Story of Mata Vaishno Devi

Story

Gauri’s school exams were over, and she eagerly insisted that her parents plan a trip. The family decided to visit the Vaishno Devi Temple, located in the Trikuta Mountains in Katra, Jammu. Gauri was thrilled, as this was going to be her first trip to Vaishno Devi. The next day, she packed her bag and set off with her parents on an exciting and adventurous journey.

They travelled by train, an eight-hour journey. After some time, Gauri started feeling a little bored and asked her father to tell her a story. Her father smiled and said, “Since we are going to Mata Vaishno Devi’s shrine, let me tell you her story.”

The Story of Maa Vaishno Devi

Long ago, there was a humble Brahmin named Pandit Shridhar who lived in a small village called Hansali, near Katra. He was poor but a deeply devoted follower of Mata Vaishno Devi.

One day, Maa Vaishno Devi, in the form of a little girl, appeared in his dream and asked him to organize a grand bhandara (feast) for the villagers and sages. Though Shridhar was not well-to-do, his faith in the goddess was very strong, so he agreed to her request.

A powerful yogi named Bhairavnath, who did not believe in Maa Vaishno Devi’s divinity, arrived at Shridhar’s house with his 360 disciples. He asked Shridhar to feed everyone.

Seeing his dilemma, Bhairavnath mocked him. However, Shridhar trusted that Mata Vaishno Devi would come to his aid. Sensing the distress of her devotee, Mata Vaishno Devi appeared before Shridhar and reassured him.

She instructed him to invite Bhairavnath and his disciples, promising that all arrangements would be taken care of. On the day of the feast, at a place called Bhumika, all the guests gathered. By her divine powers, Maa Vaishno Devi created gold and silver utensils and prepared a lavish feast, serving countless delicious dishes. Everyone was amazed at this miracle.

However, Bhairavnath, seeing the divine powers of the young girl, became suspicious and realized that she was no ordinary being. His evil intentions led him to chase Maa Vaishno Devi, determined to test her strength.

Maa Vaishno Devi fled towards the Trikuta Hills, where she took refuge in a cave. On her way, she stopped at Ban Ganga, a sacred stream. When her devotee, Langoor Vir, felt thirsty, she struck the ground with her arrow (Baan), and a stream of water emerged. This place is now known as Ban Ganga, where devotees take a holy dip before continuing their journey.

Further along, Maa Vaishno Devi left her footprints on a rock, which is now worshipped as Charan Paduka. It is believed that she paused here to look back and see if Bhairavnath was still chasing her. This sacred spot reminds devotees of her divine presence and protection.

When Bhairavnath finally reached her, she revealed her true form as Mahakali and punished him. The place where she defeated him is now called Bhairav Ghati.

Before dying, Bhairavnath realized the divinity of Maa Vaishno Devi and pleaded for forgiveness. The compassionate goddess pardoned him and granted him a place near her shrine. Even today, devotees visit Bhairav Ghati after seeking the blessings of Maa Vaishno Devi.

Meanwhile, back in his village, Pandit Shridhar was heartbroken after Devi Maa disappeared. She later appeared in his dream and revealed her true identity, guiding him to the holy cave where she manifested herself into the three Pindis—sacred rock formations representing Mata Kali, Mata Lakshmi, and Mata Saraswati. Overwhelmed with devotion, Shridhar dedicated his life to worshipping Maa Vaishno Devi, and thus, the sacred pilgrimage began.

By the time Gauri’s father finished the story, she was mesmerized and filled with devotion.

Soon, their train reached Jammu station, and the family began their 13 km trek from Katra to the holy cave of Mata Vaishno Devi. As they walked, they stopped at Ban Ganga, where they washed their hands and feet in the sacred waters. Then, they visited Charan Paduka, bowing before the divine footprints of Mata Rani.

Finally, they reached the holy cave and had a divine darshan of Mata Rani. Gauri prayed to the goddess for wisdom and strength, thanking her for blessing her with a loving family.

With hearts full of faith and devotion, the family returned home, carrying the light of Mata Vaishno Devi’s blessings and sharing their joy with others.