Katra Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/katra page 1

Max: Min: Rain: 36.0mm 15.69999980 11.30000019 When To 9265137°C 0734863°C Katra Aug One of the most sacred Cold weather. Carry Heavy woollen. VISIT Max: Min: Rain: 42.0mm destinations in northern India, 16.89999961 10.19999980 Katra is famously associated with 8530273°C 9265137°C http://www.ixigo.com/weather-in-katra-lp-1139071 the Maa Shrine. Sep Escape the madness of the city and Cold weather. Carry Heavy woollen. Jan Max: Min: Rain: 9.0mm rejuvenate in clean, fresh and Famous For : City Very cold weather. Carry Heavy woollen. 17.70000076 10.80000019 2939453°C 0734863°C natural environment. Max: Min: Rain: 3.0mm 12.89999961 4.300000190 Visit the magical and scenic Mata Vaishno 8530273°C 734863°C Oct Devi cave-shrine, after a 14kms steep, hilly Cold weather. Carry Heavy woollen. Feb Max: Min: Rain: 0.0mm trek from Katra, while enthusiatically Very cold weather. Carry Heavy woollen. 18.20000076 10.10000038 2939453°C 1469727°C chanting "Jai Mata Di" with other pilgrims. Max: Min: Rain: 6.0mm Pay your respects to Maa Vaishno Devi, a 13.69999980 4.199999809 9265137°C 265137°C Nov reincarnation of Goddess Shakti, and soak Cold weather. Carry Heavy woollen. yourselves in all its legend and culture. Mar Max: Min: Rain: 0.0mm Cold weather. Carry Heavy woollen. 14.30000019 9.100000381 Picturesque surroundings and the verdant, 0734863°C 469727°C Max: Min: Rain: 21.0mm green surroundings keep company to 16.70000076 5.900000095 Dec tourists and pilgrims on their journey to the 2939453°C 367432°C Very cold weather. Carry Heavy woollen. temple. Don't miss the delicious food served Apr Max: 12.0°C Min: Rain: 9.0mm at several dhabas here. Very cold weather. Carry Heavy woollen. 6.400000095 367432°C Max: Min: 4.0°C Rain: 27.0mm 17.89999961 8530273°C May What To Cold weather. Carry Heavy woollen. Max: 18.5°C Min: 13.0°C Rain: 6.0mm SEE Jun 5 Sights

Cold weather. Carry Heavy woollen. http://www.ixigo.com/places-to-visit-see-in-katra-lp-1139071 Max: Min: Rain: 6.0mm 20.29999923 14.19999980 This Pdf and its contents are copyright © 2013,ixigo.com, all rights reserved. ixigo logo, the 7060547°C 9265137°C 1 Vaishno Devi Mandir character and all other marks displayed herein are registered and/or common law trademarks of ixigo.com and/or third parties. Jul Cold weather. Carry Heavy woollen. Katra Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/katra page 2

