This year the festival of Shardiya Navratri is starting from 15 October 2023. Navratri is a festival of worship of nine forms of the Goddess, in which the first is Mother Shailputri, the second is Brahmacharini, the third is Chandraghanta, the fourth is Kushmanda, the fifth is Skandamata, the sixth is Katyayani, the seventh is Kalaratri and the eighth is Mahagauri and the ninth is Siddhidatri.

To worship Navadurga, people install the idol of Mother Goddess in their homes or go to temples for darshan. There are many goddess temples in the country, where devotees come from far away places. There are 52 Shaktipeeths, where the body parts of Mata Sati fell. There is Mata Vaishno Devi Dham, where the Mother Goddess is present in the form of three Pindis. Vaishno Devi Temple is situated on Trikuta mountain, about 14 km from Katra in Jammu.

It is also known as Katra Wali Mata. On the occasion of Navratri, devotees reach the court of Mata Vaishno Devi to mark their presence. If you are also going to visit Mata Vaishno Devi Temple on Navratri, then keep some things in mind during the journey.

Important things to visit Vaishno Devi
Plan your visit to Katra keeping the weather in mind. Plan keeping in mind what the weather of Vaishno Devi might be like during the trip, whether there is a possibility of rain or not, and how cold or hot it might be. Carry clothes and other essential items according to the weather.

Where to stay during Vaishno Devi Darshan?
Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra starts from Katra. Budget hotel options for travelers can be found in Katra itself. You can book a hotel room as per your budget. Apart from this, there are many Dharamshalas where one can stay at a low cost. Vaishno Devi Shrine Board also arranges accommodation for devotees at low cost. You can book your stay by visiting the counter or the website of the Shrine Board.

Documents required to visit Vaishno Devi
The distance from Katra to Trikuta Mountain is about 14 km. Before the yatra, devotees in Katra have to obtain a yatra slip to reach the temple. You can book the Yatra Slip at the Shrine Board counter located near Katra Bus Stand. Apart from this, the slip will also be available on the board's website. There is no fee to pay for the travel slip. Passengers require identity proof documents for travel slips.

Vaishno Devi Yatra Fare
One can reach Katra by train or bus. Beyond this, one has to climb on foot to the temple complex. However, if you cannot walk then a helicopter facility will be available till Sanjhi Chhat. One-way fare by helicopter is Rs 1000 per passenger. You can also book from the Heli counter or the Shrine Board website. Apart from this, one can also travel by palanquin, horse or taxi. For the horse, you will have to pay Rs 1600.

Do not take these items to Maa Vaishno Devi temple
After reaching the Mata Vaishno Devi temple complex, you have to follow some rules from the entry gate itself. Leather items like belts and purses etc. are not allowed to enter the temple. Apart from this, it is also prohibited to take mobile phones into the temple. There is a cloakroom in the court itself, where you can keep your belongings.

(PC: PTI, iStock)