Vaishno Devi Temple is located in the Trikuta Mountains of Jammu and Kashmir. The temple is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, who fulfills the wishes of her devotees. A miracle attracts 8 million devotees to visit this temple every year, making it the second most visited religious site in India. The temple is located at an elevation of 5,200 feet, and devotees have to walk 13 kilometers from Katra to reach the shrine. Alternative means of travel include helicopters, ponies, and palkis for those unable to walk the full distance.
The shrine is open throughout the year, but March to October remains the best time to visit due to the good weather. Inside the cave, the three principal deities are rock formations of Goddess Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati. Vaishno Devi is considered a powerful symbol of worship, and the pilgrimage to the shrine is seen as a test of faith. Along the long walk to the temple, devotees chant “Jai Mata Di,” enhancing the spiritual atmosphere. There are facilities for accommodation, food, and medical care at key points along the pilgrimage path to ensure the safety and comfort of the pilgrims.
Darshan Timings at Vaishno Devi Temple:
| Darshan Type | Timings | Notes |
| Aarti (Morning) | 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM | Limited to VIP devotees; requires a special booking. |
| General Darshan | 24 Hours (Day and Night) | Devotees can visit the temple any time; however, peak times may have long waiting periods. |
| Navratri Special | All Day and Night during Navratri | During the Navratri festival, there are more special darshans and poojas available. |
| Shrine Board Timing | 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Entry Control) | The Shrine Board monitors the crowd entry for darshan between these hours to manage crowd flow. |
This table summarizes the most important darshan timings for Vaishno Devi Temple.
Special Darshan Timings and Prices at Vaishno Devi Temple:
| Special Darshan Type | Timings | Price (INR) | Details |
| Morning Aarti | 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM | ₹2,000 per person | Limited seats available; includes priority darshan and Prasad. |
| Evening Aarti | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | ₹2,000 per person | Includes special aarti viewing, priority darshan, and participation in rituals. |
| VIP Darshan | Anytime (Flexible) | ₹1,500 per person | Offers a priority entry pass for a faster darshan experience. |
| Helicopter Darshan | Operational hours | ₹1,735 (one-way) | Helicopter service from Katra to Sanjichhat; includes quicker access to the temple. |
| Navratri Special Darshan | All Day during Navratri | ₹3,000 per person | Available only during Navratri festival; includes special pooja and priority darshan arrangements. |
This table gives details about the special darshan options along with their timings and prices.
Sevas and prices at Vaishno Devi Temple
| Seva | Price (INR) | Description |
| Individual Pooja | 1,000 | A personal puja performed in your name at the shrine. |
| Individual Pooja with Darshan | 2,500 | A personal puja performed in your name at the shrine, followed by a darshan of Mata Rani. |
| Shradha Suman Vishesh Puja (SSVP) | 5,000 | A special puja performed for pilgrims who want to attend the Aarti Darshan of Mata Rani. Includes VIP darshan and other benefits. |
| Ropeway Seva | 100 per person | A round-trip ticket for the ropeway, which takes you to Bhairav Baba temple. |
| Helicopter Seva | 1,500 per person | A one-way helicopter ride to Sanjichhat, near the temple. |
This table presents the services (sevas), their respective prices, and descriptions.
How To Book The Tickets
To book a seva at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) for Vaishno Devi Temple, follow the given steps:
1. Log on to the Official Website
Visit the official website of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board: https://www.maavaishnodevi.org.
This portal is mainly used to book different services, such as sevas and accommodation.
If you are a first-time user, you would have to click the “Register” option and use your mail id and mobile number to make an account.
If you already have an account, you can simply login using your credentials.
3. Procedure for Seva Booking
After logging in, find the menu called “Online Services” or “Seva Booking.”
Click Pooja/Seva Booking.
A list of the available sevas will appear with options (for example, Individual Pooja, Shradha Suman Vishesh Puja, Ropeway Seva, etc.).
Now you need to select the seva you want to book by clicking on your preferred option.
5. Select Date & Time
Once you’ve selected the seva, you’ll be taken to a window where you can book your choice of date and time.
Please remember to select a date for the seva and check that it is available at your preferred time.
6. Fill up Compulsory Details
Entry of Personal Details for Seva: Select the devotee name whose puja is to be performed.
For certain types of seva, there might be additional details required.
7. Payment
Once all your details are filled in, proceed with making the payment.
You may make payments through credit/debit cards, net banking, UPI, etc.
Once a successful payment is made, a confirmation receipt or an e-ticket will be generated.
8. Confirmation
You’ll receive an email and an SMS carrying a seva ID or reference number, which will contain your booking details.
Carry it during your visit.
9. Availing Seva
Visit the Vaishno Devi temple on the scheduled date and present your seva confirmation receipt at the designated counter.
Follow any instructions given by the temple authorities for the seva.
This highlights the key steps for booking a seva at Vaishno Devi Temple.