Ban Ganga Temple is a revered Hindu shrine located in the town of Katra, at the base of the Trikuta Mountains in Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is the place where, according to mythology, Goddess Durga created a spring, the Ban Ganga, by shooting an arrow into the ground to quench the thirst of her devotee, Veer Langur. This makes the temple an important stop for pilgrims on their way to the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi.
Ban Ganga Temple is situated in Katra, which is in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is about 2 km from the Katra Bus Stand, on the way to the Vaishno Devi Temple.
There is generally no entry fee for Ban Ganga Temple. However, pilgrims and tourists are expected to maintain the sanctity of the place as it is a religious site.
You can visit the Ban Ganga Temple throughout the year. However, the most auspicious time to visit is during the Navratri festival, which occurs twice a year, typically in the months of March-April and September-October, when the temple and the town of Katra are bustling with festivities and pilgrims.
Facilities provided for tourists and pilgrims at Ban Ganga Temple include potable water, shops selling offerings and religious paraphernalia, and resting spots for those on their way to Vaishno Devi. Accommodation is usually arranged in Katra, where a range of options from budget to luxury are available.
It is a traditional belief that taking a dip in the holy waters of Ban Ganga river purifies the pilgrims before they continue their journey to the shrine of Vaishno Devi. However, it is not mandatory, and visitors can choose to continue without the dip.
Visitors should dress modestly in keeping with the sanctity of the temple, avoid polluting the river and surroundings, and respect the local customs and rituals. Photography inside the temple may be restricted, so be sure to check with the temple authorities.
Pilgrims usually spend a short time for darshan at Ban Ganga Temple en route to Vaishno Devi, typically ranging from 15 minutes to an hour. The duration may extend if pilgrims choose to perform rituals or take a dip in the river.
Guided tours are generally not necessary for Ban Ganga Temple, as it is a small shrine on the way to Vaishno Devi. However, guides are available for the entire pilgrimage to the Vaishno Devi shrine, which includes a stop at Ban Ganga.
Ban Ganga Temple itself doesn't offer accommodations, but plenty of lodging options are available in Katra town for all budgets. Pilgrims can book rooms in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure a comfortable stay before or after their visit to the temple.
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