Before Yatra

• Before proceeding for the trek, obtain a Yatra slip from Yatra Registration Counter, near bus stand KatraThe slip is issued free of cost. . No one is allowed to proceed beyond Banganga check post without obtaining the Yatra slip.
• In case you wish to avail of the facility of rented accommodation at Katra, Adkuwari, Sanjichhat or Bhawan, please get the room reservation done from the Enquiry and Reservation Counter at Niharika Complex (near the Bus Stand) Katra.
• Kindly confirm the rates of the Porters, Ponies and Palanquins before hiring them and ensure that they carry a valid registration card. Note down their numbers before entrusting them with your valuables. Please do not pay more than the approved rates.
• Video cameras and other electronic equipment are not allowed on the track. Please make arrangements for their safekeeping at Katra itself.
• Travel light. Please leave all unnecessary clothes and luggage at Katra itself. Food, drink and blankets are  available. There is no need to carry these items along.

While on the Track

• Please uphold the sanctity of the pilgrimage and avoid loud dresses, vulgar language or offensive talk or gestures. The yatra is a journey of faith. Please do not treat it as a picnic or a vacation outing.
• Respect the sentiments of co-pilgrims.
• Cooperate with the security agencies for security checks.
• Please avoid resting near landslide prone areas.
• Refrain from smoking, chewing tobacco and betel leaves, spitting, spreading litter, playing cards etc. Consumption of liquor, intoxicants and non vegetarian food is strictly prohibited.
• Keep the environment clean. Do not dirty the hill slopes. Throw the disposables in the dustbins only. In particular, minimize use of plastics.
• Avoid carrying too much cash, jewelry and valuables. Take proper care whatever you carry and beware of pickpockets and petty thieves.
• Don't trust strangers with belongings. Deposit all excess baggage in the cloak rooms.
• Don't eat anything offered by strangers.
• Beware of suspicious persons and unclaimed articles and report about the same to the security personnel.
• Don't encourage begging. Begging is strictly prohibited.
• Obtain cash receipt for any cash paid at the Shrine Board outlets.
• Avoid using routes closed for repairs. This can prove extremely dangerous.
• Yatries with high blood pressure or heart or asthamatic problems must seek clearance from their doctors before starting the journey.
• Yatries with any kind of medical problems are strongly advised against using the stairs.
• Sticking posters, writing on the walls, mutilating or damaging the property is a legal offence punishable with both fine and imprisonment.
• Don't crowd anywhere. Instead keep moving.
• Video film shooting is prohibited enroute. Please leave your video cameras at Katra.
• Self service is the motto at all Shrine Board outlets, hence no room or table service is provided.

At Bhawan & for Darshans

• On arrival at Bhawan, obtain the group number at the Yatra slip check post to get into the queue for Darshans.
• Proceed for Darshans only when the Group number is announced and avoid crowding for Darshans at Gate No.1. Abide by the procedure and wait for the turn of Darshans. Do not attempt to jump the queue.
• Don't use soaps, shampoos, oils etc. at the bathing Ghats.
• Freshen up and wear clean clothes before proceeding for the Darshans.
• Nothing except cash and selected offerings are allowed inside the Holy Cave. All other belongings need to be deposited in the free cloak rooms.
• Deposit your Coconuts inside the main waiting hall against a token.
• While inside the Sanctum Sanctorum, focus your attention on the Holy Pindies of the Divine Mother.
• Chanting of slogans of praises inside the cave is not allowed as it disturbs the other pilgrims.
• Don't offer any cash or jewelry in front of the Holy Pindies. Instead deposit the same in the donation/jewelry boxes.
• Deposit donations in the donation boxes kept at various locations or at the computerized donation counters against a proper receipt. No individual is authorized to accept any donation on behalf of the Board.
• Kanya Poojan is strictly prohibited.
• Please do not offer any tip or dakshina or any other gratification to any employee or person.
• Darshans at Bhairon temple are done only after Darshans at the Holy Cave.

How do I reach Katra?

Katra is located at a distance of 50 Kms from Jammu, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu is connected with the rest of the country by road, rail and air. Jammu is connected by air with Delhi and Srinagaanr.

Jammu is also connected by rail to all the major cities of the country. Indian Railways operates large number of trains with air-conditioned and ordinary coaches to and from Jammu every day. From Jammu to Katra the distance is 50 Kms. Taxis are available at Jammu air port and Jammu railway station for carrying the pilgrims to Katra. The Jammu and Kashmir State Roadways Transport Corporation operates a large number of buses at regular intervals from Jammu Railway Station to Katra. Private Deluxe buses also operate between Jammu Railway Station and Katra. Besides these, there is also a regular bus service between Jammu and Katra from the General Bus Stand at Jammu. Buses leave for Katra after every fifteen minutes from the General Bus Stand. The bus service commences at 5.30 AM and concludes at 8.30 PM everyday.

What should I do before proceeding for the Yatra from Katra?

Before proceeding to Bhawan for Darshans please ensure the following:-

• Obtain a yatra Parchi (slip) from the Yatra registration Counter at the general Bus stand Katra. The Yatra Slip is free of cost and can be obtained between 6A. M. to 10 p.m.
• Video Camera not allowed on the track.
• Get your room booked for Bhawan / Sanji Chhat / Adhkwari from Enquiry and Reservation Shakti Bhawan, Niharika and collect your papers to be shown at the location for which the room is booked.
• Don't carry too much jewellery or cash with you.

How and where can I hire ponies and Palkies?

For hiring the registered Ponies, Pithoos or Palkies a yatri is required to contact the contractors offices at Bhawan / Adhkwari / Katra. The rates for these Palkies / Pithoos / Ponies are approved by the Govt. and for convenience the same can be cross checked from the Signboards installed by the Board along the track at prominent locations. Before engaging these Ponies, Palkies or Pithoos a devotee is required to note down the registration no. of the person(s) so engaged for reference in case of need. In case of any problem with the Contractors Office, the field offices of the Shrine Board can also be contacted at the above locations.

I have an aged relative. Will it be convenient to bring him for Darshans? What assistance is available?

It is absolutely convenient for the devotees of all age groups right from small children to elderly people as adequate facilities like catering, porters, accommodation etc. are available at Katra, Bhawan and enroute. For the infirm people the Palkies can be engaged.

What are the essential things I need to carry before starting for pilgrimage?

Please ensure to carry the following things with you when you proceed to Bhawan for Darshans:

• The Yatra slip
• Video Shooting not allowed.
• The room reservation papers if any.
• The one or two spares garments as per season / weather.
• A torch and an umbrella.
• Canvas shoes if you are to go on foot

The authorities do not specify any dress code for visiting the temple. However, pilgrims should avoid wearing short or revealing clothes out of respect for the sentiments of other devotees. Additionally, the weather in Trikuta Hills can be unpredictable, so it is advisable to carry warm clothes even on bright and sunny days.

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board 
Katra, J&K (INDIA) 
 

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In-Charge Operations Wing, 
Office of the Chief Executive Officer, 
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, 
Katra 
District Reasi J&K, 
PIN – 182301