Ardhkuwari Dormitory Vaishno Devi is a popular accommodation facility for pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi shrine in Jammu, India. Located near the halfway point of the trek to the shrine, it offers basic but comfortable lodging for devotees looking for an affordable stay during their pilgrimage. The dormitory is managed by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and is an ideal spot to rest before continuing the trek up to Bhawan, the main shrine area. Ardhkuwari is also known for the famous Ardhkuwari Cave, where devotees stop for darshan (sight of the deity) as part of their journey. The cave holds significant spiritual importance, as it is believed that Mata Vaishno Devi meditated there for nine months.
Ardhkuwari Dormitory Price – Vaishno Devi Shailputri Bhawan
The Vaishno Devi Shailputri Bhawan Dormitory located in Ardhkuwari is a budget-friendly accommodation option provided for pilgrims during their journey to the Vaishno Devi shrine. Situated at the halfway point of the trek to the Bhawan (the main temple), Ardhkuwari is an important stop, and the dormitory offers a convenient place for pilgrims to rest and refresh themselves before continuing their journey.
| Vaishno Devi Ardhkuwari Dormitory Booking | Price |
| Shardha Bhawan Ardhkuwari | 2 Bed – | 1,500 Per Day | 2 Person |
| Shailputri Bhawan Dormitory Ardhkuwari | Non-AC | 150 Per Day | 1 Person |
Book Ardhkuwari Dormitory Vaishno Devi Now: +91-9555334268
Devotional Point is a service provider that offers a range of facilities to devotees visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi in Katra. Their services typically include:
1. Dormitory and Room Bookings:
- Devotional Point assists in securing dormitory and room bookings for devotees at affordable prices. These accommodations are in line with the official prices set by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, ensuring transparency and cost-effectiveness. They offer different types of rooms, including budget rooms, standard rooms, and dormitories to suit the needs of various travelers.
2. Hotel Bookings:
- They also provide hotel booking services in Katra, ranging from budget to premium accommodations. Hotels are located conveniently close to the base point of the Vaishno Devi Yatra, offering a comfortable stay for pilgrims before or after their trek.
3. Tour Packages:
- Devotional Point offers tour packages that can be tailored to individual or group needs. These packages typically include transportation, accommodation, meals, and guided tours, making it easier for devotees to plan their trip without hassle. Packages can also include visits to nearby tourist attractions like Patnitop, Shiv Khori, and other religious sites in the region.
4. Taxi and Transportation Services:
- They provide taxi services for devotees who require transportation from Katra to various points, including the start of the trek at Banganga or other nearby locations. Taxis are available for airport or railway station pickups, local sightseeing, or for completing the entire tour comfortably.
Benefits of Booking Through Devotional Point:
- Affordable Pricing: The prices for accommodations, hotels, and tour packages are reasonable and aligned with the standard rates.
- Convenient Booking: All services can be booked in advance, either online or by contacting their support, ensuring a smooth pilgrimage experience.
- Complete Package: From hotel stays to transportation and guided tours, Devotional Point handles all aspects of the pilgrimage, allowing devotees to focus on their spiritual journey.
For bookings, devotees can usually visit their website or contact their customer service to arrange accommodations, transport, and other facilities.
How to Book Ardhkuwari Dormitory Vaishno Devi
To book the Ardhkuwari Dormitory for your Vaishno Devi pilgrimage, you need to follow these steps:
1. Visit the Official Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Website:
- Go to the official website of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) at https://www.maavaishnodevi.org.
2. Register or Log In:
- If you are a new user, you need to register by creating an account. Provide basic details like your name, email, and contact information.
- If you already have an account, simply log in using your credentials.
3. Navigate to the Booking Section:
- After logging in, navigate to the “Online Services” section on the homepage.
- Under the dropdown, select Accommodation.
4. Select Location and Accommodation Type:
- In the accommodation booking section, choose Ardhkuwari as the location.
- Select Shailputri Bhawan Dormitory or other available dormitory options at Ardhkuwari.
5. Choose Date and Number of People:
- Choose your preferred dates for booking and the number of people requiring accommodation.
- The system will show you the available rooms or dormitory beds for the selected dates.
6. Payment:
- Once you’ve selected your accommodation, proceed to the payment section.
- You can pay through various online payment options such as credit/debit cards, net banking, or UPI.
7. Booking Confirmation:
- After the payment is successful, you will receive a booking confirmation with details of your dormitory reservation.
- Print or save a copy of this confirmation for reference during your pilgrimage.
8. Check-In Process:
- On arrival at Ardhkuwari, carry a printout of your booking confirmation along with valid ID proof (such as Aadhaar, passport, or voter ID) for the check-in process at the dormitory.
