The Vaishno Devi Mandir (temple of Vaishno Devi) is one of the holiest religious places of Hindus. The devout worshipers of Shakti considers a visit to this “mandir” as a pilgrimage. To the devotees, the goddess is also known as Vaishnavi and Mata Rani. Each year, the temple receives innumerable number of visitors that include both tourists and devotees. Near about 5 million devotees visit this holy place every year. It is strongly believed by the followers of Mata Rani, that she fulfills the wishes of her devotees.

The temple of Vaishno Devi is maintained by a board since 1986 known as Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. The donations offered by the pilgrims are reinvested by the Shrine Board for improving the facilities offered to the visitors. They also carry out different developmental activities so that the yatris find more comfort during their journey to the Vaishno Devi Mandir. For any travel related inquiry and assistance, yatris can seek help from the administrative offices set up by the Shrine Board.

The reference to Mountain Trikuta is found in the Vedas. The trend of worshiping Shakti has started from the Puranic age. The Mahabharata also refers to Mother Goddess. It is in this epic that the Mother Goddess was mentioned for the very first time. According to myths, the Pandavas built the temples for Mother Goddess at Bhawan and Kol Kandoli. It is believed that the five stone structures near the Trikuta Mountain represent the Five Pandavas. It is also believed that Guru Gobind Singh visited the holy caves.

According to the Hindu myths, it is believed that the skull of Mata Sati fell at the very place where the holy caves are situated. According to others, the right arm of Mata Sati fell here. Thus caves of Vaishno Devi are considered to be a Shaktipeeth.