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Navratri 2023: One of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage places in India is Vaishno Devi. The cave shrine of Goddess Vaishno Devi, a manifestation of Goddess Parvati or Shakti, is located in Jammu's Trikuta Hills and is considered to be the home of 33 Hindu gods and demigods. Vaishno Devi is a year-round pilgrimage that attracts more than 10 million travellers. To seek the blessing of the Goddess and express gratitude for the desire being fulfilled, the devotees take different initiatives, such as climbing the entire way up in bare feet or walking barefoot. According to legend, Vaishno Devi bestows strength upon the frail, sight upon the blind, wealth upon the needy, and the blessing of children upon childless couples. Let us know seven interesting facts about the shrine of goddess Vaishno Devi which will leave you astounded. 

Navratri 2023: 5 Interesting Facts About Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine 

1. Mystery Of The Ardhkuwari Cave - According to legend, Mata Vaishno Devi was protected from Bhario Nath for nine months by a mystery cave in Ardhkuwari, just like a foetus is protected in its mother's womb. Due to this, the cave was given the name Garbhjun, and according to folklore, women who visit the cave never experience any difficulties during pregnancy or labour.

2. Relation To Mahabharata - The Hindu epic Mahabharata makes reference to Vaishno Devi. The epic claims that Arjuna worshipped the Goddess in order to obtain her blessings for victory prior to the Great War of Kurukshetra. "Jambookatak Chityaishu Nityam Sannihilaye," or "the one who always resides in a shrine situated on the slope of the mountain in Jamboo," is how Arjuna is believed to have referred to the Devi. According to numerous academics, Jamboo could be referring to Jammu in this instance.

At a height of 5,200 feet above sea level, the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine is accessible through a 13-kilometre ascent from the town of Katra. (Image Source: Canva)

3. Relation To Lord Rama - It's believed that Mata Vaishno Devi observed the 'Navratra' in order to pray for Lord Rama's triumph over Ravana. It is also said that Lord Rama promised her that she would be honoured as Mata Vaishno Devi and that everyone would praise her. Thus, Mata Vaishno Devi's immortality and the fact that she now draws countless numbers of pilgrims to the shrine each year are both because of Lord Rama's blessings.

4. Lord Rama Promised To Marry Mata Vaishno Devi In Kaliyuga - It is stated that Lord Rama made a promise to Mata Vaishno Devi that he would take on the form of Kalki during the Kaliyuga and then marry her. Rama gave Trikuta more instructions to meditate in a certain cave in Northern India's Trikuta Range of the Manik Mountains. He then proceeded to arm her with a bow and arrows, a tiny monkey army, and a lion to guard her.

Also Read: Navratri 2023: Significance Of The 10 Arms Of Goddess Durga To Protect Her Devotees

5. Popular Legend Regarding Mata Vaishno Devi - According to legend, Mata Rani's three primary manifestations, Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati, merged into one power and pooled their combined spiritual strength during the time when she was engaged in waging terrible wars against and annihilating the Asuras or devils causing disarray in the world. This fusion produced a brilliant tejas, or aura, and a stunning young woman arose from this tejas.



(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert from the relevant field.)