Let Us All Bow Our Head In Front Of Maavaishno Devi

The temple of Goddess Vaishno Deviis one of the major and sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Parvati or Goddess Shakti, the Divine Consort of Lord Shiva. This beautiful temple lies ensconced among the picturesque hills of Vaishno Devi, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir in India. It is located close to the town of Katra, in the Reasi district. It is one of the most revered places of worship in India. The shrine is situated at an altitude of 5300 feet above sea level and lies at a distance of approximately 12 kilometres from Katra. It is believed to be the second most visited religious shrine in India, coming after the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.

According to one legend, Mata Vaishno Devi was born in the Southern part of India to Ratnakar Sagar. Her parents had been childless for several years and yearned to sire a child. Just the night before the birth of the Divine Child, Ratnakar had promised that he would never ever interfere with whatever his child chose to do later in life. Mata Vaishno Devi was born the next day and was named Trikuta. She was later called Vaishnavi because she had taken birth from the lineage of Lord Vishnu. When she was 9 years old, Trikuta sought her father's permission for performing penance on the seashore. Trikuta sat there, praying to Lord Rama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. At that very time, Lord Rama passed along the seashore, in search of Goddess Sita, who had been abducted by the Demon King, Ravana. Rama was present with his entire army of monkeys. Seeing the beautiful girl with the divine glow, deep in prayer and meditation, he approached her and blessed her. Trikuta told Rama that she had already accepted him as her husband. Rama having vowed to have only one spouse,Sita,was moved by the girl's devotion towards him and gave her the name Vaishnavi and promised her that during Kaliyuga, he would take an avatar of Kalki and would then marry her. Rama, in the meantime, also instructed Trikuta to meditate in a particular cave found in the Trikuta Range of Manik Mountains, situated in Northern India. He proceeded to give her a bow and arrows, a small army of monkeys and also a lion for her protection. The Divine Mother then decided to observe the 'Navratra', to pray for the victory of Lord Rama against Ravana. Rama also promised her that the entire world would sing her praises and revere her as Mata Vaishno Devi.

As you select amongst the Vaishno Devi travel packages, do not forget to share this wonderful story with all your fellow travellers.