The Charan Paduka Temple is a sacred site located in Katra, near the town of Kashmir, India. This Hindu temple is revered as the place where, according to mythology, the goddess Vaishno Devi's footprints were imprinted on a rock. It marks an important stop for pilgrims on their way to the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi.
The temple is situated at an altitude of about 1,030 meters above sea level on the Trikuta Mountains, about 1.5 km from Banganga in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, India. It's a part of the trek route to the Vaishno Devi Shrine.
Pilgrims typically start from Katra and make their journey up to the temple on foot. The hike takes around 30 to 45 minutes from Banganga checkpoint. Helicopter services, ponies, and porters can also be availed for assistance by those who cannot make the trek on foot.
The best time to visit is generally from March to October when the weather is pleasant. However, the temple remains open throughout the year and pilgrims visit during different seasons. Monsoon months and festivals may see a higher influx of devotees.
For devotees on their way to the shrine of Vaishno Devi, stopping at Charan Paduka Temple is a ritual as it houses the footprints of the Goddess, symbolizing her presence and her blessings for a safe journey ahead. It is an integral part of the pilgrimage.
Basic facilities like drinking water and small eateries are available. However, as it's an intermediate stop, comprehensive services are found back at the base camp in Katra or further along the route at the Ardhkuwari or the Bhawan.
Charan Paduka Temple is a sacred Hindu temple located in Katra, at the foothills of the Trikuta Mountains in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is dedicated to the worship of the footprints of Goddess Vaishno Devi and is an important site for pilgrims on their way to the more famous Vaishno Devi Temple.
The Charan Paduka Temple is situated in Katra, which serves as the base camp for pilgrims heading to the Vaishno Devi Temple in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, India.
The Charan Paduka Temple holds immense religious significance for pilgrims as it is believed to be the spot where the goddess Vaishno Devi rested and left an imprint of her foot on a rock while traveling to the mountains. Devotees visit the temple to pay homage and seek blessings on their spiritual journey.
At the Charan Paduka Temple, tourists can view the sacred footprints of Goddess Vaishno Devi, encased in a rock formation. The site is surrounded by beautiful scenery and offers a sense of peace and devotion.
Visitors reach the Charan Paduka Temple primarily on foot as part of their pilgrimage to the Vaishno Devi Temple. The temple is located about 1.5 kilometers from Ban Ganga, which is a checkpoint that can be reached after an initial ascent from Katra.
The best time to visit the Charan Paduka Temple is during the cooler months from September to March. However, the temple is accessible and visited by pilgrims throughout the year. Visitors should note that the summer months can be quite hot and the monsoon season can bring heavy rains, making the trek more challenging.
While there are no specific festivals held exclusively at Charan Paduka Temple, the Navratri festival is a particularly auspicious time to visit as it coincides with an increase in pilgrim activity to the Vaishno Devi Temple. Celebrations during this time bring an added vibrancy to the pilgrimage experience.
There is no entry fee to visit the Charan Paduka Temple. It is a religious site and is open to all visitors for worship and darshan.
Basic facilities such as drinking water and some small shops selling religious offerings and snacks may be available near the Charan Paduka Temple. Since it is on the route to Vaishno Devi, several facilities are provided by the shrine board at various points on the way, including medical aid, restrooms, and resting points.
There are no direct accommodations at Charan Paduka Temple since it is located on the pilgrimage trail. However, a wide range of accommodations are available in Katra, which serves as the starting point for the trek. These include budget hotels, guesthouses, and more comfortable lodging options.
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