MATA VAISHNODEVI MANDIR The Goddess of Trikuta parvat

Yatra to the MOTHER'S lotus feet is an arduous feat, calling forth one's stamina and patience. It is a test of endurance, faith in movement, and devotion on all fours; for it is to be covered not by any automobile, but by trekking a long distance of 14 kms. interspersed by creeping in a cave and wading through water. Yet, deemed most sacred and visit worthy. Hasn't wisdom affirmed-harder the journey, greater the merit more difficult is the route, holier the shrine becomes? Sure, sugar tastes sweeter after biting the green chilly? .Inspite of the hardships of walking, wading, creeping, millions of devotees of all castes and creeds, sexes and age groups, and in and out of the season are visiting this most sacred shrine, either for soliciting favors, or thanks giving for the benefit enjoyed. This indeed is the sure index of its popularity and fame. Among the visiting devotees, people of Kashmir, Jammu Tawi, Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan form the majority. Whoever they are, whatever they are; from wherever they come, one can see the tremendous spirit of camaraderie as soon as they join the concourse of pilgrims at Katra, the base of the pilgrimage, as it were, and move along the entire route uttering "Jai Mataji' that reverberate in the high hills and low valleys; undoubtedly waking up the inanimate too.

A little back-ground-the origin of this cave temples is all the more important at this stage. A glance arms one with faith that itself takes him on its viewless wings.

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