Mata Vaishno Devi Traditional old Cave open for Darshan

Jammu (Jammu & Kashmir), January 17, 2013 - Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) has decided to keep traditional old cave of Mata Vaishno Devi open till the yatra is below 10,000 pilgrim seeking darshan.

Around 10,000 yatris could have darshan easily from the traditional cave without any waiting. Official sources shared that traditional old cave of Mata Vaishno Devi has been opened as the yatra presently has been between 9,000 to 11,000. It touched 15,000 during weekends.

The SMVDSB has decided to keep open the natural (old) cave from 10 am to 4 pm during day time and 10.30 pm to 5 am during the night provided pilgrim rush didn't escalate and water level inside the cave was within the limits so that the pilgrims could have darshan easily. The water is getting very cold inside the cave during night.

This aspect was also being taken into consideration while allowing the pilgrims from the natural cave to the sanctum sanctorum for darshan of natural pindies of Goddess Vaishno Devi.

The months of January and February generally witnessed low rush due to extreme cold coupled with people occupied with the preparation of exams by the students. The rush usually picks up in mid March.