A Divine Journey to Vaishno Devi

There are some places on Earth that feel closer to heaven, and Vaishno Devi is truly one of them. Nestled in the serene Trikuta Mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, this sacred shrine is not just a destination — it is an emotion, a belief, and a spiritual awakening. 

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When Mata Calls You

There is an old saying — “You cannot go to Vaishno Devi until Mata herself calls you.”
And I truly believe this is true.
Going to Vaishno Devi was my childhood dream. I must have been in second grade when my entire family went there — except me and my grandmother. For some reason, we couldn’t go. I remember feeling sad and silently wishing that one day I would get the chance.
That wish quietly stayed in my heart for years.
Twelve long years passed. I grew up, entered college, and never forgot that childhood dream. Then suddenly, unexpectedly, the opportunity came. It wasn’t planned. It wasn’t something I forced. It just happened.
And in that moment, I understood the meaning of that saying.
You can only go when Mata calls you.

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From Delhi to the Divine Mountains

You can take the Maa Vaishno Devi train from Delhi to Katra at night and reach early in the morning. As soon as you step out of the train, you find yourself surrounded by beautiful mountains and a cold, fresh breeze that instantly washes away all your travel tiredness. You feel refreshed, energized, and ready to begin the climb.
From the station, you can take an auto to your hotel. There are many hotels available, so you can easily book one, freshen up, have some food, and even explore the local market before starting your journey in the evening.
As you begin climbing, the path feels magical. Speakers are installed all along the route, playing bhajans and the continuous chant of “Jai Mata Di.” With every step upward, the faith grows stronger. Sometimes, as you climb higher, you even find yourself walking between the clouds.
And then comes the most breathtaking moment — the sunset view from the top of the mountain. The sky painted in shades of orange and gold feels peaceful and powerful at the same time. It feels as if nature itself is teaching you to rise again after every failure.

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The Divine Darshan

You can reach the Bhawan by midnight. After resting in the rest house, wake up early in the morning to witness the sunrise. The cool air, the golden light, and the quiet surroundings make everything feel divine. Freshen up and prepare to visit the Garbh Griha.
There are many devotees, so you may have to stand in a long queue for 2–3 hours just to have a single glimpse of Devi Adi Shakti. But that one sacred moment makes every step, every breath, and every second of waiting completely worth it.

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Faith and Completion

It is believed that devotees who offer a coconut to Maa have one of their wishes fulfilled. After worshipping Maa, it is mandatory to visit the Bhairo Nath Temple, located at the very top of the mountain.
The climb from Bhawan to Bhairo Nath Temple is steep and challenging. It is a straight uphill path where you may feel low oxygen levels and slight difficulty in breathing. You need to climb slowly and take small breaks along the way.
It is said that without visiting Bhairo Nath Temple, the pilgrimage remains incomplete. After offering prayers there, devotees often tie a black thread on their wrist as a blessing.
And then comes the most peaceful part — standing at that height, surrounded by clouds, silence, and untouched natural beauty that you can never find in your so-called developed city life. In that moment, you feel recharged. You feel lighter. You feel blessed.

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Some journeys are planned by us, but some are written by destiny — and this one was written by Maa herself.
My journey was truly mesmerizing, and I hope you too experience this unforgettable blessing whenever Mata calls you.
Jai Mata Di 🙏✨