Holy Vaishno Devi of Jammu is here…

Mysore, Sept 21 :

 Can’t go to Trikuta Hills in Jammu to visit Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Mandir? No problem, the Karnataka Exhibition Authority (KEA) has recreated the holy shrine for you at Dasara exhibition grounds and is now open for public. In a first of its kind, the architectural marvel made out of plaster of paris and wood plaster has come up in an area of two acres.The promoters of the shrine say it is an exact replica of original Vaishno Devi Mandir in Jammu.

The Vaishno Devi Mandir in Jammu is the second most visited shrine in India after Lord Venkateshwara temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. Located at a height of 5,300 ft on the holy Trikuta Hills of the Shivalik Hill Range, the shrine attracts nearly 4 million devotees annually from across the world. Mr  G A Velu, replica creator, told TNN that the structure measures 60 ft in height and whopping 300 ft in width. The total cost of the shrine was Rs 70 lakh. More than 300 skilled labors have worked for 45 days to create this magnificent structure. 

“To bring in original feel, artificial ambience has been created using advanced cooling agents to maintain shrine temperature around 30 degrees. The tourists will be entering through giant tiger mouth shaped arch and start their journey. The Goddess Vaishno Devi's abode is in 100 feet long cave with a narrow opening. The holy cold and crystal clear water washes the lotus feet of the Goddess Pindian”, he explains.

Replicating the original shrine, there are three pindies representing Maha Sarswati, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Kali. Besides, en route to Vaishno Devi darshan, devotees will pass through Bhumika temple, Ban Ganga temple, Charan Paduka temple, Ardh Kuwari temple, Bhairon temple, Shiv temple and RadhaKrishna temple.

There is also a 50 feet height Lord Hanuman statue at the entrance, Mr Velu said. Mr B P Manjunath, chairman, KEA, said: “Replica of Vaishno Devi shrine would be the face of this year’s Dasara exhibition. It opens for public for next 84 days. The entrance fee has been fixed at Rs 25 per head”.