The holy cave of Vaishno Devi houses exactly three pindis (natural rock formations. These three pindis represent the three supreme energies or manifestations of the devi!
(Left/White) Mata Maha Saraswati: The Supreme Energy of Creation
(Middle/Golden) Mata Maha Lakshmi/Vaishnavi: The Supreme Energy of Maintenance
(Right/Black) Mata Maha Kali: The Supreme Energy of Dissolution
There are no statues or idols inside the cave, instead, the Mother Goddess is worshipped in the form of these three rock heads, which sit atop a five-and-a-half-foot tall rock base. Although they emanate from a single rock form, each Pindi is distinctly different in color and texture. According to the legend, after Mata Vaishnavi beheaded the demon Bhairon Nath, she decided to shed her human form and immerse herself in eternal meditation, assuming the form of this rock with three heads . Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is considered to be an incarnation of the three Supreme Energies represented by these Pindis.
- Bathing: The Pindis are ritually bathed by pujaris (priests) with water collected from the Charan Ganga, the sacred water that naturally flows from the base of the Pindis . They are then bathed with the five Amrits (i. e milk, curd/yogurt, ghee/clarified butter, honey, and sugar), both individually and mixed together as Panchamrit, accompanied by the chanting of mantras.
- Dressing: The Vastras (garments) of the Pindis are changed twice a day during the Aarti rituals . The pujaris dress the Pindis using a Chunni, a Chola, and folded saris. During winters, a shawl is also placed along the upper side.
- Golden Canopy: The rock feature where the Pindis are located is covered with a sheet of solid gold that has only three openings for the Pindis to be visible.
- Jewelry: In 2000-2001, the entire ornamentation of the Holy Pindis was redone using pure gold, diamonds, and precious stones.
- Coins: The Shrine Board has issued gold and silver coins of guaranteed purity that carry an impression of the Holy Pindis, which devotees can purchase as souvenirs.
Jai Maa