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| Vaishno Devi | |
|---|---|
Mother Goddess; Goddess of hills | |
 Inside view of the Holy Cave, the 3Pindis; Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasarasvati | |
| Other names | Vaishnavi, Mata Rani, Ambe Rani, Trikuta, Sheravali, Jyotavali, Pahadavali, Bhavani, Bhagavati, Jagdamba, Lakshmi, Vishnumaya, Vishnupriya, Maniki, Sukriti |
| Devanagari | वैष्णो देवी |
| Venerated in | Hinduism,Shaktism |
| Affiliation | Tridevi,Mahadevi,Mahakali,Mahalakshmi,Mahasarasvati |
| Abode | Vaishno Devi Temple,Katra,India |
| Mantra | ॐ ऐं ह्रीं क्लीं चामुण्डायै विच्चे॥ (Om Aim Hreem Kleem Chamuṇḍāyai Vicche), ॐ जयंती मंगला काली भद्रकाली कपालिनी दुर्गा क्षमा शिवा धात्री स्वाहा स्वधा नमोऽस्तुते।, Jai mata di, या देवी सर्वभूतेषु शक्ति-रूपेण संस्थिता नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥, या देवी सर्वभूतेषु लक्ष्मी-रूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥, या देवी सर्वभूतेषु बुद्धि-रूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः||, या देवी सर्वभूतेषु ज्योति-रूपेण संस्थिता । नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमस्तस्यै नमो नमः ॥ |
| Mount | Lion |
| Gender | Female |
| Genealogy | |
| Parents |
|
| Consort | Kalki |
Vaishno Devi (also known asMata Rani,Sherawali,Trikuta,Ambe andVaishnavi) is an unmarried form of theHindu mother goddessMahalakshmi, embodying thetattva ofMahasarasvati andMahakali.[1] Vaishno Devi is worshipped as a combinedavatar of the trinity goddesses.[2]
Vaishno Devi's name, which refers toVishnu, commonly signifies vegetarianism and greater ritual purity, differentiating her from other local mountain deities (grama-devis) in the region, who often historically demanded blood sacrifice.[3][4]
According toMahābhāgavata Upapurāṇa (23.44b-45.39), she is mentioned as "Viṣṇupriyā".[5]
In theVarāha Mahāpurāṇa's Triśakti Māhātmya, she originated from the Lakṣmī bhāga (portion) of GoddessTrikalā (the goddess who was born from Trimūrtis) and slayed an asura calledMahiṣāsura on Śataśṛṅga Parvata where the current Trikūṭa Dhāma of Vaiṣṇōdēvī is situated.[1] (Disclaimer: this event is of a separateKalpa – Mānava Kalpa – and not of our Śvēta Varāha Kalpa). TheNārada Mahāpurāṇa (1.103.1-3)[6] andMatsya Mahāpurāṇa (53.38-40)[7] clarify that theVarāha Mahāpurāṇa's events take place during the Mānava Kalpa.
TheLakṣmīnārāyaṇa Saṃhitā (1.4.22-25) mentions the Triśaktis (Brāhmī, Vaiṣṇavī, and Raudrī) of theVarāha Mahāpurāṇan and when describing Vaiṣṇavī, directly calls her "Viṣṇuśakti" and "Lakṣmī". It also says thatonly because of herViṣṇu is able to preserve, making it clear that she's a form ofLakṣmī. This event is directly mentioned at the beginning of creation during Kṛta Yuga, where the Tridēvas’ Prakṛtis are introduced. This is in the exact same manner as theVarāhaMahāpurāṇa notates. Vaiṣṇavī directly is stated here as Lakṣmī.[8][9]
TheLakṣmīnārāyaṇa Saṃhitā's Kṛtayuga Santāna (1.334.53)[10] and Dvāparayuga Santāna (3.237.154)[11] calls her "Māṇikī", the Śakti of Kalki, as she resides on Māṇika Parvata (another name of Trikūṭa).
