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
- Dharma Darshanam: This is a general darshan, and it’s free for all devotees.
- Mukhamandapa Darshanam: This is a special darshan from the Mukhamandapa area, and it costs Rs. 100.
- Sheegra Darshanam: This is a quick darshan with less waiting, and it costs Rs. 300.
- Antaraalaya Darshanam: This is a premium darshan with the closest view of the deity, and it costs Rs. 500.
- Rudrabhishek: This is a ritual bath for Lord Shiva, and it costs Rs. 5,000.
- Chandan Abhishek: This is an offering of sandalwood paste, and it costs Rs. 22,500.
- Milk Abhishek: This is an offering of milk, and it costs Rs. 500.
- Ghee Abhishek: This is an offering of ghee, and it costs Rs. 1,000.
- Honey Abhishek: This is an offering of honey, and it costs Rs. 1,200.
- Sugar Abhishek: This is an offering of sugar, and it costs Rs. 5,500.
- Fruit Abhishek: This is an offering of fruits, and it costs Rs. 500.
- Panchamrut Abhishek: This is a mix of milk, curd, honey, sugar, and ghee, and it costs Rs. 12,000.
- Shringar Seva: This is decorating the deity, and it costs Rs. 2,100.
- Flower Garland Seva: This is offering flower garlands, and it costs Rs. 1,200.
- Tulsi Patra Seva: This is offering basil leaves, and it costs Rs. 5,500.
- Bilva Patra Seva: This is offering bael leaves, and it costs Rs. 3,100.
- Akshata Abhishek: This is offering rice grains, and it costs Rs. 4,400.
- Coconut Abhishek: This is offering coconuts, and it costs Rs. 5,500.
- Peda Bhog: This is offering sweets like pedas, and it costs Rs. 6,600.
- Coconut Bhog: This is offering coconuts, and it costs Rs. 1,200.
- Saffron Bhog: This is offering saffron, and it costs Rs. 500.
- Kheer Bhog: This is offering rice pudding, and it costs Rs. 1,000.
- Fruits Bhog: This is offering fruits, and it costs Rs. 500.
- Sweets Bhog: This is offering sweets, and it costs Rs. 500.
- Naivedya Bhog: This is offering different food items, and it costs Rs. 11,000.
- Aarti Seva: This is performing the aarti, and it costs Rs. 21,000.
- Deepa Seva: This is lighting lamps, and it costs Rs. 5,500.
- Dhupa Seva: This is offering incense, and it costs Rs. 4,200.
- Bell Seva: This is ringing the temple bell, and it costs Rs. 4,200.
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 |
The temple is open for darshan from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and then from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. There is a break from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM for maintenance and rituals
Contact Information of the temple
For Vaishno Devi Temple 2025 contact information, here are the details for booking and inquiries based on available sources:
- Official Website: www.maavaishnodevi.org for online Yatra registration, seva bookings, and helicopter tickets
- Helpline Numbers:
- 01991-234804 (Shrine Board Call Centre, 24/7)
- 01991-232887, 01991-232820 (General inquiries and online services)
- Email:
- helpdesk@maavaishnodevi.org, admin@maavaishnodevi.org (Website-related issues)
- feedback@maavaishnodevi.net (Complaints, suggestions, feedback)
- Postal Address:
- Deputy Chief Executive Officer, In-Charge Operations Wing, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Katra, District Reasi, J&K, PIN – 182301
- Additional Helplines:
- PCR Katra: 01991-232010, 9419145182
- PCR Reasi: 01991-45076, 9622856295
- DC Office Reasi Control Room: 01991-245763, 9419839557
- Helicopter Booking: Book exclusively through www.maavaishnodevi.org; beware of fraudulent agents.
- Yatra Registration: Obtain RFID Yatra Access Card at Yatra Registration Counter, Katra Bus Stand (free, mandatory).
Note: Always verify details on the official website or contact the helpline for the latest information, especially during festivals like Navratri, when schedules may change.