The Vaishno Devi Cave Temple in Alwar, Rajasthan, holds a special place in the hearts of devotees. Built 55 years ago, it is a remarkable replica of the famous Vaishno Devi temple in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir. Located in Malakheda Bazaar, the temple opens only during the nine days of Navratri. During this time, it becomes a hub of devotion and celebration.
Vaishno Devi Cave Temple In Alwar Opens During Navratri Celebrations
The temple’s design mirrors that of the Katra Vaishno Devi temple. Artisans from Jammu were specially brought in to construct the temple and its cave, ensuring it resembled the original. The craftsmanship is meticulous, with the structure closely following the design of the Katra temple. However, the Alwar temple has its own unique features, making it stand out as a place of worship. One such feature is that the cave inside the temple is kept cold by placing ice daily, providing a refreshing experience for devotees.
The temple is a place where the goddess Vaishno Devi is worshipped in three forms: Kali, Saraswati, and Lakshmi. These three manifestations represent different aspects of the divine feminine. Additionally, the temple houses other deities, such as Jhulelal, Santoshi Mata, Ganesh Ji, Hanuman Ji, Shiv Parivar, and Ram Darbar. This wide range of divine figures makes the temple a spiritual centre for many.
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Seeking Blessings At The Temple
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During Navratri, the temple becomes a lively and sacred space. Devotees from across Rajasthan and beyond flock to the temple to seek blessings. The temple opens as early as 4 am and stays open until midnight, allowing devotees ample time for darshan. The goddess is worshipped in the form of a Pindi, a sacred stone symbolising her presence. Those unable to travel to the Vaishno Devi temple in Katra often come to Alwar to offer their prayers.
The atmosphere inside the temple during Navratri is filled with devotion. Devotees sing devotional songs and bhajans, creating a festive and spiritual environment. Many visitors join in the singing, and some even dance to express their joy and reverence for the goddess. The temple becomes a centre of energy and devotion, with people of all ages participating in the celebrations.
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Once Navratri ends, the temple closes. The Mahant of the temple, Naresh Parashar, ensures that the deity is worshipped with utmost respect even when the temple is not open. After Navratri, the aarti is performed from outside the cave, and the deity is worshipped from a distance. The cave remains closed until the next Navratri.
Cover Image Courtesy: Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir Gufa Wala /Facebook
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