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Bihar to Katra Train for Mata Vaishno:
To ease the pilgrimage journey for devotees of Mata Vaishno Devi, the Indian Railways has announced a special train service that will connect Katihar, Bihar, to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative comes as a part of the railway's commitment to facilitating the pilgrimage, especially during the upcoming festive season of Navratri.
The special train will cover a distance of 1500 km in approximately 35 hours and 30 minutes. Operating twice a week, the service will commence on November 23 and continue till December 31, 2023. This strategic timing aligns with the heightened spiritual fervor during Navratri, attracting numerous devotees to seek blessings at the revered shrine.
The journey serves the spiritual quest to reach the Mata Vaishno Devi temple, nestled on the slopes of Trikuta Hills in Katra, Reasi. This Hindu temple, dedicated to goddess Vaishno Devi, is a major pilgrimage site and is revered as one of the 52 Maha Shakti Peethas dedicated to Durga.
Situated at an elevation of 1,585 meters, the temple stands 12 km from Katra, offering a breathtaking trek through the scenic hills and valleys. Geological studies estimate the Holy Cave's age to be nearly a million years, and it finds mention in ancient scriptures such as the Rigveda, the Mahabharata, and the Puranas.
Devotees embark on a journey encompassing various significant points, including the Darshani Deori, Ban Ganga, Ardh Kuwari, and Bhavan, before reaching the Holy Cave, where the goddess is worshipped in the form of three natural rock formations known as the Pindies.
The trek itself is a spiritually enriching experience, with devotees believing that Mata Vaishno Devi calls them to her abode and fulfills their wishes. The pilgrimage attracts millions of devotees annually, and during Navratri, the footfall increases significantly, adding to the divine aura of the temple.
The Mata Vaishno Devi temple is not only renowned for its spiritual significance but also for the numerous miracles and legends associated with it. One notable legend involves the demon Bhairon Nath, who pursued and threatened the goddess. In her attempt to escape, the goddess assumed the form of Vaishno Devi and, with her trident, beheaded Bhairon Nath. However, realizing his mistake, he sought forgiveness, and the goddess granted him a boon, leading to the establishment of his temple near the Holy Cave.
In addition to the special train service, the Indian Railways has introduced another tourist train, Bharat Gaurav, dedicated to Mata Vaishno Devi during Navratri. This train, starting from Delhi, offers a comprehensive four-night and five-day package for pilgrims. The package covers accommodation, meals, sightseeing, and darshan at the shrine, providing a hassle-free pilgrimage experience.
As part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing the pilgrimage experience, the Indian Railways continues to play a crucial role in ensuring the convenience and comfort of Mata Vaishno Devi devotees.
This special train service and the Bharat Gaurav initiative reflect the Indian Railways' dedication to making the sacred journey to Mata Vaishno Devi more accessible and convenient. These efforts align with the ethos of providing a seamless pilgrimage experience, allowing devotees to focus on their spiritual quest during the auspicious period of Navratri and beyond.