She is mentioned in theGarga Saṃhitā (5.15.33b) as "Sukṛti", the Śakti and future consort of LordKalki.[12]
The incarnation of Vaishno Devi took place during the Treta Yuga, when Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and other demonic forces were committing atrocities. The three great ShaktisMahakali,Mahalaxmi, andMahasaraswati decided to combine their respective energies (Raj, Tam, and Satvik Gunas) to give birth to a single divine power (Divya Shakti) for the preservation of Dharma.[13] From this unified brilliance, a beautiful divine girl emerged.[13][14][15] This girl was given the name Vaishnavi.[14][15] She was commanded to take birth as a daughter in the home of a man named Ratnakar Sagar inSouthern India.[13] Ratnakar Sagar gave her name Trikuta.[13] Her mission was specifically defined as upholdingdharma on Earth and assisting in the preservation ofSita, the consort ofLord Rama, an avatar ofVishnu[13][14][15] Even from a young age, Devi Trikuta demonstrated her divine powers, attractingsages,seers, anddeities.[13][14] With her father's permission, she moved to a secluded area on the seashore, concentrating solely onLord Rama and performing severe penance. WhenLord Rama reached the seashore with his army of Vaanars during his pursuit ofRavana, he saw the young girl absorbed in deep meditation. When questioned about the purpose of her penance, Trikuta introduced herself as the daughter of Ratnakar Sagar and stated her firm resolve to obtain Rama as her husband.[14][15]Rama, who had taken a vow of monogamy in that avatar, set a condition. He promised that after defeatingRavana, he would return to her hut in a changed guise, and if she recognized him, he would accept her.[15] WhenRama returned disguised as an oldsadhu after conqueringLanka, Trikuta failed to recognize him.[15][14] Upon realizing his true identity, Trikuta was distraught, butRama offered her solace and assurance.[14][15] He instructed her to travel to a beautiful cave on theTrikuta Parvat inNorth India, where theTridevi dwell, and immerse herself in penance.[13][14]Rama promised that in the upcomingKali Yuga, when he takes hisKalkiAvatar, she would become his companion. She would becomeimmortal there, and brave Langur warriors (Nal, Neel,Hanuman, Jamvant) would stand as her protectors. Her glory would eventually spread throughout the entirety of World, and she would be famously known as Vaishno Devi. Around 700 years ago, Bhakt Shridhar lived in the village of Hansali, approximately 2 km fromKatra. Shridhar was a devout worshipper of theMahadevi and customarily performed kanya pujan.[13][14] Grieved by his childlessness, he intensified his devotion toAmbika.[15][13] He made a strict vow that he would fast until theMahadevi herself came to his home and fed him.[15] Touched by his unshakeable faith, Mata Vaishno Devi appeared before him in the form of a young, divine girl. The girl instructed Shridhar to organize a Maha Bhandara, the following day and invite people from his village and nearby areas. While distributing invitations, Shridhar encountered the asceticGuruGorakhnath and his disciples, includingBhaironnath.Gorakhnath, upon hearing of the grand feast organized by a poorBrahmin on the advice of a young girl, remarked scornfully that Shridhar must be mistaken in inviting him and his 360 disciples. Nevertheless,Gorakhnath andBhaironnath agreed to attend, deciding to test the veracity of the girl's power.[15][14] When the day arrived, a huge crowd gathered, and the divine girl arranged for everyone, including Gorakhnath and his 62 followers, to be seated comfortably in the small hut. Using a miraculous vessel, the girl began serving food that fulfilled every guest's specific desire.Bhaironnath realized the girl was a manifestation ofAdi shakti. When the girl approached him,Bhaironnath, intending to test her and driven by impure desire, demanded meat and wine. The girl, however, stated firmly that this was aBrahmin'sVaishnava bhandara, and only vegetarian food would be served.Bhaironnath, attempting to seize the girl in his anger, found that the Kanya-RupiMahadevi instantly vanished.Bhaironnath immediately began pursuing her up theTrikuta mountain.