In view of the ongoing examination season across the country, the rush to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Shrine have witnessed a slight dip but around 10 lakh devotees have paid obeisance this year till date at the Shrine nestled in Trikuta Hills of Katra town in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir.
Official sources on Saturday said that there has been a slight decline in the pilgrims due to the examination season and despite that, this year so far nearly 10 lakh devotees have offered prayers to natural pindies inside the cave shrine.
“Presently 15000 to 20000 devotees are reaching the Katra base camp on daily basis to trek for the Bhawan,” they added and said that till March 2, a total of 9,72,143 (round 9.72 lakh) devotees paid obeisance at the cave shrine.
They said that in January, 5.24 lakh devotees and in February, 4.14 lakh devotees visited the shrine.
A shrine board official said that the old natural cave, which was thrown open on Makar Sankranti for the pilgrims, shall be closed after Holi.
