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 kilometres 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 symbolises 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 kilometres 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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About Ardhkuwari Gufa
On the route to the well-known Vaishno Devi Temple in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, is a sacred cave called Ardhkuwari Gufa. For devotees traveling to the Vaishno Devi shrine, this cave has great religious significance. In order to avoid the demon king Bhairon Nath, Maa Vaishno Devi is said to have spent nine months meditating in a small natural cave. The cave is a crucial stop for pilgrims on their spiritual journey because it is situated roughly 5,200 feet above sea level and extends 1.5 kilometers into the mountain.
“Ardhkuwari” means “half a cave,” signifying the time Vaishno Devi spent within this cave prior to becoming an immortal deity. Devotees must crawl through the narrow cave, a symbolic act of humility and devotion, to reach the small shrine inside, which is devoted to Vaishno Devi. The goddess’s struggles while in hiding are symbolized by the dim, cramped passage.
The Vaishno Devi Yatra is thought to require a visit to Ardhkuwari Gufa. It is said that the goddess will bless those who bravely and fervently make their way through this cave. The strong spiritual energy that pilgrims experience along the way makes this cave a significant spiritual landmark.
Ardhkuwari Gufa Drashan Details
| 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.) |
Ardhkuwari Gufa Darshan Timings
| 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 |
ardhkuwari gufa Tickets
| 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)
Best Time to Visit Ardhkuwari Gufa in 2025
Spring and early summer, from March to June: Trekking and darshan are best done during this time of year because of the pleasant weather, which ranges from 15°C to 30°C. The entire pilgrimage experience is improved by the clear skies and pleasant weather.
July through September (monsoon season): Even though the area gets lush and green, a lot of rain can cause landslides and slick roads. Before making travel plans during this time of year, pilgrims should be cautious and consult the weather forecast.
Autumn, from October to November: Because of the Navratri festival, which draws a lot of devotees, these months are regarded as auspicious. The festive mood enhances the spiritual ambience, and the weather is still pleasant.
Winter, December to February: The trek may become more difficult during the winter months due to the cold temperatures and potential for snowfall.
Contact Details for Ardhkuwari Gufa:
Ardhkuwari Gufa cave is part of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board
Address: Katra, Jammu & Kashmir – 182301, India
Helpline Numbers:
- 24×7 Call Center: +91-1991-234053, +91-1991-234054
- For Yatra Registration & Info: +91-1991-234051, +91-1991-234052
- For Helicopter Booking: +91-1991-234055
Official Website: https://www.maavaishnodevi.org
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Ardhkuwari Gufa?
Mata Vaishno Devi is said to have meditated for nine months at Ardhkuwari Gufa, a revered cave close to Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, before moving on to her main shrine.
2. What is the location of Ardhkuwari Gufa?
It is situated roughly 6 km from Katra and 1.5 km ahead of Vaishno Devi’s main shrine on the route to Vaishno Devi Bhawan.
3. What role does Ardhkuwari Gufa play?
Maa Vaishno Devi is said to have sought sanctuary in this cave while evading the demon Bhairon Nath. Devotees think that crawling through the cave, which represents the womb, atones for sins and bestows blessings.
4. During the Vaishno Devi Yatra, is a visit to Ardhkuwari Gufa required?
Although it is not required, going to Ardhkuwari is thought to be very auspicious and is frequently seen as a spiritually necessary component of the yatra.
5. Does Ardhkuwari Gufa have a line or waiting period?
Yes, there is typically a line because of the cave’s small size and the high volume of devotees. The wait may last for several hours on busy days or during Navratri.
6. Can anyone enter the original cave?
The original narrow cave (Garbh Joon) is opened periodically for crowd control and safety reasons. Devotees may be told to take a different route for darshan on some days, while others are permitted to pass through it.
7. Does the cave have any rules?
Yes, you are not permitted to take pictures or bring big bags. The narrow cave may be challenging for the elderly and those with mobility impairments to navigate.
8. Can children or elderly devotees enter the Ardhkuwari cave?
Although a lot of people do, not everyone can fit in the small crawl space. For those who are unable to pass through the small cave, there is another way to perform darshan.
9. When is the ideal time to go to Ardhkuwari Gufa?
Although the cave is open all year round, the best times to visit are during the week or early in the morning to avoid long lines. Because of its spiritual significance, Navratri is a busy time of year.