The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, has achieved a remarkable milestone, welcoming over 9 million pilgrims for the third consecutive year since 2022. Anshul Garg, CEO of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, celebrated this achievement on X (formerly Twitter), lauding the unwavering devotion of visitors from around the world.
Renowned as one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage sites, the shrine continues to draw millions of devotees annually. The Shrine Board credits this sustained popularity to its proactive measures, including enhancing facilities and ensuring a safer, more comfortable experience for visitors. Garg also revealed plans for several upcoming projects aimed at further improving the pilgrimage journey, with completion expected by 2025.
Nestled in the Trikuta Hills, the shrine holds profound spiritual importance in Hindu mythology. Dedicated to Mata Vaishno Devi, an incarnation of Goddess Durga, it symbolizes the divine energy (Shakti) of the universe. Legends suggest that Mata Vaishno Devi meditated in the Trikuta Hills, a tradition revered since ancient times. Historical texts like the Mahabharata reference Arjuna seeking Mata Vaishno Devi’s blessings for victory.
The modern transformation of the shrine began in 1986 with the formation of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. Since then, the board has worked relentlessly to provide a safe, seamless, and spiritually enriching experience for pilgrims. From being a hidden cave to becoming a globally recognized spiritual hub, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine continues to inspire millions with its divine allure and historical significance.