J&K Visit: Vaishno Devi

19.09.1994

Trip to Vaishno Devi. The Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is situated in the …hills overlooking the small (today it is a sprawling town) hamlet of Khatra. The shrine is in a small cave at 10000 feet above sea level. The deity has manifested in the form of Pindis which are crowned and decorated. The shrine is accessed through a main darbar hall leading to a small cave in which the Pindis are kept.

We left early and journeyed on the route from Jammu to Khatra. This is Ghat section and the road goes further onward to Ram Koti and finally Sri Nagar. The road offers excellent scenic views for the discerning traveler. En route we passed through a Tunnel called the Nandini Tunnel. Fat, well-fed monkeys are to be seen throughout the way.

The helicopter ride from Khatra to Bhawan not only saves time but also affords a quick panoramic glimpse of the entire area; Khatra on one side and the mountain face on the other. The magnificient mountains housing the Shrine rear their heads majestically up to the sky. Each Helicopter can carry five passengers only. The brief flight is an exhilarating experience. I was enabled to see the world from the point of view of eagle soaring in the sky.

The Helipad is not at Bhawan but at Sanji Chat whence we have to walk about 3 kilo meters to reach Bhawan (the Sanctum Sanctorum). As our HeliTickets included VIP Dharshan, we went to the Sanctum directly. The crowd was heavy but not too much.

Inside the Gupa or holy cave are Three Pindis, which is how the Goddess has manifested herself here. I prayed sincerely for myself, my family, my friends, my clients and organizations that I serve and society in general. Our religion has an easy way to express this complex thought! Sarve Janaha Sukihno Bhavanthu!

We took ponies on our way back to the Helipad. Due to heavy mist, the helicopters wern’ flying! So, we decided to do it on foot and after a light meal, started walking down. The weather was pleasant and misty. The views were agnificient. We managed to climb down to Adukuari. From Adukuari, we took ponies. The way to Ban Ganga is by a paved pathway with steps running in between. Viashno Devi is a daunting mountain evenwhile getting down.