My Maa Vaishno Devi Yatra Experience (October 2024)
In October 2024, I finally embarked on a spiritual journey that had been in my heart for years—my pilgrimage to Maa Vaishno Devi. The excitement, devotion, and sense of fulfillment I felt throughout the yatra were unforgettable.
Day 1: 16th October 2024 – Journey to Katra
The yatra began on 16th October 2024, when I left New Delhi by train, heading towards Jammu. The journey was peaceful, and I felt a deep connection with the spiritual energy that awaited me. After arriving in Jammu, I took a taxi to Katra, the base for the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. The drive was scenic, with the lush hills and winding roads preparing me for the spiritual trek ahead.
Upon reaching Katra, I checked into the JP International Hotel, where I would be staying during my pilgrimage. The hotel was comfortable and perfectly situated for the days of exploration and devotion that lay ahead.
Day 2: 17th October 2024 – Visiting Temples in Katra
The following day, 17th October, I spent visiting some of the nearby temples in and around Katra. These included the serene Maa Chamunda Devi Sherpur temple, the powerful Nav Durga Temple, The holy place of Baba Dhansar is located at Karua Jheel near village Karua, 17 km from Reasi towards Katra and the scenic Siyad Fall. Each of these spots had a special energy, and visiting them felt like a beautiful prelude to the main yatra.
At Maa Chamunda Devi Temple, I was captivated by the calm and devotional atmosphere, while Nav Durga Temple’s sacred energy made me feel even more connected to the divine. Siyad Fall provided a refreshing retreat, offering a beautiful blend of nature and spirituality. The day’s visits left me filled with gratitude and anticipation for the upcoming yatra to the Vaishno Devi Bhavan.
Day 3: 18th October 2024 – The Yatra to Bhavan
On 18th October, the most awaited part of the journey began. At 8 AM, I started the yatra to Bhavan, the holy shrine of Maa Vaishno Devi. The trek from Katra to the Bhavan is about 12 kilometers, and I was surrounded by countless other devotees, all of whom were chanting “Jai Mata Di!” as we made our way uphill.
The path was well-maintained and filled with facilities to help pilgrims, but the climb itself demanded focus and energy. Along the way, I felt waves of devotion pushing me forward, and with every step, I got closer to the sacred Bhavan, where the divine resides. It was amazing to see pilgrims of all ages walking alongside, driven by faith and the desire to seek blessings.
After a steady climb, I reached the Vaishno Devi Bhavan. The darshan was a deeply spiritual experience. As I stood in front of the sanctum, offering my prayers, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and fulfillment. There are no words to fully capture the energy and sanctity of the shrine. It was a moment that I had been waiting for, and it felt like Maa Vaishno Devi’s blessings were showering over me.
By 9 PM, I returned to the hotel, exhausted but spiritually uplifted. The experience of the yatra left me feeling both accomplished and blessed.
Day 4: 19th October 2024 – Exploring More Temples
After a restful night, 19th October was another day filled with visits to sacred temples. I started the day by visiting the Deva Mai Mandir, a lesser-known but powerful temple in the region. It had a calm atmosphere, and I spent time reflecting on my yatra and offering my prayers.
Next, I visited the Prachin Sri Bhumika Mandir, an ancient temple with its own unique spiritual significance. The temple’s old-world charm and deep-rooted history added to the spiritual essence of the pilgrimage.
Day 5: 20th October 2024 – Final Blessings and Return to Delhi
On the final day of my journey, 20th October, I visited the Kali Mandir in Katra, where I offered my prayers one last time before heading back. The temple was serene, and the atmosphere was charged with devotion. It felt like the perfect place to conclude my pilgrimage, as I asked for Maa Kali’s blessings for my journey ahead.
By 7:15 PM, I boarded the train from Jammu to return to New Delhi, filled with gratitude for the beautiful and transformative experience that this pilgrimage had been.
Reflections
The Maa Vaishno Devi Yatra was an experience like no other. From the joyful chants of “Jai Mata Di!” echoing through the hills to the quiet moments of prayer and reflection, every step brought me closer to the divine. The physical challenges of the yatra were easily overshadowed by the spiritual rewards I felt at each turn.
The temples I visited, the darshan at the holy Bhavan, and the collective energy of thousands of fellow pilgrims left an indelible mark on my heart. The spiritual upliftment and sense of peace I felt during this pilgrimage will stay with me forever.
For anyone considering this yatra, I wholeheartedly recommend it. It’s not just a journey to a temple; it’s a journey within, where faith, devotion, and the blessings of Maa Vaishno Devi guide you every step of the way.
