Yogesh
Jammu, Dec 9: The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra has welcomed over 90 lakh devotees for the third consecutive year since 2022, as the government plans to establish new Vaishnavi Bhawan, an exit track, and an all-weather queue complex.
Anshul Garg, CEO of the Shrine Board, shared the achievement on X (formerly Twitter), acknowledging the unwavering devotion of pilgrims from around the world.
“Yatra to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine crosses 9 million for the 3rd consecutive year since 2022. Projects in the pipeline for 2025 include New Vaishnavi Bhawan, an exit track, and an all-weather queue complex,” he wrote on X.
The shrine, nestled in the Trikuta Hills of Jammu and Kashmir, remains one of India’s most cherished spiritual destinations. The management has focused on enhancing facilities and ensuring a safer and more comfortable journey for visitors. Garg highlighted several projects set for completion by 2025, including the New Vaishnavi Bhawan with family rooms, an exit track for smoother crowd movement, and an all-weather queue complex at Darshani Deodi, Banganga.
The shrine holds profound significance in Hindu spirituality and mythology. Dedicated to Mata Vaishno Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga, it symbolizes divine energy (Shakti). According to legend, the goddess meditated and performed penance in the Trikuta Hills, which later became her sacred abode.
Historical references to the shrine date back to the Mahabharata, where Arjuna is said to have sought blessings from Mata Vaishno Devi before battle. Over time, the shrine evolved from a secluded cave to a renowned pilgrimage site.
Modern developments began in 1986 with the establishment of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, which has since been instrumental in improving infrastructure and ensuring a smooth and spiritually enriching experience for millions of devotees annually.
