The multiple paths leading to the Vaishno Devi temple in north India. These paths have been constructed clinging to the hillside as is visible in the photo, and in this photo, the sheer scale of the mountain on which these paths have been constructed is shown. There are 2 paths leading to the temple compound, with the upper path descending from a higher region, there being another temple located at a higher point, and also the helicopter landing pad also being located at a higher level. The shrine of Vaishno Devi is one of the most revered shrines for the Hindu religion, being the second most visited such shrine (with the southern shrine of Tirupati) being the most visited shrine in India. The Vaishno Devi Mandir is dedicated to the manifestation of Shakti and is a manifestation of the mother goddess (a supreme being who is extremely powerful and plays a very important role in creation). The crowd of devotees is such that a view of the stones inside the cave (the cave is housing stones that are supposed to be a representation of the goddess) is very brief. The amount of fervor of devotees visiting the shrine is incredible, and one can see people on the journey chanting religious slogans honoring the goddess.
The temple is located in the northern-most Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, more easily reachable from Jammu than from Srinagar. It is reached from the base town of Katra, and is a walking distance of 14km on an uphill climb. Over a period of time, the path leading to the shrine has been made more comfortable, from the earlier steep stair climb to a modern path (on which horses or palanquin carriers can carry people) and part of the distance is also covered through a battery powered vehicle. In addition, there is also a helicopter ride to the shrine, which is very comfortable for those who want to do a quick journey or those who are unable to do the physical rigors of the trip.
For many people, the shrine of Vaishno Devi is one that they would like to pray t