Overview
Vaishno Devi Temple, also known as the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple and Vaishno Devi Bhavan, is a Hindu temple located in Katra, Reasi district, in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The shrine is situated on the Trikuta mountain at an elevation of about 5,200 feet (1,500 metres). It lies approximately 43 km from the city of Jammu and 29 km from the district headquarters at Reasi town.
The temple is dedicated to Vaishno Devi, who is venerated in the Hindu tradition as a manifestation of the goddesses Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasarasvati. The shrine is one of the most widely visited Hindu pilgrimage sites in India, drawing millions of devotees each year who undertake the journey on foot from Katra up the mountain trail to the cave shrine.
The affairs of the temple are managed by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), which oversees the pilgrimage, related infrastructure and amenities for visitors. Since August 1986, the Board has been chaired by the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. According to figures reported by the Board, around 9.52 million pilgrims visited the shrine in 2023.
References
Adapted from the English Wikipedia article on the Vaishno Devi Temple.