Vaishno Devi Helicopter ( 2 Days /1 Night )

Pilgrimage to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji: Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra Package

The Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji is considered as one of the holiest pilgrimage sites, you can cover this with our Mata Vaishno Devi Helicopter Package.  It is worldwide believed and known as the “Mother who fulfills wishes” (Moonh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata). Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji resides in Vaisno Devi Mandir in a sacred cave nestled within the three-peaked mountain called Trikuta Mountains in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir.

 Legend holds that each of the thirty-three deities prayed for Goddess Vaishno Mata, leaving their unique marks inside the Holy cave. Across India Mata is Known by various names like Mata Rani, Vaishnavi, and Trikuta. Maa Vaishno Devi is believed to be a manifestation of Mahalakshmi. During Aarti, Devis and Devtas are believed to pay their respects to Maa Vaishno Devi. 

Hindu tradition asserts that Mata darshan is possible only when she herself calls the devotee. As popularly quoted ‘Chalo bulawa aya hai, Mata ne bulaya hai’. Every year, millions of devotees from India and abroad throng to this Holy Cave, for this Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra with the annual number of Yatris now exceeding one crore. We are also finding increase in the booking of Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra Package from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other parts of world.

Key Aspects of the Pilgrimage:

1. Altitude and Trek of Vaishno Devi Yatra: Situated at an altitude of 5200 ft, the Holy Cave requires Yatris to undertake a nearly 12 km trek from the base camp at Katra. Best way is to book the Vashino Devi Helicopter Package. The journey culminates with the Darshans of the Mother Goddess inside the Sanctum Sanctorum, where three natural rock formations called the Pindies represent her presence. Notably, there are no statues or idols inside the Cave.
2. Round-the-Clock Darshans: Darshans are available round the clock throughout the year, allowing devotees to seek blessings whenever they arrive.
3. Shrine Board Management: Since 1986, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has overseen the management of the Shrine and Yatra regulation. The Board focuses on enhancing Yatri facilities and reinvests offerings and donations for continuous improvements.
4. Three Routes to Bhawan: To reach the Bhawan from Katra, Yatris have three options:

• 14 KM Hill Trek: A challenging trek through the scenic terrain.
• Horse Ride or Halfway Battery Cars: For those seeking a less strenuous journey.
• Helicopter Service (Katra to Sanjichat): A convenient aerial route. Please see LK Holidays Vaishno Devi Yatra with Helicopter .

For a seamless pilgrimage experience, LK Holidays offers best tour and travel packages and Vashino Devi Helicopter Package that include return airport transfers from Jammu to Katra, helicopter tickets between Katra and SanjiChat, and accommodation with breakfast. Booking in advance, preferably two month ahead, is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Discovery of the Mata Vaisno Devi in the Cave :

Various versions of its origin and legend circulated however one story remained consistent—the discovery of the shrine nearly 700 years ago by Pandit Shridhar.

Pandit Shridhar was a humble priest who lived near the sacred site. His home had once hosted a grand Bhandara (Food is Served freely to all), a feast in honour of the Goddess. As the legend goes Goddess herself helped to organise the Bhandara. Mata Vaishno Devi herself graced the gathering and thereby her presence illuminating hearts and souls of all present during the event.

However, fate intervened as the Bhandara finished, the wicked demon Bhairon Nath followed  the Goddess. Fearing for her safety, Mata fled, leaving behind the festivities and the devoted priest. The Goddess took a halt at Banganga, Charan Paduka, and Adhkwari, and finally reached the cave but Bhairon Nath continuously followed her throughout the journey. The goddess was then compelled to kill him and he was beheaded right outside the cave. This head fell with a force at a distant hilltop. He suddenly realised that it was all futile and prayed for forgiveness. Mata Vaishno Devi forgave him and also gave him a blessing that every devotee visiting this cave must also pay a visit for Bhairon’s darshan.

On the other hand Pandit Shridhar, who had witnessed the divine encounter felt as though he had lost everything. The void left by Mata’s departure consumed him. Driven by grief Pandit Shridhar caged himself  to a dimly lit room within his house and he abandoned food and water, dedicating himself to fervent prayers. Time passed by Days turned into weeks still he persisted and steadfast in his devotion.

Finally in one moonlit night Shridhar dark room was suddenly filled with a soft glow and Mata Vaishno Devi appeared in Pandit Shridhar’s dream. Tears flowed as Pandit Shridhar fell at her feet, overwhelmed by her grace then Goddess told him to search for her at the Holy Cave situated amidst the folds of the Trikuta Mountain. She showed him the way to the Holy Cave and insisted him to break his fast. Pandit Shridhar then went on to discover the Holy Cave in the mountains. Every time he seemed to lose the way, the vision of his dreams reappeared before his eyes and finally he reached his destination. Upon entering the Cave he found a rock form with three heads atop it. At that moment Mata Vaishno Devi appeared before him in all her glory and the Supreme Energies of Mata Maha Saraswati, Mata Maha Lakshmi and Mata Maha Kali appeared in the Holy Cave and introduced him to the three heads of the rock form known as the Holy Pindies. The cave also have various other identification marks.

From that moment, Pandit Shridhar became the shrine’s guardian, its keeper and storyteller. The legend of Mata Vaishno Devi echoed through time—a testament to devotion, sacrifice, and the eternal bond between mortals and the divine. Devotees are thus able to the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra.