Ardhkuwari - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 4 km from Charan Paduka, 6 km from Vaishno Devi Temple, and 12 km from Katra Railway Station, Ardhkuwari is a cave temple situated in Katra, Jammu & Kashmir, India. Located on the way to Vaishno Devi Temple from Katra, it is one of the popular places to visit during Vaishno Devi Tour.

After having darshan of Charan Paduka, pilgrims come across the Ardha Kunwari Temple. Perched at an altitude of 4800 feet, Adkuwari is the halfway point of the Mata Vaishno Devi trek as it is situated at a distance of nearly 6 km from Katra town, and the Holy Cave as well. Adkuwari is one of the most important temples in Katra, second only to the main Cave Bhavan. The word Adkuwari is believed to have come from Adi kumari, which means 'The Eternal Virgin'.

According to the legend, Mata Vaishno Devi took shelter in this cave while meditating for nine months. The exact spot where she is believed to have meditated is located at the right-hand side inside the cave and is shaped like a womb. Since Vaishnavi had spent 9 months in a womb-shaped cave, this cave is also known as Garbh Joon. When he found her, she created an exit at the other end with Her trident and proceeded towards the Holy Cave.

One has to crawl on the knees to reach the other side of the 52 feet Ardhkuwari cave. Since the cave is very narrow, only one person can pass through it at a time. It is generally believed that by merely passing through this cave, a devotee's sins are cleansed and his soul becomes pious again. A battery car service is available from Ardhkuwari to Bhawan for the devotees.


Timings: 5 AM - 9 PM, 6.30 AM - 10 PM for Battery Car

Entry: Free, Rs. 350 for Battery Car (One way)