Vaishno Devi
Template:Short description Template:Distinguish Template:For Template:Multiple issues Template:Use dmy dates Template:Use Indian English Template:Infobox deity
Vaishno Devi (also known as Mata Rani, Sherawali, Trikuta, Ambe and Vaishnavi) is an unmarried form of the Hindu mother goddess Mahalakshmi, embodying the tattva of Mahasarasvati and Mahakali.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> Vaishno Devi is worshipped as a combined avatar of the trinity goddesses.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Origin
Purāṇa
According to Mahābhāgavata Upapurāṇa (23.44b-45.39), she is mentioned as "Viṣṇupriyā".<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
In the Varāha Mahāpurāṇa's Triśakti Māhātmya, she originated from the Lakṣmī bhāga (portion) of Goddess Trikalā (the goddess who was born from Trimūrtis) and slayed an asura called Mahiṣāsura on Śataśṛṅga Parvata where the current Trikūṭa Dhāma of Vaiṣṇōdēvī is situated.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref> (Disclaimer: this event is of a separate Kalpa – Mānava Kalpa – and not of our Śvēta Varāha Kalpa). The Nārada Mahāpurāṇa (1.103.1-3) <ref>Template:Cite book</ref> and Matsya Mahāpurāṇa (53.38-40) <ref>Template:Cite book</ref> clarify that the Varāha MahāpurāṇaTemplate:'s events take place during the Mānava Kalpa.
Pāñcarātra
The Lakṣmīnārāyaṇa Saṃhitā (1.4.22-25) mentions the Triśaktis (Brāhmī, Vaiṣṇavī, and Raudrī) of the Varāha Mahāpurāṇan and when describing Vaiṣṇavī, directly calls her "Viṣṇuśakti" and "Lakṣmī". It also says that only because of her Viṣṇu is able to preserve, making it clear that she's a form of Lakṣmī. This event is directly mentioned at the beginning of creation during Kṛta Yuga, where the Tridēvas’ Prakṛtis are introduced. This is in the exact same manner as the Varāha Mahāpurāṇa notates. Vaiṣṇavī directly is stated here as Lakṣmī.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
The Lakṣmīnārāyaṇa SaṃhitāTemplate:'s Kṛtayuga Santāna (1.334.53) <ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> and Dvāparayuga Santāna (3.237.154) <ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> calls her "Māṇikī", the Śakti of Kalki, as she resides on Māṇika Parvata (another name of Trikūṭa).
She is mentioned in the Garga Saṃhitā (5.15.33b) as "Sukṛti", the Śakti and future consort of Lord Kalki.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
Legends
Trikuta Rani/Vaishno devi Legend
The incarnation of Vaishno Devi took place during the Treta Yuga, when Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and other demonic forces were committing atrocities. The three great Shaktis Mahakali, Mahalaxmi, and Mahasaraswati decided to combine their respective energies (Raj, Tam, and Satvik Gunas) to give birth to a single divine power (Divya Shakti) for the preservation of Dharma.<ref name="SampurnKahani">Template:Cite book</ref> From this unified brilliance, a beautiful divine girl emerged. <ref name="SampurnKahani"/> <ref name="NauDeviyan">Template:Cite book</ref> <ref name="PuriKahani">Template:Cite book</ref> This girl was given the name Vaishnavi. <ref name="NauDeviyan"/> <ref name="PuriKahani"/> She was commanded to take birth as a daughter in the home of a man named Ratnakar Sagar in Southern India.<ref name="SampurnKahani"/> Ratnakar Sagar gave her name Trikuta. <ref name="SampurnKahani"/> Her mission was specifically defined as upholding dharma on Earth and assisting in the preservation of Sita, the consort of Lord Rama, an avatar of Vishnu <ref name="SampurnKahani"/><ref name="NauDeviyan"/><ref name="PuriKahani"/> Even from a young age, Devi Trikuta demonstrated her divine powers, attracting sages,seers, and deities. <ref name="SampurnKahani"/><ref name="NauDeviyan"/> With her father's permission, she moved to a secluded area on the seashore, concentrating solely on Lord Rama and performing severe penance. When Lord Rama reached the seashore with his army of Vaanars during his pursuit of Ravana, he saw the young girl absorbed in deep meditation. When questioned about the purpose of her penance, Trikuta introduced herself as the daughter of Ratnakar Sagar and stated her firm resolve to obtain Rama as her husband. <ref name="NauDeviyan"/><ref name="PuriKahani"/> Rama, who had taken a vow of monogamy in that avatar, set a condition. He promised that after defeating Ravana, he would return to her hut in a changed guise, and if she recognized him, he would accept her. <ref name="PuriKahani"/> When Rama returned disguised as an old sadhu after conquering Lanka, Trikuta failed to recognize him. <ref name="PuriKahani"/><ref name="NauDeviyan"/> Upon realizing his true identity, Trikuta was distraught, but Rama offered her solace and assurance. <ref name="NauDeviyan"/><ref name="PuriKahani"/> He instructed her to travel to a beautiful cave on the Trikuta Parvat in North India, where the Tridevi dwell, and immerse herself in penance. <ref name="SampurnKahani"/><ref name="NauDeviyan"/> Rama promised that in the upcoming Kali Yuga, when he takes his Kalki Avatar, she would become his companion. She would become immortal there, and brave Langur warriors (Nal, Neel, Hanuman, Jamvant) would stand as her protectors. Her glory would eventually spread throughout the entirety of World, and she would be famously