The Yatra begins at Katra and pilgrims have to cover 13 km. of terrain on foot to reach the Darbar.
One kilometer away from Katra this is the place where Mata quenched her thirst.
Marked by the imprints of Mata's feet, this is the place where she first stepped.
The Goddess then meditated in the cave at Adhkawari. Bhairon Nath took 9 months to locate her, the reason why the cave is known as Garbh Joon.
After 9.5 km. you can rest for sometime here. Accomodation is also available. Bhawan is just 3.5 km. away.
On arriving at the Holy Cave at Darbar, she assumed the form of Maha Kali and cut off Bhairon Nath's head which was flung up the mountain by the force of the blow and fell at the place where the Bhairon Temple is now located.
The Holy Cave Shrine of Maa Vaishno Devi is situated in a beautiful recess of the Holy Trikuta Mountains forming a part of the lower Himalayas as in the State of Jammu and Kashmir. There are images of three deities - The Mahakali, Maa Saraswati and Maha Lakshmi.
Accordingly the pilgrims visit Bhairav temple after offering prayers at mother's abode in the cave. Thus, it is believed that the journey to Mata's shrine is not complete unless the devotee visits the temple of Bhairav.
