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The entry gate to the track is around one kilometer from the
bus ~ stand. There are two gates at this point, adjacent to
each other. The old gate is known as Darshani Darwaaza or
Darshani Deodi. Legend says that Mata Vaishno Devi met Pandit
Shridhar at this spot in a girl child form. This is also known
as Darshani Darwaaza because from here one gets a complete
view of Trikuta Mountain. The term Darshan stands for view;
hence symbolically this is the first Darshan of the Yatra.
This spot is at 2800 feet above sea level.
One can either walk it up on fool, which many prefer to do
or hire an auto rickshaw. The charges are Rs. 5 per person on
a sharing basis and Rs. 15/20 for the full rickshaw. If one
has his own vehicle, one can drive up to the new gate,
adjacent to the Darshani Darwaaza and leave it parked there.
But don't forget to lock it properly and to remove all the
valuables before leaving it behind. Parking is at owners risk.
Alternatively, Shrine Board runs a free bus service to and
fro Bus Stand and the new gate which operates every half an
hour. This facility can also be availed.
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