known as Vaishno Devi. Around 700 years ago, Bhakt Shridhar lived in the village of Hansali, approximately 2 km from Katra. Shridhar was a devout worshipper of the Mahadevi and customarily performed kanya pujan. <ref name="SampurnKahani"/><ref name="NauDeviyan"/> Grieved by his childlessness, he intensified his devotion to Ambika. <ref name="PuriKahani"/> <ref name="SampurnKahani"/> He made a strict vow that he would fast until the Mahadevi herself came to his home and fed him. <ref name="PuriKahani"/> Touched by his unshakeable faith, Mata Vaishno Devi appeared before him in the form of a young, divine girl. The girl instructed Shridhar to organize a Maha Bhandara, the following day and invite people from his village and nearby areas. While distributing invitations, Shridhar encountered the ascetic Guru Gorakhnath and his disciples, including Bhaironnath. Gorakhnath, upon hearing of the grand feast organized by a poor Brahmin on the advice of a young girl, remarked scornfully that Shridhar must be mistaken in inviting him and his 360 disciples. Nevertheless, Gorakhnath and Bhaironnath agreed to attend, deciding to test the veracity of the girl's power. <ref name="PuriKahani"/><ref name="NauDeviyan"/> When the day arrived, a huge crowd gathered, and the divine girl arranged for everyone, including Gorakhnath and his 62 followers, to be seated comfortably in the small hut. Using a miraculous vessel, the girl began serving food that fulfilled every guest's specific desire. Bhaironnath realized the girl was a manifestation of Adi shakti. When the girl approached him, Bhaironnath, intending to test her and driven by impure desire, demanded meat and wine. The girl, however, stated firmly that this was a Brahmin's Vaishnava bhandara, and only vegetarian food would be served. Bhaironnath, attempting to seize the girl in his anger, found that the Kanya-Rupi Mahadevi instantly vanished. Bhaironnath immediately began pursuing her up the Trikuta mountain. <ref name="NauDeviyan"/><ref name="SampurnKahani"/><ref name="PuriKahani"/> Darshani Darwaza is where the Devi vanished from the bhandara site and proceeded toward the Trikuta mountain. It is considered the first gateway to Trikuta Parvat and is located approximately 1 km from Katra. She invoked Veer Hanuman. As the Devi continued her path, her attendant, Veer Hanuman, grew thirsty. To quench his thirst, the Devi struck the rocks with an arrow, causing a stream, known as Ganga, to flow forth. She also washed her hair in this water, contributing to the name Ban Ganga. This sacred place is about 2 km past Darshani Darwaza. After that Mahadevi Vaishnavi paused and looked back to check if Bhaironnath was still following her. Her footprints became imprinted on the rock where she stopped, hence the name Charan Paduka. It is considered the second rest spot on the pilgrimage route. The Devi traveled a considerable distance from Charan Paduka before stopping near a cave. <ref name="NauDeviyan"/> She asked a seated ascetic not to disclose her presence. The Devi then took refuge inside the cave, meditating there for nine months, symbolizing the time a child spends in the womb. When Bhaironnath <ref name="NauDeviyan"/><ref name="PuriKahani"/> When Bhaironnath reached this spot and questioned the ascetic, the tapasi revealed that the girl was Mahashakti, the Adi Kumari, who had observed a vow of perpetual celibacy since creation. When Bhaironnath forcefully entered the cave, the Devi struck the back wall with her trishul, creating an exit and continuing her journey. Hathimatha is known for its steep ascent, likened to the vertical forehead of an elephant. It is situated 2.5 km from Adikuwari. Travelers then proceed to Sanjhi Chhat, an important resting point. The pursuit continued until Devi Kanya reached the beautiful cave on the Trikuta Parvat. She appointed her warrior, Langur Veer, to guard the entrance and prevent Bhaironnath from entering. When Bhaironnath ignored the warning and tried to follow the Devi into the cave, a fierce battle erupted with the Langur Veer. When the Langur began to falter, the Mother Goddess herself assumed the ferocious form of Chandi and struck Bhairavnath, causing his death. Bhairav's headless body fell near the cave, while his severed head landed far below in the valley, which is now known as Bhairav Ghati. As his head separated from his body, Bhairavnath regretted his actions and repeatedly begged the Maa Shakti for forgiveness, worried that the coming age would see him as a sinner. Hearing him call her "Maa" (Mother) repeatedly, the Goddess granted him a divine boon that - "After my worship, your worship will also occur. The pilgrimage of my devotees will only be considered complete and successful when they visit your shrine (Bhairav Mandir) after having my Darshan." <ref name="PuriKahani"/> This promise ensured his moksha. The Bhairav Mandir, built at the spot where his head fell, is located about 1.5 km from Sanjhi Chhat. <ref name="NauDeviyan"/> After the divine girl disappeared following the confrontation, Bhakt Shridhar was heartbroken and gave up food and water. Mata Vaishno Devi then granted him a vision (swapna) of the entire journey and the location of her divine abode. Following the directions shown in his dream, Shridhar eventually found the holy cave. Upon