KASHMIR TO KATRA, JAMMU: TRIP TO VAISHNODEVI TEMPLE

As we could not collect plant samples, I decided to return back to Mahendranagar as soon as possible. So, I had meeting with Prof. Reshi and Mr. Pervaiz about sampling. They convinced me that they will send samples as soon as possible.

We left Kashmir early in the morning at 4:30 AM on 9^th July 2011. On the way back, Banbarilal wanted to visit VaishnoDevi temple. Sharmila and I were also interested to visit that temple because it is one of the most popular Hindu temples that Hindu pilgrims visit. It is one of the most visited Hindu temples. I heard people form Nepal making trip to this temple.

I was very disappointed as we could not collect samples ourselves and was with little hope that Mr. Pervaiz will collect samples and sent them to Trondheim. I had little hope because I had trouble in sending soil probes and temperature buttons to India. Specially, the Indian custom at Delhi asked very unnecessary questions and made delay in sending those items. Although the samples were sent via DHL, the service in India was very poor.

I have to call many times the DHL office in Norway about it. Once it was the situation when I say I am calling from Trodheim, the DHL personal recognize me.

We reached Katra, from where we have to start trip to VaishnoDevi temple. As we knew that there is helicopter service to temple, I tried but we could not get tickets for that. The seats use to be booked before 2-3 months. It was 14:00 at day time, we started our trip. On the way it rained heavily so, we have to stop for nearly half an hour. Banbarilal had already been that temple twice before. He told us that it will take 5 hours plus to reach the temple. I was wondering for Sharmila that she might not be able to walk for such long but she refused to take horse. There were horse services up to half way and if we are lucky, we could get tempo up to temple.  But, we could not get tempos too. We have to walk uphill for 5-6 hours however the walking trail was very beautiful, wide and easy to walk. On the way there are many cafes, rest rooms, toilets etc.

We reached VaishnoDevi temple at 19:30 PM and took bath and stand in queue for worship. As it was time for Arati, we have to stand longer in a queue. After three and half hours queue, we got opportunity to worship BaishnoDevi. The temple is situated at the juncture of the big mountains. However, there were many rest rooms for devotees, get blanket for free but have to deposit 100 Indian rupees and get refunded when they return blankets.

We were so, tired but we decided to walk back to Katra after worship because the area was so crowded with devotees. We could hardly find place to sleep and even if we find, it might be problematic to sleep because of crowd.

It was memorable way back. We had pain, muscles were swelling but we kept on walking until we reached Katra. We arrived Katra at 03:25 AM. Sharmila and I had muscle pain in our legs however, Banbarilal seems ok. Luckly we found two boys who could massage our legs. They provide massage for 20 Indian rupees for each with massage oils. We fell very relief after massage.

We slept in Jeep for nearly three hours, had tea and continued our journey. On the way we planned to visit Ramdev Baba's Ashram at Haridwar and Haridwar temple.