Ardhkuwari Gufa is a sacred cave located on the way to the famous Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is situated at an altitude of about 5,200 feet above sea level and is approximately 1.5 kilometers from the main temple. The cave is believed to be the place where Goddess Vaishno Devi meditated for nine months, hiding from the demon Bhairon Nath. This is why it is also called “Garbh Joon,” meaning the womb.
The cave is narrow, about 15 feet long, and pilgrims have to crawl through it to seek blessings. It is said that passing through the cave symbolizes rebirth and purification. Every year, millions of devotees visit Ardhkuwari Gufa as part of their pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi. The cave is open 24 hours a day, and the journey to it involves a steep trek of around 6 kilometers from Katra, the base camp.
Ardhkuwari Gufa holds immense spiritual significance and is a key stop for pilgrims seeking the blessings of Goddess Vaishno Devi. The experience of crawling through the cave is considered a test of faith and devotion.
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Main Aspects of the Ardhkuwari Gufa
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Tilak Nagar, Purana Daroor, Dhar Vaishno Devi, Kashmir |
| Distance | Approximately 6 km from Vaishno Devi Temple |
| Opening Period | Winter months (January to February) |
| Daily Limit | Up to 50,000 devotees |
| Booking | Online or offline, up to 5 tickets per booking |
| Ticket Price | Free of cost |
| Sevas/Darshans | Morning, Afternoon, Evening Darshan, Special Sevas |
| Dress Code | Traditional attire (dhoti, kurta-pyjama, saree, etc.) |
the available sevas and darshans at Ardhkuwari Gufa:
| Seva/Darshan | Timing |
|---|---|
| Morning Darshan | 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Afternoon Darshan | 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Special Sevas | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
What are the costs of the sevas
| Seva/Darshan | Price |
|---|---|
| Morning Darshan | Free of cost |
| Afternoon Darshan | Free of cost |
| Evening Darshan | Free of cost |
| Special Sevas | Varies (check with temple) |
How To Reach the temple
1. Starting Point: Katra
- Katra is the base camp for the pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi Temple and Ardhkuwari Gufa.
- Katra is well-connected by road, rail, and air.
2. How to Reach Katra
By Air:
- The nearest airport is Jammu Airport (Satwari Airport), located about 50 km from Katra.
- From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Katra.
By Train:
- Katra Railway Station is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.
- Direct trains like the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Express are available.
By Road:
- Katra is well-connected by road to cities like Jammu, Delhi, and Amritsar.
- Regular buses (private and state-run) and taxis are available.
3. From Katra to Ardhkuwari Gufa
Once you reach Katra, you need to trek to Ardhkuwari Gufa. Here’s how:
Trekking Route:
- The trek from Katra to Ardhkuwari Gufa is approximately 6 km.
- The path is well-paved and marked, with facilities like water stations, rest areas, and food stalls along the way.
- The trek is moderately challenging, with some steep sections.
Alternative Options:
- Pony Service:
- Ponies are available for hire at Katra for those who cannot trek.
- Cost: Approximately INR 500–800 (one way).
- Palki (Palanquin) Service:
- Palkis carried by porters are available for elderly or disabled devotees.
- Cost: Approximately INR 2,000–3,000 (one way).
- Helicopter Service:
- Helicopter services are available from Katra to Sanjichhat, which is near Ardhkuwari Gufa.
- From Sanjichhat, you can trek down to Ardhkuwari Gufa (about 1.5 km).
- Cost: Approximately INR 1,800–2,500 (one way).
4. Trekking Route Details
- Katra to Banganga: 1 km (easy trek)
- Banganga to Charan Paduka: 2.5 km (moderate trek)
- Charan Paduka to Ardhkuwari Gufa: 2.5 km (steep climb)
5. Facilities at Ardhkuwari Gufa
- Darshan: The cave is narrow, and devotees can walk through it to seek blessings.
- Prasad: Available at nearby stalls.
- Rest Areas: There are resting points and shelters for devotees.
- Medical Aid: Basic medical facilities are available.
6. Tips for Visiting Ardhkuwari Gufa
- Wear comfortable trekking shoes and carry warm clothing, as the weather can be cold.
- Carry water and light snacks for the trek.
- Start early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat.
- Be cautious while walking through the narrow cave.
7. Distance Summary
- Katra to Ardhkuwari Gufa: 6 km (trek)
- Ardhkuwari Gufa to Vaishno Devi Temple (Bhawan): 3 km (additional trek)