A place so rich in every way, Vaishno Devi Temple holds so much information. But do we really know anything worth knowing? The temple dedicated to Parvati or Goddess Shakti is one of the most sacred places of Hindus found in the country. Located in the laps of picturesque hills of Jammu, the sacred temple of Goddess Vaishno Devi truly mesmerizes the hearts of millions of devotees every year. Here we bring you some interesting facts about ‘Vaishno Devi’ that will literally amaze you.

1. Origin unknown

The Origin of Vaishno Devi is a complete mystery, like many of the places in India. Nobody actually knows how the caves came into existence and what exactly happened there. However, many types of research conducted on the holy caves suggest that the temple is one million years old.

2. The original cave of Vaishno Devi Mata remains closed for most of the year

There are three main caves located at Vaishno Devi, of which the main cave remains closed most of the year. The reason behind this is because the original cave is too long and it takes a lot of time for the pilgrims to pass through it. Hence, only the other two caves are open for the flock of people to see.

It is said that the two caves that take you to the main shrine are actually man-made and they were constructed accordingly to reduce and manage the rush of devotees.

3. In the Mahabharata

If stories are to be believed, during the battle of Kurukshetra between the Pandavas and the Kauravas in the Mahabharata, Arjuna was told by Lord Krishna to meditate in front of the Holy Cave to Lord Durga and pray for victory. Arjuna is said to have described the Devi as “Jambookatak Chityaishu Nityam Sannihilaye”, which means “the one who permanently resides in the temple located on the slope of the mountain in Jamboo.”

It is believed that it was because of this prayer of Arjuna that the Pandavas won the war against the Kauravas. The Pandavas are also believed to have built temples dedicated to the Mother Goddess, in regions close to the Trikuta Mountain. On a mountain adjacent to the Trikuta Mountain are five rock structures, overlooking the Holy Cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi. These five rocks are believed to symbolize the five Pandavas.

4. Vaishno Devi killed the demon ‘Bhairav’ using her Trishul

A Mahayogi called Gorakh Nath had a vision of the conversation between Lord Rama and Vaishnavi. Led by curiosity to know more about Vaishnavi, the Mahayogi sent his prime disciple Bhairo Nath to collect information about the Goddess. Bhairo Nath chased Mata Vaishno Devi and pestered her to marry him.

She ultimately went to the cave where she intended to continue her Tapasya. Bhairon Nath followed her there as well. Finally, losing all patience, she decided to kill him. Coming out to the mouth of the cave, she beheaded him with her Trishul (Trident).

The legend has it when the Goddess severed Bhairo Nath, his head fell into the valleys while his body remained in the cave.

5. Vaishno Devi took the form of a rock

Bhairon Nath’s soul, realizing his folly after his death, approached the Goddess and prayed to her for forgiveness. The Goddess after forgiving Bhairo Nath and allowing him to attain Moksha shed her human form and took the form of a rock in order to continue uninterrupted meditation. Mata Vaishno Devi, hence, gives her devotees darshan in the form of a five and a half feet tall rock, with three pindies or heads on the top. The cave where she transformed herself is now the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi and the pindies form the sanctum sanctorum.

6. Garbhjun cave

At Ardhkuwari, a separate cave is situated to which an interesting legend is attached. This separate cave is said to be the place where Vaishno Devi hid from Bhairo Nath for 9 months. It is said, the Goddess positioned herself in the same way as an unborn child is placed in his/her mother’s womb. This cave is also known as Garbhjun.

It is also believed that those who enter Garbhjun cave acquire freedom from entering the womb again. If in case one is born again/or is conceived by the mother then one is free from all the problems during childbirth.

7. Holiest Place or Shaktipeeth

Vaishno Devi is considered the holiest of all the places (also known as Shaktipeeth), which possesses the energy to keep the Mother Goddess safe. Evidence has even been found to observe the Mata Sati falling at this place.

Well, it is believed that an individual’s trip to the holy temple depends on the call from the Deity, Mata Vaishno Devi. Until and unless ‘Mata’ wants you to come, you cannot plan your trip to the Holy Abode.