The Vaishno Devi Temple located in the reguon of Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, This temple is a holy place for Hindus community and it is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi who is goddess. she is sitting on the Trikuta Mountains at 5,200 feet which is hard o get up there. This is one of the most visited temples in India. In 2025 it is expected to stay popular till now, due to the attraction of the tourists, with new updates like better paths and rooms coming by year end. The temple sees millions of the people every year because people believe the goddess grants wishes to full fill their needs.
In 2024 94.83 lakh (9.48 million) pilgrims came here and performed their darshans and other things, this is the second highest number in 10 years. On busy days up to 50,000 people visit. The trek from Katra to the temple is 13 kilometers and takes 5-8 hours.
The temple offers many services in 2025. Sugam Darshan costs Rs. 250 for quick entry, while Rudrabhishek with 1 priest is Rs. 450, and with 11 priests it’s Rs. 5,500. Helicopter rides from Katra to Sanjichhat (1.5 km from the temple) cost Rs. 1,730 one way. The shrine made Rs. 171.90 crore from donations by January 2025, up from Rs. 63.85 crore in 2020-21. Aarti happens twice daily morning and evening and the cave has three stone pindies for Goddesses Kali, Lakshmi, and Saraswati. It’s a place of faith and peace for all who come.
The temple stands at a height of some 5,200 ft above sea level and is accessible on foot after a 32-kilometre hike from the town of Katra. In case one cannot walk there is like a riding a pony, inside a palanquin or hire a helicopter for that ride.
Kashi Vishwanath Sugam Darshan 2025: Rudhrabhishek, Timings &Sevas
overview for Vaishno Devi Temple
The most popular point of interest, the Holy cave is the shrine of the deity in the form of three natural rock pieces popular as the pindis. These Pindis are of Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati.
Many people visit the temple throughout the year but the highest naumber of people visit the temple during Navaratri festival. The physical nature of the trail or the peacefulness of the atmosphere and the spiritual aura associated with the temple make the hike and the visit one of the most spiritual experiences.
The temple remains functional throughout the year and several facilities such as, lodging, meal, and medical, are even available for the pilgrims. Vaishno Devi Shrine Board is responsible for running the temple to provide convenience and security to all pilgrims.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Katra, Jammu & Kashmir, India |
| Timings | 5:00 AM to 12:00 Midnight |
| Darshan Duration | 2 to 6 hours (depending on crowd) |
| Best Time to Visit | March to June, September to November |
| Dress Code | Modest, no shorts or skirts; covered attire |
| Pooja Offerings | Prasad, Chappals, Garlands, Donations |
| Entry Fee | Free (additional charges for helicopter, ponies) |
| Helicopter Services | Available from Katra to Sanjichhat |
| Ponies / Palkis | Available for reaching the temple |
| Accommodation Options | Hotels and guesthouses in Katra |
| Special Sevas | Aarti, Langar, Special Pooja |
| Distance from Katra | Approx. 12 km (uphill journey) |
the available sevas (services) and darshans (viewings) at Vaishno Devi Temple
| Seva/Darshan | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Dharma Darshanam | Free | General darshan for all devotees |
| Mukhamandapa Darshanam | Rs. 100 | Special darshan from Mukhamandapa area |
| Sheegra Darshanam | Rs. 300 | Quick darshan with less waiting |
| Antaraalaya Darshanam | Rs. 500 | Premium darshan with closest view of deity |
| Rudrabhishek | Rs. 5,000 | Ritual bath for Lord Shiva |
| Chandan Abhishek | Rs. 22,500 | Offering of sandalwood paste |
| Milk Abhishek | Rs. 500 | Offering of milk |
| Ghee Abhishek | Rs. 1,000 | Offering of ghee |
| Honey Abhishek | Rs. 1,200 | Offering of honey |
| Sugar Abhishek | Rs. 5,500 | Offering of sugar |
| Fruit Abhishek | Rs. 500 | Offering of fruits |
| Panchamrut Abhishek | Rs. 12,000 | Mix of milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee |
| Shringar Seva | Rs. 2,100 | Decorating the deity |
| Flower Garland Seva | Rs. 1,200 | Offering flower garlands |
| Tulsi Patra Seva | Rs. 5,500 | Offering basil leaves |
| Bilva Patra Seva | Rs. 3,100 | Offering bael leaves |
| Akshata Abhishek | Rs. 4,400 | Offering rice grains |
| Coconut Abhishek | Rs. 5,500 | Offering coconuts |
| Peda Bhog | Rs. 6,600 | Offering sweets like pedas |
| Coconut Bhog | Rs. 1,200 | Offering coconuts |
| Saffron Bhog | Rs. 500 | Offering saffron |
| Kheer Bhog | Rs. 1,000 | Offering rice pudding |
| Fruits Bhog | Rs. 500 | Offering fruits |
| Sweets Bhog | Rs. 500 | Offering sweets |
| Naivedya Bhog | Rs. 11,000 | Offering different food items |
| Aarti Seva | Rs. 21,000 | Performing the aarti |
| Deepa Seva | Rs. 5,500 | Lighting lamps |
| Dhupa Seva | Rs. 4,200 | Offering incense |
| Bell Seva | Rs. 4,200 | Ringing the temple bell |
the timings for the Vaishno Devi Temple
| Activity | Timing |
|---|---|
| Temple Opening | 5:00 AM |
| Morning Darshan | 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Afternoon Break | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Temple Closing | 9:00 PM |
Contact Information of the temple
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Official Website: www.maavaishnodevi.org for online Yatra registration, seva bookings, and helicopter tickets
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Helpline Numbers:
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01991-234804 (Shrine Board Call Centre, 24/7)
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01991-232887, 01991-232820 (General inquiries and online services)
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Email:
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helpdesk@maavaishnodevi.org, admin@maavaishnodevi.org (Website-related issues)
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feedback@maavaishnodevi.net (Complaints, suggestions, feedback)
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Postal Address:
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Deputy Chief Executive Officer, In-Charge Operations Wing, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Katra, District Reasi, J&K, PIN – 182301
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Additional Helplines:
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PCR Katra: 01991-232010, 9419145182
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PCR Reasi: 01991-45076, 9622856295
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DC Office Reasi Control Room: 01991-245763, 9419839557
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Helicopter Booking: Book exclusively through www.maavaishnodevi.org; beware of fraudulent agents.
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Yatra Registration: Obtain RFID Yatra Access Card at Yatra Registration Counter, Katra Bus Stand (free, mandatory).