Maa Vaishno Devi Temple (Kullu)
Also known as Vaishno Devi Temple Kullu, Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir Biasar, Mata Vaishno Mahadevi Tirth, Mahadevi Tirth
Maa Vaishno Devi Temple in Kullu, on the Beas River near the Manali highway, is an independent 20th-century Devi shrine distinct from Jammu's cave temple.
Photos of Maa Vaishno Devi Temple (Kullu)
- Presiding Deity
- Devi
- Established
- 1966 CE (foundation laid 1962 by Swami Sewak Das Ji Maharaj)
- Architecture
- Modern North Indian / Himachali complex — concrete-and-stone with a small natural cave shrine, mandir hall and a Shiva shrine
- Address
- Mahadevi Tirth, 2 km Milestone from Kullu, NH 21, Bashing / Biasar, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh 175138
- Timings
- 05:00-21:00 daily (verify locally — aarti twice daily, morning and evening)
History of Maa Vaishno Devi Temple (Kullu)
The foundation of the Mahadevi Tirth was laid in 1962 when the saint Swami Sewak Das Ji Maharaj, a great devotee of Vaishno Mata, came to this site in search of eternal peace and identified the spot as a former abode of Mahadevi. The temple was built in 1966. A small natural cave here enshrines the idol of Goddess Vaishno Devi along with an idol of Goddess Durga. The complex also houses a Shiva temple. After Swami Sewak Das Ji's death, the temple is managed by the Shri Sharda Maa Sewa Sangh / Sharda Seva Trust, which runs a free langar and a sarai (pilgrim lodge). The Beas River flows beside the temple, which sits about 2 km from Kullu town on the Kullu-Manali National Highway (NH 21).
Festivals Celebrated at Maa Vaishno Devi Temple (Kullu)
- Sharad Navratri
- Chaitra Navratri
- Shravan month observances
- Holi
How to Reach Maa Vaishno Devi Temple (Kullu)
Nearest airport: Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali) Airport, ~50 km. Nearest railhead: Joginder Nagar narrow-gauge (~70 km) or Chandigarh broad-gauge. By road: ~2-3.5 km from Kullu bus stand on NH 21 (Kullu-Manali highway), well-served by HRTC/HPTDC buses and taxis from Chandigarh, Delhi, Shimla, and Manali.
Frequently Asked Questions about Maa Vaishno Devi Temple (Kullu)
Where is Maa Vaishno Devi Temple (Kullu) located?
- Maa Vaishno Devi Temple (Kullu) is located at Mahadevi Tirth, 2 km Milestone from Kullu, NH 21, Bashing / Biasar, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh 175138, in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Who is the presiding deity at Maa Vaishno Devi Temple (Kullu)?
- The presiding deity at Maa Vaishno Devi Temple (Kullu) is Devi (also known as Shakti, Durga), worshipped in the Shakta tradition.
What are the timings of Maa Vaishno Devi Temple (Kullu)?
- Maa Vaishno Devi Temple (Kullu) is generally open 05:00-21:00 daily (verify locally — aarti twice daily, morning and evening). Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Maa Vaishno Devi Temple (Kullu) built?
- Maa Vaishno Devi Temple (Kullu) was established 1966 CE (foundation laid 1962 by Swami Sewak Das Ji Maharaj). Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Maa Vaishno Devi Temple (Kullu)?
- Maa Vaishno Devi Temple (Kullu) is built in the Modern North Indian / Himachali complex — concrete-and-stone with a small natural cave shrine, mandir hall and a Shiva shrine style, characteristic of Devi shrines of this region.
Which festivals are celebrated at Maa Vaishno Devi Temple (Kullu)?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Maa Vaishno Devi Temple (Kullu) include Sharad Navratri, Chaitra Navratri, Shravan month observances, Holi. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Himachal Pradesh and beyond.
How can I reach Maa Vaishno Devi Temple (Kullu)?
- Nearest airport: Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali) Airport, ~50 km. Nearest railhead: Joginder Nagar narrow-gauge (~70 km) or Chandigarh broad-gauge. By road: ~2-3.5 km from Kullu bus stand on NH 21 (Kullu-Manali highway), well-served by HRTC/HPTDC buses and taxis from Chandigarh, Delhi, Shimla, and Manali.
Why is Maa Vaishno Devi Temple (Kullu) significant?
- Maa Vaishno Devi Temple in Kullu, on the Beas River near the Manali highway, is an independent 20th-century Devi shrine distinct from Jammu's cave temple.
Is there an entry fee at Maa Vaishno Devi Temple (Kullu)?
- Entry to the main shrine of Maa Vaishno Devi Temple (Kullu) is generally free for darshan. Special sevas, abhishekams and priority queues may carry a nominal fee — check with the temple office on arrival.
What is the dress code at Maa Vaishno Devi Temple (Kullu)?
- Maa Vaishno Devi Temple (Kullu) follows the traditional dress code observed at Himachal Pradesh temples — modest attire covering shoulders and knees. Many shrines in the region also expect men to remove upper garments before entering the sanctum.