If you are planning your Yatra this year, knowing the Vaishno Devi Old Cave opening time 2026 is crucial for planning your travel dates. vaishno devi old cave is also known as prachin gufa. Vaishno Devi prachin gufa opening time 2026 Every year, millions of devotees trek to the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi in Katra, Jammu. However, the ultimate blessing for many is the chance to perform Darshan through the Old Cave (Prachin Gufa). Unlike the new marble tunnels built for crowd management, the Old Cave is the original geological tunnel that holds immense spiritual significance. Check vaishno devi prachin gufa opening date 2026 and closing date
Here is everything you need to know about the Prachin Gufa status, location, and darshan rules.
1. What is Vaishno Devi Old Cave?
The Vaishno Devi Old Cave is the original, natural formation inside the Holy Bhawan. It is the sacred tunnel where the Goddess (Mata Vaishnavi) is believed to have merged her human form into the astral form of the three natural rock formations known as the Holy Pindies (Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati).
This ancient cave is approximately 98 feet long and extremely narrow. Inside, the holy water from the Charan Ganga flows up to the knees of devotees. Pilgrims must often crawl or bend significantly to traverse this tunnel to reach the Sanctum Sanctorum.
2. Why Vaishno Devi Old Cave is Famous?
The Old Cave is not just a geological wonder; it is the spiritual heart of the temple’s mythology. It is famous for three main reasons:
- Legend of Bhairon Nath: It is believed that the Goddess beheaded the demon Bhairon Nath at the entrance of this very cave. His body remained at the entrance (a rock formation devotees step over) while his head flew to the adjacent mountain.
- Spiritual Rebirth: Devotees believe that passing through this narrow, water-filled tunnel washes away sins. The experience of crawling through the womb-like structure is considered a “new birth” for the soul.
- Exclusive Blessing: Since it remains closed for most of the year to manage crowds, entering it is considered a special divine call (Bulawa) from Mata Rani.
3. Where is Vaishno Devi Old Cave Situated?
The Old Cave is situated directly inside the main Bhawan (the principal temple) in the Trikuta Mountains, Katra, Jammu & Kashmir.
- Altitude: Approx. 5,200 feet above sea level.
- Exact Location: It acts as the primary, direct entry point to the Holy Pindies.
- Note for Pilgrims: During peak rush hours, this entry is barred. Pilgrims are diverted to two artificially constructed marble tunnels (Gate 2 and Gate 3) which lead to the same Pindies but allow for faster, upright movement.
4. Vaishno Devi Old Cave Opening Time 2026
The Vaishno Devi Old Cave opening date in 2026 depends entirely on the crowd count. The Shrine Board officially opens the Old Cave only when the pilgrim rush drops below a specific threshold (usually under 10,000 pilgrims per day).
| Vaishno Devi Old Cave Opening time 2026 | Vaishno Devi Old Cave closing Time 2026 |
| 14, January, 2026 | 4, March, 2026 |
- Best Time for Vaishno devi Old Cave Darshan: There is no fixed “clock time.” However, it is most likely to open late at night (11:00 PM to 4:00 AM) or immediately after the morning Aarti (08:30 Am to 11Am), provided the crowd is thin.
If the crowd swells suddenly during the day, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) or Shrine Board officials will close it immediately to prevent stampedes.
5. Vaishno Devi Old Cave Closing Time in 2026
The Old Cave is a seasonal privilege and does not remain open year-round. It closes once the rush begins to increase for the spring festival season.
- Expected Closing Date: Early March 2026 (Before Holi).
- Reason for Closure: As the weather warms up and school exams conclude, the daily footfall often crosses 20,000, making it unsafe to keep the narrow tunnel open.
Important Note: In 2026, Holi falls on March 3rd. The cave will almost certainly be closed a few days prior to this date due to the holiday rush.
6. How to Open Darshan Pass for Vaishno Devi Old Cave?
A common question among devotees is: “Is there a special ticket for the Old Cave?”
The answer is No. You cannot buy a specific “Old Cave Pass” online or offline. Access is strictly based on luck and crowd management. However, you can use the following strategy to maximize your chances:
- Check the Count: The Shrine Board generally allows access only if the total Yatra count is below 10,000 on that day.
- Travel on Weekdays: Plan your Darshan for Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday in late January or early February. Avoid weekends.
- Monitor the Queue: Keep an eye on the Bhawan announcement system. The decision is taken on-the-spot by the Dy. SP or Shrine Board officials at the Bhawan entry gate.
- Priority Darshan: While not a guarantee, sometimes devotees with Priority Darshan slips (available for donors) are directed via the gate closer to the Old Cave, increasing the probability of entry if the gate is partially open.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the Vaishno Devi Old Cave open today? A: The cave status changes hourly. It is generally closed during weekends and holidays. It is most likely to be open on weekdays in January and February 2026.
Q: Can we see the Pindies clearly from the new tunnel? A: Yes, the new marble tunnels lead to the exact same Sanctum Sanctorum. You see the same Holy Pindies, but the walk is easier and faster compared to the Old Cave.
Q: How long is the trek to Bhawan? A: The trek from Katra to Bhawan is approximately 12-13 km.
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