Bhairon Temple

Bhairon Temple, also known as Bhairon Nath Temple, is a Hindu shrine dedicated to Baba Kal Bhairav located at Bhairon Ghati atop the Trikuta Hills near Katra in Reasi district, Jammu and Kashmir. Situated about 1.5 kilometres from the Vaishno Devi Bhawan at an altitude of around 6,600 feet, it is traditionally visited after the Vaishno Devi darshan. The temple offers panoramic mountain views and holds deep religious importance for pilgrims completing the yatra.

Visitors can expect a steep 1.5 km uphill trek or ropeway ride from Vaishno Devi Bhawan to a small hilltop temple complex at Bhairon Ghati. The setting is high-altitude with panoramic views of the Trikuta range and Katra valley. The temple has a simple sanctum with the idol of Kal Bhairav, queue areas, and open viewpoints. The atmosphere is devotional with chanting and offerings, and facilities like rest shelters and prasad shops along the track.

According to tradition, Bhairon Nath was a tantric who pursued Vaishno Devi to the Trikuta Hills. The legend states that the Goddess beheaded him at the cave, and his head fell at Bhairon Ghati where the temple now stands. He was later granted a blessing that the pilgrimage would be considered complete only after visiting his shrine.

The temple is dedicated to Kal Bhairav, considered the guardian deity of the Vaishno Devi shrine. For devotees, darshan at Bhairon Temple after Vaishno Devi Bhawan is a customary religious practice believed to complete the yatra. It is an important stop during Navratri and throughout the pilgrimage season.