entering and worshipping the Mother, Shridhar was blessed with four sons, and his descendants continue to perform the Mother's worship today. The shrine is located on Trikuta Parvat, approximately 2.5 km from the Bhairav Mandir and stands at an elevation of 5,200 feet above sea level. Inside the holy cave, devotees receive the sacred vision of Mata Vaishno Devi in the form of three natural rock formations known as Pinids. These three Pindis represent the collective power of the three original Tridevi who gave her birth. Mahakali, Mahalaxmi Vaishnavi, and Mahasaraswati. The central Pindi is sometimes identified specifically as Mata Vaishno Devi, reflecting her origin as a form of Mahalaxmi or Vishnu's power. <ref name="SampurnKahani"/> A stream of water, known as the Charan Ganga, flows near the Devi's feet inside the cave. Worship is conducted with offerings such as betel nut, scarf, and coconut. It is believed that Mata Vaishno Devi remains in deep penance in this cave, awaiting the arrival of Lord Vishnu's Kalki avatar at the end of the Kali Yuga. <ref name="NauDeviyan"/>
The Legend of Baba Jittoo
The identity of the Vaishno Devi shrine is deeply intertwined with regional Dogri folklore. A prominent example is "The Story of Baba Jittoo," described as a "long and complex myth" originating from the Jammu region in the 15th century.<ref name="UnderstandingCultureJammu">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> In this legend, Baba Jittoo is depicted as a "poor peasant" and a devout "devotee of Mata Vaishno Devi."<ref name="UNLDigital">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> As analyzed by scholars, the myth functions as a social charter, illustrating "how Vaishno Devi helps her devotees gain... bountiful harvests, and protection from enemies," particularly supporting "poor peasants who are exploited by kings and landlords."<ref name="UnderstandingCultureJammu"/> This narrative exemplifies a classic syncretism, where the pan-Hindu goddess assumes an immanent, socio-economic role as a protector of the oppressed in local Dogri traditions.<ref name="UNLDigital"/>
Pilgrimage route
According to Hindu legend, the pilgrimage route follows the path the Goddess took while fleeing the tantric Bhairav Nath.<ref name="Bansal2017">Template:Cite book</ref> The first major stop is Ardh Kunwari, a cave where the Devi is said to have meditated for nine months.<ref name="Bansal2017"/> This cave is also known as Garbh Joon, or the "Womb Cave," as the shape of the cave is narrow and devotees must crawl through it, symbolizing a spiritual rebirth.<ref name="Raina2007">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
The legend states that when Bhairav Nath located her at Ardh Kunwari, the Goddess used her Trishul to strike the back wall of the cave, creating a new opening. She then escaped through this passage and continued her journey to the main Holy Cave on Trikuta Mountain.<ref name="Dua2005">Template:Cite book</ref>
The final confrontation occurred at the entrance of the Holy Cave (now the Bhawan). After being pursued to this location, the Devi assumed the ferocious form of Ugrachandika and beheaded Bhairav Nath. According to the narrative, his body fell at the entrance to the Holy Cave, while the force of the blow flung his head to a distant, adjacent peak.<ref name="Dua2005"/>
The legend concludes with Bhairav Nath's repentance. As his head lay on the peak, he realized the Devi's true divinity and begged for forgiveness. The Goddess granted him salvation and a boon: that no pilgrimage to her shrine would be considered complete unless the devotee also paid respects at the Bhairav Nath Temple, which now stands at the location where his head is said to have fallen. This is why pilgrims traditionally visit the Bhairav Nath temple after having darshan at the main Holy Cave.<ref name="Dua2005"/>
Temple
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The Vaishno Devi Temple is an important Hindu temple dedicated to Vaishno Devi located in Katra at the Trikuta Mountains within the Indian Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref><ref>Template:Cite book</ref> The temple is one of the 108 Shakti Peethas dedicated to Durga, who is worshipped as Vaishno Devi.<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref> It is one of the most visited pilgrimage centers of India. Every year, millions of visitors visit the temple.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> During festivals like Navaratri, the count even increases to one crore visitors.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the richest temples in India. Authors Michael Barnett and Janice Gross Stein says, "Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Jammu has an annual income of about $16 billion, mainly from offerings by devotees".<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
The temple is sacred to all Hindus. Many prominent saints, such as Vivekananda, have visited the temple.<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
See also
- Jag Janani Maa Vaishno Devi - Kahani Mata Rani Ki
- Jhandewalan Temple
- Vaishnodevi Temple, Rourkela
- Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University
References
Template:Reflist https://www.maavaishnavi.com/51-shakti-peethas-of-maa-durga-maa-sati-dakshayani/