[6] The temple is governed by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) and has been chaired by the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir since August 1986.

The trust remained in the hands of Gulab Singh's descendants after independence, and his descendant Karan Singh was responsible for administering the temple as the hereditary trustee until 1986, when Jagmohan, then governor of Jammu and Kashmir, passed legislation transferring control of the Vaishno Devi temple from the Dharmarth Trust and the hereditary priests to a separate Shrine Board.

When goddess appeared, Arjuna started praising her with a stotra, in which a Shloka goes by saying ‘ Jambookatak Chityaishu Nityam Sannihitalaye ’, which means ‘you who always dwell in the temple on the slope of the mountain in Jambhu’ — probably referring to the present day Jammu.

[16][17][18] It is said that Bhairon Nath, a famous Hindu Tantric, saw the young Vaishno Devi at an agricultural fair and fell madly in lusty love with her.

Vaishno Devi fled into Trikuta hills to escape his amorous advances, later she turned into her original form of Durga and cut off his head with her sword in a cave.

[19][20] According to author Manohar Sajnani, some legends hold that the original abode of Vaishno Devi was Ardh Kunwari, a place about 6 km[21] between Katra town and the cave.

[24] Author Pintchman also says that, "Pilgrims identify Vaishno Devi with Durga — whome Dogras (and others) also name Seranwali, "the Lion-rider"— more than with any other goddess".

Due to COVID-19 pandemic Shrine Board also started delivering Prasāda for the devotees who are unable to come to the temple by collaborating with Postal Department of India.

[33] On 1 January 2022, 12 people were killed and 16 were left injured after a stampede occurred while thousands of pilgrims rushed to the mandir on the first day of the new year.

[38] In 1991, Shri Mata Vaishno devi Shrine Board management also took the control of Shiv Khori, a famous Shiva temple.