Ardhkuwari

The Ardhkuwari Temple lies in the mid of Vaishno Devi Yatra. Mata resided here for 9 months to hide from Bhairo Nath. When he found and chased her then she moved toward Bhavan. The yatra of Vaishno Devi is not prolific without visiting this Temple. Another name of Ardhkuwari Temple is Garbha Joon.

Also called as Hathimathha since its shape resembles an elephant’s head, Ardhkuwari Temple is located a half way to Vaishno Devi Shrine. The Ardh Devi Shrine situated in a 15 ft long cave. This is the place Goddess Vaishno Devi had stayed and meditated for nine months due to being chased by Bhairavnath. When the demon entered the cave, the Goddess made a new opening with her trident and beheaded Bhairavnarth in the form of Mahakali. After reading such interesting anecdotes, you may be able to see the temple in new light.

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, in its efforts to increase facilities for devotees visiting the Holy Shrine has started a process of Online Yatra Registraton. Yatries can now obtain all bookings including Yatra Registration slip, Room Bookings and poojan bookings online. To obtain a Yatra Slip Online or use any other Online Service being provided on the official website of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, a devotee would need to register on the website as a Devotee and select a Devotee ID and Password. This username and password obtained by simply registering though the Devotee Zone on the Home Page or by clicking the register link on the Popup Screen itself.

At this place the Goddess is believed to have worshiped Lord Shiva in a cave for 9 months and when Bhairo Nath discovered her inside the cave She made an opening in the cave with her trident and proceeded towards Bhawan. Adkuwari also marks the midpoint of the Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra. There are two routes from Ardhkuwari to go to Bhawan.