Many visitors have visited the Mata Vaishno Devi temple, but they may not know about the origin of this goddess or the mythological stories associated with her famous temple located on Mount Trikuta. It also remains a mystery why Mata Vaishno Devi is worshipped in the form of three bodies and why the pilgrimage is considered incomplete without visiting the Bhairavanath temple.
The Three Forms of Divine Power of Mata Vaishno Devi
There is a belief that Mata Vaishno Devi represents the combined powers of Mahakali, Mahasaraswati, and Mahalakshmi. In the sacred cave of the Mata Vaishno Devi temple, located in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, the goddess is worshipped in the form of three natural idols. These three idols are considered incarnations of Mahakali, Mahasaraswati, and Mahalakshmi, and their joint manifestation is called Mata Vaishno Devi. There are many legends surrounding this holy place, the most famous of which is the story of Pandit Shridhar and Bhairavanath.
The Goddess Appeared at Pandit Shridhar's Camp
According to legends, Pandit Shridhar lived in the village Hansli near Katra in the Jammu region. He was an extremely devout and simple man, but due to the lack of children, he often remained sad. One day, Pandit Shridhar decided to organize a charitable feast (bhandara) for the villagers. The villagers helped him, but it turned out that the collected materials were insufficient to feed everyone who wished to attend. The night before the feast, Pandit Shridhar could not sleep due to worry. The next day, he took a bath and began worshipping in his hut. Gradually, people started arriving at the bhandara, and Pandit Shridhar continued to worry about how to provide food for such a large number of people.
At that moment, a very beautiful and radiant girl named Vaishnavi appeared. She took over the entire organization of the feast and fed everyone present in the shortest possible time. The bhandara was successful. The villagers praised this girl, but after the feast ended, she suddenly disappeared.
The Sign of the Cave in a Dream
It is said that one day this same girl appeared to Pandit Shridhar in a dream. She informed him about the existence of a sacred cave and also granted him the blessing of having offspring. After this, Pandit Shridhar realized that the girl who came to the bhandara was not just an ordinary girl, but Mata Vaishno Devi herself. According to belief, after this, Pandit Shridhar began searching for this sacred cave, and since then, the tradition of worship and pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi continues in this place.
Bhairavanath Pursued Mata
Next comes the well-known story involving Mata Vaishno Devi and Bhairavanath. According to legend, Guru Gorakhnath and his disciple Bhairavanath were present at the bhandara organized by Pandit Shridhar. When the girl Vaishnavi served food to Bhairavanath, he demanded meat. Vaishnavi politely explained that this was a bhandara in a Brahmin's house, so only sattvic and vegetarian food was available. However, Bhairavanath insisted. He tried to grab Vaishnavi. Then Vaishnavi escaped from him and headed towards Mount Trikuta. Bhairavanath followed her all the way to Mount Trikuta.
Mata Created Baanganga
According to belief, during the journey through Mount Trikuta, Hanuman accompanied Mata Vaishno Devi to protect her. When Hanuman became hungry, Mata released an arrow from her bow into the ground, from which a stream of water flowed. It is said that Mata washed her hair in this stream. This is why the place is called Baanganga. Pilgrims believe that bathing in Baanganga washes away a person's sins and increases the purity of the pilgrimage.
Mata Meditated in Ardhkunwari Cave
After this, Mata Vaishno Devi secluded herself in a cave and began to meditate. Legend has it that Hanuman guarded her outside during this time. Bhairavanath also reached this place, pursuing her. At this time, one sadhu explained to him that the girl he was pursuing was not just a girl, but the goddess herself. But Bhairavanath did not listen to the sadhu's words. It is said that Mata Vaishno Devi exited the cave by another route. This place is known as Ardhkunwari or Ardhkumari.
Exiting the cave, Mata Vaishno Devi assumed her divine form and told Bhairavanath to leave. However, Bhairavanath did not stop pursuing her. Then Mata re-entered the cave. According to belief, a battle took place between Hanuman and Bhairavanath at this time. When this battle dragged on, Mata Vaishno Devi herself emerged and killed Bhairavanath. It is said that the place where Bhairavanath's head fell is known today as Bhairav-Vali, and the Bhairavanath temple is located there.
When Bhairavanath realized his mistake, he apologized to Mata Vaishno Devi.