[14][13][15] Darshani Darwaza is where the Devi vanished from the bhandara site and proceeded toward theTrikuta mountain. It is considered the first gateway toTrikuta Parvat and is located approximately 1 km fromKatra. She invoked VeerHanuman. As the Devi continued her path, her attendant, VeerHanuman, grew thirsty. To quench his thirst, the Devi struck the rocks with an arrow, causing a stream, known asGanga, to flow forth. She also washed her hair in this water, contributing to the name Ban Ganga. This sacred place is about 2 km past Darshani Darwaza. After thatMahadevi Vaishnavi paused and looked back to check ifBhaironnath was still following her. Her footprints became imprinted on the rock where she stopped, hence the name Charan Paduka. It is considered the second rest spot on the pilgrimage route. The Devi traveled a considerable distance from Charan Paduka before stopping near a cave.[14] She asked a seated ascetic not to disclose her presence. The Devi then took refuge inside the cave, meditating there for nine months, symbolizing the time a child spends in the womb. WhenBhaironnath[14][15] WhenBhaironnath reached this spot and questioned the ascetic, the tapasi revealed that the girl was Mahashakti, the Adi Kumari, who had observed a vow of perpetual celibacy since creation. WhenBhaironnath forcefully entered the cave, the Devi struck the back wall with hertrishul, creating an exit and continuing her journey. Hathimatha is known for its steep ascent, likened to the vertical forehead of an elephant. It is situated 2.5 km from Adikuwari. Travelers then proceed to Sanjhi Chhat, an important resting point. The pursuit continued until Devi Kanya reached the beautiful cave on theTrikuta Parvat. She appointed her warrior, Langur Veer, to guard the entrance and preventBhaironnath from entering. WhenBhaironnath ignored the warning and tried to follow the Devi into the cave, a fierce battle erupted with the Langur Veer. When the Langur began to falter, the Mother Goddess herself assumed the ferocious form ofChandi and struck Bhairavnath, causing his death. Bhairav's headless body fell near the cave, while his severed head landed far below in the valley, which is now known as Bhairav Ghati. As his head separated from his body, Bhairavnath regretted his actions and repeatedly begged theMaa Shakti for forgiveness, worried that the coming age would see him as a sinner. Hearing him call her "Maa" (Mother) repeatedly, the Goddess granted him a divine boon that - "After my worship, your worship will also occur. The pilgrimage of my devotees will only be considered complete and successful when they visit your shrine (Bhairav Mandir) after having my Darshan."[15] This promise ensured hismoksha. The Bhairav Mandir, built at the spot where his head fell, is located about 1.5 km from Sanjhi Chhat.[14] After the divine girl disappeared following the confrontation, Bhakt Shridhar was heartbroken and gave up food and water. Mata Vaishno Devi then granted him a vision (swapna) of the entire journey and the location of herdivine abode. Following the directions shown in his dream, Shridhar eventually found the holy cave. Upon entering and worshipping the Mother, Shridhar was blessed with four sons, and his descendants continue to perform the Mother's worship today. The shrine is located onTrikuta Parvat, approximately 2.5 km from the Bhairav Mandir and stands at an elevation of 5,200 feet above sea level. Inside the holy cave, devotees receive the sacred vision of Mata Vaishno Devi in the form of three natural rock formations known asPinids. These three Pindis represent the collective power of the three originalTridevi who gave her birth.Mahakali,Mahalaxmi Vaishnavi, andMahasaraswati. The central Pindi is sometimes identified specifically as Mata Vaishno Devi, reflecting her origin as a form ofMahalaxmi orVishnu's power.[13] A stream of water, known as the CharanGanga, flows near the Devi's feet inside the cave. Worship is conducted with offerings such as betel nut, scarf, and coconut. It is believed that Mata Vaishno Devi remains in deep penance in this cave, awaiting the arrival ofLord Vishnu'sKalki avatar at the end of theKali Yuga.[14]
Vaishno Devi has been designated as the elder sister among the other six. Vaishno Devi has become much more popular than the other Six Sisters -Mansa Devi, Chintpurni Devi, Naina Devi,Jwala Ji (Jwalamukhi), Kangra (Kangre wali Devi or Vajreshvari), andChamunda Devi.[3]
