Navratri Rush: More than 75,000 Pilgrims Pay Obeisance at Vaishno Devi Shrine

Arun Jasrotia
Katra :TDD,As the auspicious occasion of Navratri commenced on October 3, the revered Vaishno Devi cave shrine witnessed an overwhelming influx of devotees. More than 75,000 pilgrims have already paid their respects at the holy Cave of Mata Vaishno Devi during the first two days of the nine-days long Navratri. Long queues of devotees can be seen stretching towards the shrine, as countless individuals seek blessings from the divine Mother.
Navratri, a significant Hindu festival, is celebrated with great fervor across North India. During this sacred time, many devotees observe strict fasts, limiting their diet to fruits or a single meal a day. While some choose to abstain from all food, others opt to avoid onions and garlic as a mark of reverence. The nine days of Navratri are dedicated solely to Maa Durga and her nine avatars, and the atmosphere at Vaishno Devi shrine is charged with devotion and spirituality.
On Other hand Ardhkuwari, a sacred cave associated with Mata Vaishno Devi, is witnessing a surge in devotees during the ongoing Navratri festival. The cave, where the Goddess is believed to have rested during her pregnancy, holds immense spiritual significance for pilgrims.To accommodate the large number of devotees, the shrine board has made elaborate arrangements. The area has been beautifully decorated with flowers, and the board is providing various amenities to ensure a comfortable pilgrimage. A free community kitchen has been set up to serve the devotees.
The shrine board is also organizing daily morning and evening aarti ceremonies, which are attracting a large number of devotees. Pilgrims are patiently waiting in queues to seek blessings at the Garbh Joon cave, where the Goddess is believed to have spent nine months.TDD