devout
pilgrim
or
an
adventure
seeker,
the
trek
to
Vaishno
Devi
leaves
an
indelible
mark
on
the
soul.
Given
the
cool
temperatures
in
November,
ensure
you
have
warm
clothing
and
maybe
even
rain
gear,
as
weather
conditions
can
be
unpredictable.
Avoid
visiting
during
weekends
as
it
is
crowded.
As
it
is
considered
to
be
one
of
the
most
important
Pilgrims
for
Hindus,
You
have
to
visit
this
place
at
least
once
in
your
lifetime
to
get
blessings
of
Mata
Vaishno
devi
and
Bhairo
Baba.
I
hope
this
review
helps
new
people
and
others
helpful
to
plan
their
trip
in
advance.
Thank
You.
Jai
Mata
Di🙏
Jai
Bhairo
Baba❤️
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