Thursday, December 12, 2019

Jwalamukhi Devi Temple, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh

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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