Adhkunwari

Adhkunwari is located about 6 km from Katra, at an altitude of 4,800 ft. It is a half way mark to the journey to holy cave. Adhkunwari is considered to be one of the most important darshans where Mata Vaishno Devi is believed to have meditated for nine months.

An exit on the other end of the cave was created by Mata with her trident, when Bhairon Nath approached the cave. The cave is shaped like a womb and is very narrow. Only one person can pass through this cave at a time.

It takes hours for each tourist to get a turn to pass through this cave. In 24 hours, not more than 4,000 devotees can pass this cave. Devotees wishing to pass through the cave are issued a group number. Each group consists of 50 devotees.

Darshan in Adhkunwari include darshans of Nav Durga and Bhakt Hanuman. Tourists who directly wish to proceed to the Bhawan, do not need to obtain any group number. Auto rickshaws are available from Adhkunwari to Bhawan for disabled people.