Jwalamukhi
Devi Temple, Kangra,
Himachal Pradesh
Jwalamukhi Devi Temple is a
Hindu Temple dedicated to Goddess Sakthi, located in the lower Himalayan town
of Jwalamukhi in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The temple is situated overlooking the Dhauladhar range and
set amidst undulating hills. Jwalamukhi Temple is built on a wooden platform in
the Indo-Sikh style of architecture. The temple is amazingly perched on the
ridge known as Kali Dhar. The building is modern with a gilt dome and pinnacles
and possesses a beautiful folding door of silver plates. The structural design
of the temple is simple, but the religious aura makes it undoubtedly divine.
Unlike any other temple, Jwala Ji temple doesn’t
have a statue or an image, but a constantly burning blue flame that seems to
come from the rocks. The flame can be seen at various places in the temple
and it is burning continuously since first date of its known history. Despite
many scientific researches, the reason behind these natural flames couldn’t be
found out. The scientists say there is a sleeping volcano under Jwala Ji
temple and the natural gas coming out of that volcano is burning as flames,
which Hindus revere as Goddess.
The Temple is situated at an
altitude of 1,737m. Jwala Devi is one of the major 'Shakti Peethas' of India.
The temple is dedicated to Jwala Devi (form of goddess), who is the presiding
in the form of flames. Due to this fact, the goddess is also referred as the
'Flaming Goddess'. Being an important pilgrimage of the Hindus, devotees
come to this temple in large numbers. During the days of Navaratri, the temple
is thronged by countless number of devotees. Colorful fairs are also organized
for the period of Navaratri in March-April and Sep-October.
Legends
For brief details, please refer below link;
History
Raja Bhumi Chand Katoch of Kangra, a staunch devotee
of Mother Shakti, was ruling this region. It is believed that he built the temple.
Later, Hang, the King of Nepal extended the temple with a vast Mandapa and
donated a big bronze bell, according to records. In the year 1009, the temple
was robbed by Ghazni Mohmed. Mughal King Akbar, hearing about the flames here,
ordered his men to extinguish the fire but they could not despite their best
firefighting skills. Knowing the glory of the place, Akbar donated a golden
umbrella to the temple and prayed to Mother Devi to realize a wish. But Mother
Devi turned down his prayer. His golden umbrella changed into one of ordinary
metal. There are such political incidents linked with the history of the
temple.
In the year 1813, King of
Punjab, Ranjit Singh visited the place, renovated the temple and covered the
tower with gold. He also donated silver doors to the temple. The modern
building of temple is with a gilt dome and pinnacles and possesses a beautiful
folding door of silver plates, presented by Maharaja Kharak Singh. His
father, Maharaja Ranjit Singh also presented the gilt roof in 1815 AD. During
70s a foreign company was appointed by Government of India to explore
possibilities of big reservoirs of natural gas there. They worked for some
years but left saying they could not find any gas.
The Temple
For brief details, please refer below link;
Temple & Aarti Timings
Five Aartis are performed by
Pujaris in worship of Goddess. One aarti is performed in early morning, one at
sun rise, one at mid noon, one in the evening and one at the bed time of the
Goddess. The names of the Aartis and the Jwala Devi Temple Timings are: -
Aartis
|
Summer
|
Winter
|
Temple Opening Time
|
5 AM
|
6 AM
|
Mangal Aarti
|
5 AM to 6 AM
|
6 AM to 7 AM
|
Panjupchaar Pujan
|
After Mangal Aarti
|
After Mangal Aarti
|
Bhog Ki Aarti
|
11 AM to 12 PM
|
11 AM to 12 PM
|
Evening Aarti
|
7 PM to 8 PM
|
6 PM to 7 PM
|
Shaiyan Ki Aarti
|
9 PM to 10 PM
|
8 PM to 9 PM
|
Temple Closing Time
|
10 PM
|
9 PM
|
However, the Shaiyan Aarti
Performed at Jwala Ji before bed time is unique. The bed of Goddess is decked
up with rich dresses and ornaments during aarti. First part of it is done in
the main temple of Goddess and the second part is done in the “Sejabhawan”
shlokas from ‘Soundarya Lahiri’ by Shri Shankaracharya are recited.
Festivals
During the days of Navaratri,
the temple is thronged by countless number of devotees. Colorful fairs are also
organized for the period of Navaratri in March-April and Sep-October.
Religious Significance
For brief details, please refer below link;
Prayers
Those afflicted with the evil
effects of witchcrafts and black magic pray here for relief and for mental
peace. Tantriks perform Yantra pujas in the temple to drive away such evil
effects. Devotees offer milk and water to Mother as their prayer commitment.
Contact
Jwalamukhi Devi Temple,
Jwalamukhi, Kangra,
Himachal Pradesh – 176 031
Phone: +91 1970 222 223
/ 222 137
Email: admin@ jawalaji.in
Connectivity
The Temple is located at about
500 meters from Jwalamukhi Bus Stand, 21 Kms from Jwalamukhi Road Railway
Station, 35 Kms from Kangra, 40 Kms from Amb Andaura Railway Station, 47 Kms
from Kangra Airport, 54 Kms from Dharamshala, 184 Kms from Shimla and 191 Kms
from Shimla Airport. Jwala Devi Temple is easily accessible by the regular
buses from both Kangra and Dharamshala. For a convenient journey, one can opt
for private taxis that are available throughout the state.
Location
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