Unlike many traditional Hindu temples, there is no main sculpted "murti" (idol or statue) . Instead, the Devi reveals herself in a natural petrified rock form known as the holy pindis.
The holy pindis are the main focus for devotees. These consist of three heads emerging from a single rock. Each head has a distinct color and texture. They symbolize the three Shaktis of the universe:
- Mata Maha Saraswati: On the left, with a whitish color, she represents the Supreme Energy of Creation and Satva Guna (purity, wisdom, and knowledge).
- Mata Maha Lakshmi: In the center, with a yellowish-red color, she represents the Supreme Energy of Maintenance and Rajas Guna (wealth, prosperity, and inspiration).
- Mata Maha Kali: On the right, and black in color, she represents the Supreme Energy of Dissolution and Tamas Guna (the power to conquer darkness and the unknown).
Mata Vaishno Devi is worshipped as the supreme form embodying all three of these divine energies. Sometimes, the Maha Lakshmi pindi is also referred to as the Vaishno Devi pindi.
While the natural rock pindis are the absolute focal point of worship, there are several precious modern sculpted images and idols accommodated on the holy platform behind the pindis.
- An image of Mahalakshmi made of 65 Tolas of gold, which was donated by Maharaja Pratap Singh (though sometimes commonly misattributed to Maharaja Gulab Singh)
- A golden image of Mata Vaishno Devi riding a lion, weighing 22 Tolas, which was donated by Dr. Karan Singh in 1977
- Two images of Mahasaraswati, one made of white marble in a sitting posture with four hands, and another cast in brass.
- Two modern images of Mahakali, one made of white marble and the other crafted from an alloy of eight metals (Ashtadhatu).
Despite the presence of these ornate donated idols, the Shrine Board officially guides pilgrims to focus their attention entirely on the natural rock pindis. To ensure that devotees are not distracted from the true Sanctum Sanctorum, the donated idols located behind the pindis are deliberately covered with a curtain during darshan times.
Jay Maa Pindirani