Jammu: The natural cave of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine nestled in Trikuta Hills of Reasi district in Jammu and Kashmir is to be thrown open for pilgrims on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on Tuesday.
“Old (natural) cave will be thrown open for pilgrims for darshan of pindies of Mata Vaishno Devi as per usual practice in vogue,” an official said.
He said that likewise every year the natural cave will be opened for pilgrims on Makar Sankranti falling this year on January 14 (Tuesday).
Chief Executive Officer, of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Anshul Garg confirmed the opening of the natural cave for the pilgrims on Makar Sankranti.
The cave is expected to remain open for one month depending upon the yatra rush.
However, officials at the Bhawan are authorized to regulate the darshan through a natural cave considering the yatra rush and congestion at Bhawan to avoid any inconvenience to pilgrims.
“Due to continuous heavy influx of yatra, the darshan through the old cave is not possible and remains closed for Yatris throughout the year,” said an official.
On October 6, 2024 to facilitate the pilgrims, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board introduced virtual darshan through a natural cave by installing kiosks at five locations en route to Bhawan.
As per the officials, the pilgrims often demand the opening of an old traditional natural cave for darshan, which is thrown open only once a year.
To fulfill their desire of darshan through the natural cave is also being done via virtual mode especially the elderly pilgrims who express faith in paying obeisance through the natural cave.
