Ardhkuwari Cave

Ardhkuwari Cave (Garbh Joon) is a 15-metre narrow cave midway on the Vaishno Devi trekking route, where Mata Vaishnavi is believed to have meditated in seclusion for 9 months. Crawling through the tight passage (simulating the experience of the womb — garbh = womb) is a powerful and unique spiritual ritual for pilgrims. The cave represents spiritual rebirth. A deeply sacred halfway stop on the 14 km Vaishno Devi yatra from Katra, visited by all pilgrims.