Vaishno Devi VIP Darshan : Vaishno Devi VIP Darshan is a special privilege offered to pilgrims, allowing them to have a faster and more seamless experience during their visit to the sacred shrine. Here’s a breakdown of the VIP Darshan options for Bhawan and Ardhkuwari. Vaishno Devi, nestled in the serene Trikuta Mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, is one of the holiest shrines in India.
Every year, millions of devotees undertake this sacred pilgrimage to seek blessings from Goddess Vaishno Devi. While the trek and Darshan are spiritually fulfilling, the large influx of devotees often leads to long queues and waiting times. To ease the process, the Shrine Board offers VIP Darshan options, allowing devotees to enjoy a smoother and more comfortable spiritual experience.
What is Vaishno Devi VIP Darshan?
VIP Darshan is a priority service that provides devotees with direct or expedited access to the main sanctum (Bhawan) or other important locations like Ardhkuwari. This service is designed to minimize waiting times, especially during peak seasons such as Navratri or New Year.
Benefits of Vaishno Devi VIP Darshan
- Quick Access: Bypass long queues for a quicker and more peaceful Darshan.
- Comfortable Experience: Ideal for elderly, differently-abled individuals, or those with tight schedules.
- Time-Saving: Save hours that can otherwise be spent exploring other parts of the shrine or nearby attractions.
1. Vaishno Devi Bhawan VIP Darshan
Vaishno Devi Bhawan VIP Darshan offers a seamless and spiritually enriching experience for devotees seeking the blessings of Mata Vaishno Devi without the hassle of long queues. With three distinct modes to access the sanctum, this guide explains each option in detail to help you plan your pilgrimage effectively.
Comparison of Bhawan VIP Entry Gates
| Mode | Eligibility | Benefits | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gate No. 2 (Attka Aarti) | All devotees with prior booking | Includes Aarti and VIP Darshan | 2,000 Rs Per Person |
| SSVP Pooja | All devotees with prior booking | Personalized pooja and Aarti Darshan | Category A (Rs.26,000) Category B (Rs.48,000) Category C (Rs.71,000) Category D (Rs.12,1000) |
| Gate No. 5 | Armed Forces & Police families | Free VIP access | Free |
1. (Gate No. 2): VIP Gate with Attka Aarti Access
Gate No. 2 is designated for VIP Darshan, particularly for devotees who book the Attka Aarti at the Bhawan.
i) What is Attka Aarti?
Attka Aarti is a sacred ritual performed twice daily—once in the morning and once in the evening. It is an intimate spiritual experience where devotees can witness the worship of Mata Vaishno Devi up close.
ii) How to Book Attka Aarti?
- Online Booking: The Aarti can be booked through the official Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board website or mobile app.
- Inclusions: VIP Darshan is included with the Aarti booking, providing direct entry via Gate No. 2.
iii) Attka Aarti Timings
- Morning Aarti: 06:20 Am to 8:15 Am
- Evening Aarti: 07:20 Pm to 08:45 Pm
iv) Attka Aarti Cost
The Attka Aarti package includes charges for the Aarti and VIP Darshan – 2,000 Rs Per Person
2. Shraddha Suman Vishesh Pooja (SSVP)
This personalized pooja service caters to devotees who wish to participate in special rituals and have a VIP Darshan at the Bhawan.
i) What is SSVP – Shraddha Suman Vishesh Pooja (SSVP) ?
The Shraddha Suman Vishesh Pooja is a premium service that includes:
- Individual Pooja performed in the devotee’s name.
- Priority access to Aarti Darshan.
ii) How to Book SSVP Vaishno Devi ?
- Booking: Advance reservations can be made through the Shrine Board’s online portal or by visiting the Katra registration counter.
- Eligibility: Open to all devotees, this facility ensures a serene spiritual experience.
iii) SSVP Timings & Cost
The pooja schedule and charges are provided during the booking process.
SSVP Category A (Rs.26,000)
- No of Persons Allowed: One
- Privileges Entitled under the Package:
- Aarti Darshan (inside Holy Cave) for one Adult along with a child below ten years.
- One two bedded AC Room in Niharika.
- One two bedded room at Bhavan.
- Maximum of three meals for one adult and one child at Katra/Bhavan.
- Lifafa Prashad.
- Helicopter ticket/Battery Car ticket for one person.
- Priority access to the Passenger Ropeway.
SSVP Category B (Rs.48,000)
- No of Persons Allowed: Two
- Privileges Entitled under the Package:
- Aarti Darshan (inside Holy Cave) for two Adults along with two children below ten years.
- One two bedded AC Room in Niharika.
- One two bedded room at Bhavan.
- Maximum of three meals for two adult and two children to cost at Katra/Bhavan.
- Lifafa Prashad X 2.
- Helicopter ticket/Battery Car ticket for two persons.
- Priority access to the Passenger Ropeway.
SSVP Category C (Rs.71,000)
- No of Persons Allowed: Three
- Privileges Entitled under the Package:
- Aarti Darshan (inside Holy Cave) for three Adults along with two children below ten years.
- One four bedded AC Room in Niharika.
- One four bedded room at Bhavan.
- Maximum of three meals for three adults and two children at Katra/Bhavan.
- Lifafa Prashad X3.
- Helicopter ticket/Battery Car ticket for three persons.
- Priority access to the Passenger Ropeway.
SSVP Category D (Rs.1,21,000)
- No of Persons Allowed: Five
- Privileges Entitled under the Package:
- Aarti Darshan (inside Holy Cave) for five adults alongwith two children below ten years.
- One four bedded AC Room and one two bedded AC Room in Niharika.
- One Four Bedded and One Two Bedded room at Bhavan.
- Maximum of three meals for five adults and two children at Katra/Bhavan.
- Lifafa Prashad X5.
- Helicopter ticket/Battery Car ticket for five persons (Subject to availability of service).
- Priority access to the Passenger Ropeway.
A maximum of two children (below ten years of age) will be accommodated free under B, C and D categories. One child (below ten years of age) will be accommodated free under category A. On occasion/festivals/Navratras and Saturday’s and Sunday’s falling between 15th March to 15th July Rs.35000/- per devotee will charge.
3. Gate No. 5: Reserved for Armed Forces and Police Families
Gate No. 5 provides direct entry for devotees who belong to the families of:
- Army personnel.
- Indian Armed Forces (Navy, Air Force, etc.).
- Police and paramilitary forces.
Eligibility
- Valid identification or proof of association with the respective force is required to access this gate.
- This facility is free and ensures hassle-free Darshan for service families.
2. Ardhkuwari VIP Darshan
The Ardhkuwari temple, located halfway along the trek to the Bhawan, is another key point for devotees. VIP Darshan here ensures quicker entry into the narrow Garbh Joon cave, which often has long waiting times.
How to Book Ardhkuwari VIP Darshan ?
- Yatra Slip Upgrade: Check at the Yatra Registration Counter in Katra for any premium options for Ardhkuwari.
Ardhkuwari VIP Darshan Timings
- Ardhkuwari Darshan is open throughout the day, but slots for VIP Darshan depend on availability.
Ardhkuwari VIP Darshan Fare
| Darshan Type | Darshan Ticket Price | Darshan Timings |
| Ardhkuwari VIP Darshan (Aarti & Garbhjune Gufa Darshan) | 350 Rs Per Person | Morning: 06:20 Am Evening: 06:30 Pm |