| (1kms from Katra) and shot an arrow
into the earth from where water gushed out. 'Charan Paduka', marked by
the imprints of her feet, is the place where she rested. She then meditated
in the cave at Ardhkanwari ( 6kms) now a temple. It took Bhairon
Nath nine months to locate her.
Vaishno Devi assumed the form of Maha Kali and cut off
Bhairon Nath's head, which fell at the place where the Bhairon Temple
is now located. Vaishno Devi journeyed up to the mountains and took the
present cave shrine as her home. The boulder at the mouth of the holy
cave, according to the legend, is the petrified torso of Bhairon Nath
who was granted divine forgiveness by the benevolent Mata in his dying
moments.
The offerings for the goddess include coconut, mauli
(sacred thread), red scarf with gold/silver trimmings, dry fruits, bangles,
and incense and vermilion powder. Other offerings include ‘mehndi' (henna),
‘supari' (areca nut) and ‘chattar' (umbrella).
All pilgrims are required to get passes at Katra for
the yatra (pilgrimage) from Tourism Reception Centre, Katra Bus Stand.
Facilities for food, water and public utility are available all
along the trek. Overnight accommodation available enroute at Sanji
Chhat and also at the shrine. Pony or Palanquin services are available
for those who find it difficult to climb the trek. The cave shrine
is narrow and pilgrims have to walk through a running stream of cold water
Charan Ganga to get to the sanctum sanctorum.
|
Pilgrim Centers 
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