Ultimate Guide for Vaishno Devi Bhawan Darshan Timings

Every year, millions of devotees undertake the spiritually enriching journey to seek the blessings of Mata Rani. Unlike most temples that are easily accessible, Vaishno Devi requires a 13-kilometre uphill trek from the base town of Katra, making it not just a pilgrimage but a test of faith and devotion.

Understanding the darshan timings, entry regulations, and ritual schedules at Vaishno Devi Bhawan is crucial for planning a smooth and spiritually fulfilling yatra. This detailed guide covers everything you need to know—from general darshan hours, special aarti schedules, seasonal timing adjustments, and tips for first-time visitors.

In This Blog

1: General Darshan Timings at Vaishno Devi Bhawan

Standard Darshan Timings (All Year Round)

The Vaishno Devi Bhawan remains open for darshan 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, throughout the year. Devotees can have darshan at any hour, making it possible to complete the yatra at a time most convenient for them.

However, there are short intervals during the day and night when darshan is temporarily paused for daily aarti rituals.

Darshan Open: 24×7 (with exceptions during aarti)
Darshan Breaks: Twice a day during Aarti (approx. 2 hours each)

Aarti Timing Schedule

The sacred Aarti of Mata Vaishno Devi is performed twice daily, during which darshan remains temporarily closed.

Morning Aarti

Start Time: Around 6:00 AM
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Darshan resumes: Around 8:00 AM

Evening Aarti

Start Time: Around 6:00 PM
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Darshan resumes: Around 8:00 PM

During this time, the Garbhgriha (Sanctum Sanctorum) is closed, and only the priests are allowed inside to perform rituals. Devotees are requested to wait outside the Bhawan until darshan resumes.

2: What Happens During the Aarti?

The Mata Vaishno Devi Aarti is a deeply spiritual and ceremonial event, considered one of the most divine moments of the day at the shrine.

Ritual Process

The aarti includes:

Bathing of the deity
Offering of flowers, sweets, and chandan
Chanting of mantras by temple priests
Lighting of ghee lamps (deepak)
Musical bhajans and shlokas

The process is elaborate and filled with spiritual vibrations, attracting thousands who choose to plan their visit around these timings.

Check out the itinerary for Vaishno Devi tour:

Special Access to Attend Aarti

Only a limited number of devotees are allowed to be present during the aarti. To witness the aarti:

Advance registration is required
Application can be made via the official Shrine Board website: www.maavaishnodevi.org
ID proof and yatra slip are mandatory
Attendees are expected to follow dress code and maintain silence

Pro Tip: Book early if you want to be part of the aarti, especially during Navratri or peak months.

3: Darshan Timing Based on Seasons and Weather

While darshan at Vaishno Devi is open year-round, seasonal changes can affect travel and yatra schedules.

Summer Season (April – June)

Ideal weather for darshan and trekking
Darshan timings remain 24×7
Crowd levels are high due to summer holidays
Suggestion: Start early in the morning or late evening to avoid heat and crowd

Monsoon Season (July – September)

The shrine remains open
Trek becomes slippery and prone to landslides
Darshan timings unaffected but delays in reaching Bhawan possible
Avoid late-night travel on foot during heavy rains

Winter Season (November – February)

Extremely cold and snowy conditions
Darshan continues 24 hours, even during snowfall
Heated shelters and hot water available
Start your trek early to ensure return before nightfall

4: Vaishno Devi Bhawan Darshan Process – Step-by-Step

1 Step: Yatra Registration

Mandatory for all visitors
Free of cost
Can be obtained at the Yatra Registration Counter, Katra or online
Required for entry at Banganga checkpoint

2 Step: Start of Yatra

Yatra begins from Banganga, accessible from Katra
Devotees may walk, hire ponies, palkis, or battery cars

3 Step: Adhkuwari Darshan

Stopover point with its own temple
Optional, but spiritually significant
Restrooms, medical aid, and food stalls available

4 Step: Sanjichhat

Last major stop before Bhawan
Helicopter service drop-off point
Offers panoramic views and resting areas

5 Step: Reaching Bhawan

Entry allowed upon showing Yatra Slip
Security check mandatory
Lockers available to store mobile phones and leather items

6 Step: Darshan Queue

Based on crowd, waiting time may vary
Off-season: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Peak season: 2 to 6 hours

7 Step: Mata Rani’s Darshan

Inside the cave: Three Pindis representing Mata Kali, Mata Lakshmi, and Mata Saraswati
Devotees touch the rock form of the goddess and seek blessings

5: Special Darshan Passes & Priority Darshan

While the shrine does not offer paid darshan, certain facilities are available for specific cases.

Senior Citizens & Divyangjan (Persons with Disabilities)

Special queue with priority access
Battery car or palki service recommended
ID proof and medical documents may be required

Aarti Attendees

Registered devotees may be allowed inside during aarti (limited seats)
Access granted after background verification and approval

Helicopter Ticket Holders

May receive priority darshan depending on crowd
Access from Sanjichhat to Bhawan on foot or by pony

Note: No VIP or paid darshan schemes are officially offered by the Shrine Board.

6: Vaishno Devi Bhawan Timings for Other Facilities

Besides darshan, several facilities at Bhawan operate on set schedules.

Facility	Timings
Cloak Room	24×7
Prasad Counter	6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Medical Center	24×7 (emergency services only)
Snan Ghar (Bathing area)	4:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Blanket Room	6:00 PM to 9:00 AM
Accommodation Check-in	From 11:00 AM
Food Counters	5:00 AM to 11:00 PM

7: Best Time of Day for Darshan

Early Morning (4:00 AM to 7:00 AM): Peaceful, minimal queues
Late Night (10:00 PM to 2:00 AM): Quieter but colder and challenging
Avoid Aarti Timings unless attending specifically
Midday to Evening: Usually more crowded

8: Tips for First-Time Visitors

Arrive early at the Bhawan if you plan darshan without delay
Avoid carrying prohibited items – mobile phones, leather belts, bags
Carry woolens even in summer – Bhawan is chilly year-round
Use Shrine Board accommodations – reliable and clean
Hydrate and eat light before the final stretch to Bhawan
Keep track of your group, especially in queues or shelter areas
Watch your step—the marble floors at Bhawan can be slippery during winter

9: Important Contact Information

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Official Website: www.maavaishnodevi.org
24×7 Helpline: +91-1991-234053
Katra Yatra Registration Counter: Near Bus Stand, Katra
Helicopter Booking Queries: Only through the official portal

Conclusion: Darshan with Devotion and Planning

A darshan at Vaishno Devi Bhawan is more than a spiritual visit—it is a journey of devotion, strength, and inner transformation. By knowing the exact darshan timings, aarti schedules, and temple procedures, you can better plan your yatra and focus on your spiritual experience rather than logistical challenges.

Whether you’re making your first yatra or returning for the tenth time, the divine energy at Vaishno Devi Bhawan remains constant—inviting, powerful, and eternal.

May Mata Rani bless you on your journey. Jai Mata Di.

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1: General Darshan Timings at Vaishno Devi Bhawan