The legend of Vaishno Devi is rooted in Hindu mythology. According to legend, Mata Vaishno Devi was an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, Saraswati, and Lakshmi, born to vanquish evil. To escape the demon Bhairavnath, the goddess meditated in a cave in the Trikuta Mountains. When Bhairavnath finally reached her, she took the form of Mahakali and beheaded him. Today, his shrine is located at Bhairon Ghati, near the Vaishno Devi temple, as a reminder of the divine encounter.
The Vaishno Devi Bhawan is where the main shrine is located. Inside the sanctum, there are no idols; instead, the goddess is represented by three natural rock formations.

Trek to the Temple

Walking/Pilgrimage Path: Pilgrims can walk up the paved path, which is well-maintained, with shelters, refreshment stalls, and medical facilities along the way.

Battery-operated Vehicles: Battery-operated vehicles are available from Katra and can take devotees halfway up to Ardhkuwari or Bhawan.

Ponies and Palkis: For those who may not be able to walk the entire distance, ponies and palkis (palanquins carried by bearers) are available.

Helicopter Service: A helicopter service is available from Katra to Sanjichhat, a point about 2.5 km from the temple. This is the fastest way to reach the temple, though it requires advance booking.