Saturday, October 15, 2011

Vaishno Devi




The temple of Vaishno Devi is placed amongst snow capped mountains in the Trikuta mountain in Jammu and Kashir, India. It is one of the most common places for people that travel to India to visit. It is said that the Goddess Vaishno speaks to her followers and once a person receives her "calling", they drop what they are doing and they march toward the temple of Vaishno Devi. Her loyal followers seem to be drawn by a supernatural occurrence and whilst climbing up to the temple they chant, "Prem se bolo, Jai Mata Di". Since this journey is scaling 5,200 feet above sea level, they have a long way to chant and reflect on themselves. 

This temple is among the snow capped mountains and yet, it is still stone washed white. It has an openness of a "courtyard" feel to it and also has a sense of protection with the center being encased. On the roof, there are the smaller box like instances and they have the typical curve of Hindu temples. The columns and the peaks on the roof are almost like they are trying to become closer to the heavens. For dropping everything and responding to a "calling" this is a beautiful place to be called to. 

[Picture from Flickr and the factual information comes from http://www.durga-puja.org/vaishnodevi-temple.html]

Post written by Kelsey Patterson

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