Before leaving, he asked her to continue created. Once you enter the tunnel, Katra, & Kashmir 182301, Trikuta Parvat, District, Katra, her meditation up on the Trikuta mountain absolute silence is to be maintained. The India Jammu and Kashmir 182301, India cave (the site of the present shrine) and walls of the tunnel are lined with pictures One of the holiest and most revered pilgrim gave her a bow, arrows, an army of monkey and photographs which explain the history Ardh Kuwari Cave lies about mid way to the centres in the country, Vaishno Devi Mandir and a lion for her protection. She went to of the shrine and act as guidance for the main Vaishno Devi shrine. While hiding from in the cave to meditate and took the shape of final darshan.  a malicious sage, Ma Vaishno found this Katra is the second most visited temple in a three-headed rock (pindis). The rock is still narrow cave and spend around 9 months India. Dedicated to Goddess Shakti (also present at the site and is believed to be the meditating. When Bhairavnath finally found called Mata Rani and Vaishnavi), the shrine goddess, still in the act of meditation.  out about this cave, legend has it that the is visited by more than 8 million pilgrims Unlike the usual Hindu temples, the Goddess used her trident at the other end every year and has a number of sanctum sanctorum (the cave) has no idol or of the cave to create an opening, which lead mythological legends associated with picture of Gods and Goddesses, but only the However, going through the original cave to the Bhavan (or the main shrine). When it.  three-headed rock formation, representing, entrance to reach the natural rock Bhairavnath followed her there, she took Goddess Kali, Goddess Laxmi and Goddess formations (Pindis) is an experience by itself. the form of Mahakali and beheaded him. Saraswati. The way to this shrine (Bhavan) is This entrance is opened only during lean Today, this cave acts as a stopover for the very steep and is a hard walk. However, seasons and festive occasions. The temple pilgrims on their journey up to the Bhavan. palanquins, ponies and helicopters are management board also offers free and There is a long queue leading to a narrow One of them is as follows--known as available to carry pilgrims up to the shrine. rented accommodation and a subsidised opening at the base of the rock wall, Trikuta, during young age, she gradually The pilgrims of  'no-profit' vegetarian eatery.  through which one has to crawl for a few began being called Vaishnavi as it was Vaishno Devi Mandir  The  minutes to reach the other side. A large believed that she was a divine child and also believe that the Goddess herself calls Vaishno Devi Mandir shrine dedicated to the three Goddesses-- belonged to Lord Vishnu's lineage.  to her children (devotees), and if she wishes  is believed to be the most important Kali, Laxmi and Saraswati is also built here. Years later in an act of penance, she prayed they are pulled to her, no matter where they Shakteepeetha (place where the eternal The darshan route is semicircular, so that to Lord Rama (incarnation of Lord Vishnu). are. Conversely, it is also believed that no energy of the Goddess has concentrated you exit from a different opening at a small Rama came upon her during his search for matter how high and mighty you may be, or and taken abode, as many claim that the distance from the entry route. Sita, his wife, and was impressed with her how keen you are to take darshan of the skull of Mata Sati fell at this place during her 3 Bhairavnath Temple dedication, granting her a boon, to which devi, you will not be able to succeed in your self-immolation, while others believe that it she asked him to take her as his wife. Being journey, unless you get the call of the was her right arm that fell here. Indeed, one already devoted to Sita in that life, Rama Goddess. On your way to the cave, you will does find a stone hand in the cave, which promised her that in his final human pass the original entrance to it (closed for devotees call as 'the hand that grants boons incarnation on earth as Kalki, he will marry most of the year), which is a small and and blessings'. her. narrow hole through which one has to crawl for several minutes to reach the 2 Ardh Kuwari Cave Pindis.  Due to easier access and more efficient management of the darshan line, an entry and exit tunnel has been Katra Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/katra page 3

followed her to the caves in the Trikuta find natural rock formations, roughly the son of Vasudeva, the serpent king. It is Trikuta parvat, , Katra, mountain (where the shrine of Vaishno devi resembling the figures of Goddess , believed that many years ago, a demon lived Jammu and Kashmir 182301, India lies). On seeing him, the Goddess threw her Lord Ganesh, Nandi and many other deities. near this pond, and created havoc and Another important shrine near the Vaishno trident (trishul) at Bhairavnath with so much Right above the lingam, a constant dribble destruction amidst the local community. The Devi temple, is the Bhairavnath Temple, a force that his head fell about two kilometers of milky water emerging from a crevice in villagers came and asked Baba Dhansar to cave temple dedicated to a saint by that away from the cave. In his last breath he the cave walls is said to fall. On the roof one help them out. Baba then prayed to Lord name. Years ago, a poor Vaishnav named begged Ma Vaishno devi to forgive him and can see etchings of snakes - an animal , who agreed to help him kill the Shridhar lived in the region and was a asked for salvation. The devi acquiesced and closely associated with Lord Shiva. A demon. After peace was restored in the faithful devotee of Ma Vaishno devi. Pleased promised him that all the devotees coming number of pigeons roost near the cave, area, the villagers built a Nag temple and a with his devotion, the Goddess appeared to to her to seek blessings, will also have to which is considered to be a good omen by Shiva temple in honor of the Gods. The him an asked him to call everyone from the visit his temple in order to complete their the pilgrims. Karua Jheel or pond is considered sacred neighboring villages for a Bhandara holy journey. The place where his head fell The route to is filled with a and bathing is not allowed in the waters. (collective lunch). When he expressed his became the site of the temple. number of other shrines which have their However, many devotees take a bath further doubts about handling the preparations for own legends. The cave temple of Shiv Khori downstream, believing their sins will be so many people, the Goddess assured him 4 Shiv Khori was once believed to lead into Kashmir, into washed away and their wishes will be that everything would be taken care of. the Swami Amarnath caves, but have been fulfilled if asked with an earnest heart. A Obeying her wishes, Shridhar went an closed off beyond a certain point, after spring emerges from the rocks present in invited everyone to the Bhandara. Amongst some people went missing while exploring the thick groves of trees and cascades as a the list of invitees was , a malicious sage. On the caves.  waterfall into the stream. The festival of hearing Shridhar's story about the divine Mahashivratri is celebrated in a big way at Goddess and the Bhandara, he decided to 5 Baba Dhansar this temple. come and check out her powers. When everyone assembled in front of Shridhar's small hut, the Goddess appeared at the Where To entrance in the form a of a small girl, and invited everyone inside. Surprisingly, the tiny Eat little hut was able to hold all the people and Ransoo village, Reasi district, Sangar, 5 Places as the devi started serving food from a small Katra, Jammu & Kashmir 182301, http://www.ixigo.com/foods-in-of-katra-lp-1139071 container, each villager got a hefty portion India of his/her favourite food. Astonished by all 1 Punjabi Haveli this, tried to further test the powers of the One of the many temples in the Reasi Goddess and asked her for meat and wine, district, Karau Village, Reasi District, Katra, to which she politely replied that the hut Shiv Khori in Katra is dedicated to Lord Jammu and Kashmir 182301, India belonged to a Vaishnav and only vegetarian Shiva. The temple is actually a natural cave food will be served here. However, with a self-made lingam.  Set in a beautiful location, right by a pond, Bhairavnath continued to rile her, till she The shrine itself is quite a marvel. One can the holy shrine of Baba Dhansar attracts a disappeared. Using his tantrik powers, he lot of pilgrims every year. Baba Dhansar is Katra Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/katra page 4