Vaishno Devi Yatra Route Map
The Vaishno Devi Yatra route map offers a detailed guide of the entire pilgrimage journey from Katra to the Bhawan (the main shrine) and includes various important stops along the way. Below is a breakdown of the route:
- Katra (Starting Point):
- This is the base town where pilgrims register for the yatra. From Katra, the trek begins, covering a distance of 12-14 kilometers. Electric vehicles, ponies, and palkis are also available.
2. Banganga:
- Located 1-2 km from Katra, this is the first major stop. It is a sacred site where pilgrims take a dip in the river or wash their hands as a purification ritual.
3. Charan Paduka:
- After a trek of about 1.5 km from Banganga, you reach Charan Paduka. This is a small temple where it is believed Mata Vaishno Devi’s footprints are embedded in a rock.
4. Ardhkuwari:
- This stop is around 6 km from Katra and marks the halfway point of the trek. Here, the holy Ardhkuwari Cave is located, where Mata Vaishno Devi is believed to have meditated for nine months. Pilgrims often rest here before continuing.
4.1. Himkoti:
- Approximately 3 km from Ardhkuwari, Himkoti offers scenic views and is a great spot to relax. It also has food outlets and resting facilities for pilgrims.
4.2. Sanjichhat:
- After another 2.5 km trek, you reach Sanjichhat. It is located at a higher altitude and provides views of the surrounding mountains. A helipad is also located here, where helicopter services drop pilgrims who opt for air travel.
5. Bhawan (Main Shrine):
- From Sanjichhat, the final 2 km leads to the Bhawan, where the holy cave of Mata Vaishno Devi is located. This is the main temple complex where devotees offer prayers and receive blessings.
6. Bhairon Temple:
- After visiting the Bhawan, pilgrims can continue to Bhairon Temple, which is about 1.5-2 km further up. Visiting this temple is considered essential to completing the pilgrimage.
The route is well-maintained with various facilities such as medical centers, food stalls, rest houses, and battery-operated vehicle services. Additionally, the route is illuminated and equipped with security for the safety of the pilgrims.
The Garbh Joon Cave (also known as Garbh Joon Gufa) at Ardhkuwari is an important stop during the Vaishno Devi Yatra. According to legend, Mata Vaishno Devi meditated in this cave for nine months while hiding from the demon Bhairon Nath before proceeding to the Bhawan, where she ultimately revealed her divine form. The cave is considered highly sacred, and pilgrims often visit it as part of their journey to seek blessings.
Darshan Process at Garbh Joon Gufa, Ardhkuwari Darshan Process:
- Reaching Ardhkuwari:
- The cave is located about 6 kilometers from Katra, and pilgrims can either trek or use alternate modes of transport (such as ponies or electric vehicles) to reach this point. Ardhkuwari is considered the halfway mark of the yatra. Devotees can reach Ardhkuwari Temple via Pony, Palki, Pithhu which usually takes 1-2 hrs to reach Ardhkuwari Temple.
2. Waiting in Garbh Joon Gufa, Queue:
- Pilgrims need to wait in a queue for Garbh Joon Gufa Darshan their turn to enter the cave. Depending on the crowd, this process may take some time, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons or special occasions like Navratri. It is recommended to reach early in the morning to avoid long wait times.
3. Garbh Joon Gufa Cave Entry:
- The Garbh Joon Cave is very narrow, symbolic of the womb (Garbh), and it is believed that only those with pure hearts and good intentions can pass through easily. Pilgrims often crawl through the cave due to its tight, constricted nature, which makes the experience both spiritual and symbolic of rebirth and purification. It takes 2-3 hrs to wait, enter and exit from Garbh Joon Gufa for each devotee.
4. Darshan of the Holy Site:
- Once inside, pilgrims offer prayers and seek blessings. The spiritual significance of this cave is deeply connected with Mata Vaishno Devi’s journey, and many believe that passing through the Garbh Joon Gufa cleanses them of sins and brings divine blessings.
5. Exiting the Cave:
- After darshan inside the cave, pilgrims exit and continue their journey toward the Bhawan (the main shrine).
Can Elderly Person, Kids can Perform Garbh June Gufa Darshan ?
It’s important to note that the narrowness of the cave may not be suitable for everyone, especially elderly or physically challenged individuals, as the passage is very tight and requires crawling in certain parts. However, alternative routes to continue the yatra are available for those unable to pass through the cave.
Elderly individuals, kids, and those with certain physical challenges may find it difficult to pass through the Garbh Joon Gufa at Ardhkuwari due to the narrow and tight nature of the cave. Here’s a detailed explanation:
Garbh Joon Gufa Darshan Challenges:
- Narrow Passage:
- The cave is extremely narrow and requires crawling through small spaces, which can be challenging for elderly persons with limited mobility or joint issues.
- Physical Strain:
- Crawling through the cave demands physical effort. Kids may find it manageable, but it can still be intimidating or tiring for younger children, and elderly persons may experience strain.
- Claustrophobia:
- Some people, especially elderly individuals or small children, may feel uncomfortable or anxious in confined spaces like the Garbh Joon cave.