Cries of Jai Mata Di reverberate in the air on the route to this hill-top shrine in Jammu. This is no ordinary temple, the loyal devotees believe that one can’t visit Vaishno Devi until the Goddess actually calls them. This is also why some people don’t force themselves if their plans get cancelled at the last moment.
According to legend, the Goddess who resides at this temple was actually born in South India to a couple after years of them being childless. Her father had vowed that he would never deny his child anything and the couple were then blessed with a baby girl. This child was initially named Trikuta and later became Vaishnavi.
When young Trikuta sought her father’s permission to meditate by the sea, she was granted this wish. During this time, Lord Ram happened to be in the vicinity and when he came across this girl, she told him that she had already accepted him as her husband. But since he was already married to Sita, he told her that he would marry her in Kaliyug. As per the Lord’s instruction she began to meditate in the caves nearby and even observed the navratra fast for his victory.
Pilgrims also believe that since Lord Ram said that this young, devoted girl would become famous as Vaishnavi, those who visit this shrine also pay their respects to this celebrated figure in Hindu religion.
There are several stories that glorify and hail the divine powers of this Goddess, right from the way she fights enemies to how she helps poor, loyal devotees. It is said that those who endure the arduous climb up the mountain cleanse themselves of all their sins in the process. There are several ways of getting to the shrine but those who walk up to the deity are the ones who are truly regarded as blessed.