If you want to start the new year 2026 with spiritual energy and faith, then Mata Vaishno Devi Darshan becomes the first choice of devotees. Located on the hills of Trikuta mountain near Katra town in Jammu district of Jammu and Kashmir, this world famous Shaktipeeth attracts lakhs of devotees every year.
Situated at a height of about 5200 feet, this holy place of Mata is not only a center of religious faith but also an example of discipline, order and rigorous penance. In view of the huge crowd on New Year, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has made important changes in the travel rules, which are important for every traveler to know. This complete information (Vaishno Devi Temple Darshan) is a complete guide for the devotees preparing for Vaishno Devi Temple Darshan New Year 2026.
Importance of Vaishno Devi Temple
The three self-contained bodies of Mata Vaishno Devi located in the cave of Trikuta mountain are considered to be the symbols of the three forms of Shakti Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. This cave is approximately 98 feet long and has been a center of faith for centuries. It is believed that the wishes of the devotees are fulfilled just by visiting here.
Travel rules changed for the new year 2026
Keeping in mind the safety of devotees and crowd management, the Shrine Board has further tightened RFID based surveillance. Now as soon as the RFID card is issued to a traveler, it will be mandatory for him to start climbing the Bhavan from Katra within 10 hours. At the same time, it has been made mandatory to return to Katra Base Camp within 24 hours after darshan. RFID card is an electronic identification card, which tracks how many passengers are present on the travel route. Violating these rules may cause problems in further travel.
How to reach Vaishno Devi
To go to Mata Vaishno Devi, one has to first reach Jammu. Jammu is well connected to major cities of the country by air, rail and road. The distance from Jammu to Katra is approximately 50 kilometers, which can be covered by taxi, bus or train. It is about a 13 kilometer walk from Katra to Bhawan, which usually takes 7 to 8 hours. The route is well organized and facilities for rest, food and medical treatment are available at intervals.
Darshan and Aarti timings
The darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi is open 24 hours, but during the morning and evening Atka Aarti, the darshan remains closed for about two hours. During this time, special puja is performed in the sanctum sanctorum, hence the pilgrims have to wait in the queue.
No darshan ticket, travel registration mandatory
There is no separate ticket for darshan of Mata Vaishno Devi. Instead, travel registration is mandatory. This registration is done online on the official website maavaishnodevi.org, from where the RFID card is issued. This process is completely free and unregistered travel is not allowed.
VIP darshan arrangement in Vaishno Devi
Devotees who want special facilities can book the Shraddha Suman Special Puja (SSVP) package. Apart from this, personnel of Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and Paramilitary Forces and their families can get free VIP pass by showing valid identity card at Niharika Complex, Katra.
Family travel options
Palki, horse and carriage facilities are available for the elderly, children and those traveling with family. These services are available from Katra to Sanji Chhat. Apart from this, helicopter service is also available, which reduces the travel time considerably. There is adequate provision of prasad, food, water and medicines on the way.
Places to visit in and around Katra
Visiting nearby sights along with Vaishno Devi darshan makes the trip more memorable.
Charan Paduka Temple: Situated at an altitude of 1030 meters at some distance from Katra, this place is famous for the footprints of Mother Goddess.
Trikuta Mountain: Trikutachal Mahadev Temple located here is a unique confluence of religious and natural beauty.
Patnitop: Located in Udhampur district, this hill station is known for its greenery, trekking and skiing.
Mansar Lake: This peaceful lake surrounded by forests is located about 62 kilometers from Jammu.
Geeta Mandir: This temple situated on the yatra route is considered a special center of spiritual peace.
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