Ardhkuwari Temple
Every year lakhs of devotees reach the temple of Maa Vaishno Devi. This temple is considered one of the most sacred pilgrimage centers of Hinduism. To reach here, devotees have to climb up to 12 kilometers to Vaishno Devi. Ardhkunwari temple falls during this holy journey. It is said that the devotees who are traveling to the Vaishno Devi temple, should definitely visit this temple, otherwise the journey can remain incomplete. In such a situation, whenever a devotee goes to Vaishno Devi, he definitely visit Ardhkunwari Mata temple. Let us tell you some interesting things related to this temple.
What is the secret of Ardhkunwari temple?
According to religious beliefs from Ardhkunwari temple, this is the same place where Vaishno Mata did harsh penance for 9 months. It is said that there used to be a cave at this place, whose shape was like a womb. Later, the temple was made in place of this cave, which is known today by the name of Ardhkunwari. Ardhkunwari Mata Temple is also known as Gargjoon Cave.
Why is Ardhkunwari called pregnancy
There is a religious belief that devotees visiting this cave can get rid of the cycle of birth and death. This cave is called pregnancy because it is believed that Mother Vaishno Devi spent 9 months in this cave to hide and do penance from Bhairavnath, just as an infant lives in the mother’s womb. It is said that devotees who visit this cave get salvation. Apart from this, it is also believed that seeing this temple brings happiness and prosperity in life.
Ardhkunwari Temple is located on the main road of Mata Vaishno Devi Temple. To reach here, devotees have to travel a short distance and after darshan here they move towards the main temple. It is believed that Vaishno Devi meditated in this cave and attained the ultimate spiritual power. Devotees have to crawl on the knees to move from one side of the cave to the other, because it is very narrow.
Mythology of Ardhkunwari Temple
According to mythological belief, once a devotee named Sridhar was absorbed in the devotion of Mother, as a result of which the mother appeared as a girl and ordered to organize a grand bhandara. Devotee Sridhar organized Bhandare as per mother and also called Bhairavnath. Bhairavnath demanded meat-madira, but in the form of Virgo, the mother refused her for meat and alcohol.
Bhairavnath was angry with this and tried to catch the mother in anger. Then Vaishno Devi did penance in Ardhkunwari cave for 9 months to change the form and escape from Bhairavnath, because Bhairavnath was following her. This cave was like the mother’s womb, so it is also called the womb cave. When Bhairavnath tried to enter that cave, the mother killed him. It is believed that women do not suffer in pregnancy due to coming to this cave.
(Disclaimer: The information given in this news is based on religious beliefs and general information. TV 9 India does not confirm it.)