Raesi, Oct. 1 -- Devotees are arriving at the Vaishno Devi Temple on Wednesday in large numbers from early morning on the auspicious day of Maha Navami, the ninth and final day of Navratri.

The temple is decorated with colourful flowers, welcoming the pilgrims.

On the ninth day of Sharadiya Navratri, popularly known as Maha Navami, devotees worship the Goddess Durga, particularly as Maa Siddhidatri, the giver of powers, and also as the Mahishasuramardini (slayer of the buffalo demon), symbolising the victory of good over evil.

Vishnu Saini, who was visiting the temple, said, "The decoration is wonderful. I asked for happiness, peace, and prosperity. I want a peaceful environment, and what happened in Kashmir should not happen again." ...