Charan Paduka Mandir, Vaishno Devi Trek
Katra, Jammu and Kashmir
Charan Paduka is one of the first shrines on the climb from Katra to the Bhawan, where the footprints of the Goddess are worshipped. By tradition, Goddess Durga halted here when Bhairav Nath was chasing her. The shrine stands at about 3,380 ft (about 1,030 m), and one source puts it about 1.5 km from Banganga. Pilgrims stop for a short darshan before they go on up the track.
What to see and do
- See the holy footprints of the Goddess
- Take a short darshan and a rest on the way up
- Enjoy the first views over Katra and the valley
- Note the first part of the climb, with the track and the services along it
Ideal for
- Pilgrims on the Vaishno Devi yatra
- Families who want to rest at a calm shrine on the climb
- First-time pilgrims who want to learn the legend of the route
Good to know
- It is on the yatra route, so a registration (RFID card) is required to reach it
- The exact location on the map is an estimate and must be confirmed with the Shrine Board's route map
- Keep silence in the shrine, and keep your belongings safe
- The stop is short, about 15 to 20 minutes
Spiritual significance
Charan Paduka is where the legend of the yatra becomes visible, because the footprints mark the place where the Goddess is said to have halted while Bhairav Nath followed her. For many pilgrims, it is the first sacred pause on the climb.
Why it matters
- The footprints of the Goddess: the main focus of the shrine
- A legend of the route: the place where she halted, as the tradition tells
- A first rest on the climb: a quiet stop before the steeper track