The origin of Mata Vaishno Devi is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. According to the legend, the goddess was born in the Southern part of India as a young girl named Vaishnavi. She was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu and, from a young age, displayed an unwavering commitment to her faith. As the story goes, Vaishnavi was born to a sage named Ratnakar and was discovered in the wilderness by him. Despite being an ascetic, Ratnakar, overwhelmed by the divine aura of the child, decided to adopt her as his own. As Vaishnavi grew, her devotion to Lord Vishnu intensified, and she expressed her desire to marry him.Lord Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu, came across Vaishnavi during his search for his abducted wife Sita. Impressed by her devotion, he promised to return and marry her after completing his mission. However, on his return, he found Vaishnavi deep in meditation and realized that she had recognized him as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Understanding her commitment, Lord Rama advised her to meditate in the Trikuta Mountains, assuring her that he would return in Kali Yuga to fulfill her wish. Vaishnavi, now known as Mata Vaishno Devi, followed his advice and began her penance in the caves of Trikuta.

The historical records of the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple are not as well-documented as its mythology and legends. However, the temple’s existence can be traced back several centuries. It is believed that the Pandavas, from the Indian epic Mahabharata, were among the first to visit the Holy Cave and pay homage to Mata Vaishno Devi during their exile. Over time, the pilgrimage to the shrine gained popularity, and the temple complex evolved. The existing structure of the temple is relatively modern, with several renovations and additions made over the years. The Shrine Board, constituted by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, manages the temple and oversees its administration.