The Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu and Kashmir will remain closed for three days, from October 5 to 7, following forecasts of heavy rainfall in the region. The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board announced the temporary suspension of pilgrimage activities as a safety measure for devotees and staff.

Safety Measures Trigger Temporary Closure

The Shrine Board stated that the decision was taken after meteorological warnings predicted intense rainfall over the next few days. Authorities emphasized that the move is purely precautionary, aimed at preventing any potential mishaps along the steep and often slippery routes leading to the revered shrine. Pilgrims have been advised to postpone their travel plans until conditions improve and official updates confirm safe resumption of movement.

Recent Landslide Prompted Earlier Shutdown

This latest closure follows a 22-day suspension of pilgrimage activities in August, which was enforced after a devastating landslide claimed 34 lives near the route to the temple. The incident had prompted a large-scale safety review by local authorities and the Shrine Board, leading to enhanced monitoring of weather patterns and terrain stability around the pilgrimage path.

Pilgrimage Resumed with Strong Devotee Turnout

After remaining closed for nearly three weeks, the Vaishno Devi yatra resumed on September 17 under strict safety protocols. Since reopening, more than 1.70 lakh devotees have visited the shrine, reflecting both faith and resilience among pilgrims despite recent challenges. The administration had implemented crowd control measures, improved lighting along pathways, and stationed additional rescue teams to ensure smooth operations during this period.

Weather Forecasts Raise Renewed Concerns

Meteorological departments have issued alerts predicting heavy rainfall across parts of Jammu and Kashmir during the first week of October. Given the mountainous terrain surrounding Katra—the base camp for pilgrims—authorities are particularly cautious about risks such as landslides or flash floods that could endanger travelers on foot or by pony along steep sections of the route.

Authorities Urge Caution Among Pilgrims

Officials have appealed to devotees to stay updated through official Shrine Board communications before planning their journey. Local accommodations and transport operators have also been informed about the temporary halt so they can assist visitors with rescheduling or cancellations as needed. Emergency response units remain on standby should weather conditions deteriorate further during this period of closure.

The Vaishno Devi shrine is one of India’s most visited pilgrimage destinations, drawing millions each year who trek through challenging terrain to reach the sacred cave temple nestled in the Trikuta Hills. While temporary closures can disrupt travel plans, authorities maintain that ensuring safety remains their foremost priority amid unpredictable weather conditions in the region.