day, you are craving for a wholesome meal, Katra Jammu Road, Katra, 182301, Ban ganga road, Katra, 182301, India 3 Kens Food Planet you are in luck. From aloo parantha to veg India Away from the hustle bustle of the main manchurian, Pooja Vaishno Dhaba doesn't Located on the Katra - Jammu highway, this market, this inviting restaurant is sure to disappoint. If you are in the mood to inviting restaurant offers not only great food surprise you. Take a break from long experiment, you can try the surprising but a rejuvenating and relaxing experience. sightseeing sprees and head to Prem Lahori variety of Chinese dishes offered here. Their As the name suggests, Punjabi Haveli, is Vaishno Dhaba for an enjoyable meal. rendition of pan fried vegetables is a your one stop for mouthwatering Punjabi Serving a variety of cuisines, including Indian pleasant surprise. Don't forget to order a food. From the good old dal makhni, laccha and Chinese, the food here is certainly one hot, refreshing cup of special tea to parantha to the wide variety of paranthas, of the best. Dim lighting and comfortable complete your meal. the restaurant is a pure delight. Spacious seating make the experience a wee bit more and comfortable, the restaurant is a special. Enjoy a lavish spread and complete welcome change from other crowded eating the meal with a savoury plate of gajar ka joints. A pleasant experience awaits you at Kashmir Road, Katra, 182301, India halwa cooked in pure desi ghee. Punjabi Haveli. From dal makhni to pulao biryani, the food 5 Pooja Vaishno Dhaba 2 Gulshan Da Dhaba at Kens Food Planet is highly recommended by locals and tourists alike. The restaurant overlooking the valley, offers you a panaromic view of the small town. You can also sit outside in the beautiful garden for a refreshing meal or head indoors for a warm relaxing meal. The Paneer masala and dry mushrooms are a must try.

4 Prem Lahori Vaishno Dhaba

Main Market, Katra, Jammu & 1st Street, Main Bazar, Katra, 182301, Kashmir, 182301, India India Gulshan Da Dhaba is highly recommended +91-1991-233698|+91-94191- for its various combinations of vegetarian 64032|+91-94692-77852 thalis. After an exciting sightseeing trip, The small town of Katra is a bundle of head here for a delicious meal. You must try surprises when it comes to delicious food. the dal fry and paneer masala along with This quaint eatery is a fine example of home the crispy, garlic naan. If you are looking for made, mouthwatering food. If after a long after meal snacks, the samosa with chana and alu tikki will not disappoint. Katra Travel Guide - http://www.ixigo.com/travel-guide/katra page 5

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See A: Vaishno Devi Mandir B: Ardh Kuwari Cave C: Bhairavnath Temple D: Shiv Khori E: Baba Dhansar Accommodation F: OYO 7905 Holiday Inn G: Evoke Lifestyle, Katra H: Maa Gaytari India I: OYO 7905 Holiday Inn J: Evoke Lifestyle, Katra K: Maa Gaytari India L: OYO 7905 Holiday Inn M: Evoke Lifestyle, Katra N: Maa Gaytari India Food O: Punjabi Haveli P: Gulshan Da Dhaba Q: Kens Food Planet R: Prem Lahori Vaishno Dhaba S: Pooja Vaishno Dhaba