Baba Jittoo, also known as Jitmal, is a poor peasant devotee associated with a local variant myth linked to the Vaishno Devi shrine. This story functions as a powerful narrative demonstrating the Goddess's defense of the common people against ruling class exploitation.[3]The identity of the Vaishno Devi shrine is deeply intertwined with regionalDogri folklore. A prominent example is "The Story of Baba Jittoo," described as a "long and complex myth" originating from theJammu region in the 15th century.[16] In this legend, Baba Jittoo is depicted as a "poor peasant" and a devout "devotee of Mata Vaishno Devi."[17] As analyzed by scholars, the myth functions as a social charter, illustrating "how Vaishno Devi helps her devotees gain... bountiful harvests, and protection from enemies," particularly supporting "poor peasants who are exploited by kings and landlords."[16] This narrative exemplifies a classic syncretism, where the pan-Hindu goddess assumes an immanent, socio-economic role as a protector of the oppressed in local Dogri traditions.[17][3]
The Story of Baba Jittoo
Jittoo Baba, a devotee of Vaishno Devi, managed to produce a bountiful crop of grain. This bountiful harvest was attributed to Vaishno Devi, who had been incarnated as his daughter. When the local ruler, King Vir Singh, observed this abundance, he demanded half of the harvest instead of the previously agreed upon one-fourth, and sent his men to seize the grain. In his despair over the king's greedy actions, Jittoo prayed to the Pahadavali Maa (Vaishno Devi). She instructed him to leave the world (take his own life) and assured him that she would then deal with the king. Following her advice, Jittoo killed himself and lay bleeding on the grain, thereby polluting the entire crop.Divine Justice and Legacy: In the conclusion of the myth, King Vir Singh suffered consequences for his tyranny: he became a leper, his property burned, and he and his associates went insane. The death of Baba Jittoo, who died 500 years ago while fighting feudal tyranny, is commemorated today at the Jhiri Fair, held west of Jammu city at the height of the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage season. During this fair, the descendants of the thieves who had robbed Jittoo of his grain are traditionally compelled to provide free food for a feast.[3]
According to Hindu legend, the pilgrimage route follows the path the Goddess took while fleeing thetantric Bhairav Nath.[18] The first major stop is Ardh Kunwari, a cave where the Devi is said to have meditated for nine months.[18] This cave is also known as Garbh Joon, or the "Womb Cave," as the shape of the cave is narrow and devotees must crawl through it, symbolizing a spiritual rebirth.[19]
The legend states that when Bhairav Nath located her at Ardh Kunwari, the Goddess used herTrishul to strike the back wall of the cave, creating a new opening. She then escaped through this passage and continued her journey to the main Holy Cave onTrikuta Mountain.[20]
The final confrontation occurred at the entrance of the Holy Cave (now the Bhawan). After being pursued to this location, the Devi assumed the ferocious form ofUgrachandika and beheaded Bhairav Nath. According to the narrative, his body fell at the entrance to the Holy Cave, while the force of the blow flung his head to a distant, adjacent peak.[20]
The legend concludes with Bhairav Nath's repentance. As his head lay on the peak, he realized the Devi's true divinity and begged for forgiveness. The Goddess granted him salvation and a boon: that no pilgrimage to her shrine would be considered complete unless the devotee also paid respects at the Bhairav Nath Temple, which now stands at the location where his head is said to have fallen. This is why pilgrims traditionally visit the Bhairav Nath temple after having darshan at the main Holy Cave.[20]
TheVaishno Devi Temple is an importantHindu temple dedicated to Vaishno Devi located inKatra at theTrikuta Mountains within the IndianUnion territory ofJammu and Kashmir.[21][22][23] The temple is one of the 108Shakti Peethas dedicated toDurga, who is worshipped as Vaishno Devi.[24] It is one of the most visited pilgrimage centers of India. Every year, millions of visitors visit the temple.[25][26] During festivals likeNavaratri, the count even increases to one crore visitors.[27] Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the richest temples in India. Authors Michael Barnett and Janice Gross Stein says, "Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine inJammu has an annual income of about $16 billion, mainly from offerings by devotees".[28]
The temple is sacred to all Hindus. Many prominent saints, such asVivekananda, have visited the temple.[29]
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