Vaishno Devi Shrine Complex

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Complex in the Trikuta Hills of Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir, is one of the most visited religious sites in the world, receiving over 1 crore pilgrims annually. The deity Vaishno Devi — a form of Parvati, Lakshmi, and Saraswati combined — is believed to have manifested in a cave shrine in these hills, which itself is ancient.

The modern bhavan (main shrine complex) was built in 1986, with a 13-km pucca trekking route from the base camp at Katra (or helicopter services). The Shrine Board has invested thousands of crores in stone-paved paths, pilgrim facilities, battery cars, and a ropeway. The cave shrine contains three natural rock formations (pindis) representing the three goddesses. The surrounding Trikuta Hills landscape of pine forests and snow-capped peaks adds to the profound spiritual experience.