JwalaMukhi Temple Kangra Himachal is a Hindu temple and one of the 51 Shakti Peetha. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Jwala, who is believed to be an incarnation of the Hindu goddess of power and destruction, Devi Sati. 

And is believed to be where the body parts of the goddess Sati fell when Lord Shiva carried her body. Jwala Mukhi Temple is believed to be where Sati’s tongue fell, thus considered a sacred site for worshipping the divine feminine.

Location: Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh, India.

Built by: Raja Bhumi Chand Katoch

Dedicated to: Jwala Devi (a form of Shakti), Flaming Goddess is another name for her.

The Main attractions: Nine flames burning without fuel

Introduction to Jwala Mukhi temple Kangra Himachal

The temple is famous for its eternal flame that burns without fuel or assistance and manifests the goddess’s power.

It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas (holy shrines dedicated to the goddess Shakti) in India and is highly revered by devotees who come to seek the blessings of the goddess.

The temple is also a popular tourist destination for its unique architecture and religious significance.

Jwalamukhi means ‘Volcano,‘ and hence the temple does not have an idol or Image, but only a flaming pit representing the deity.

There is a three square foot pit, with a pathway developed all around it which leads to a hollowed rock over a fissure in the ground from which flames leap out.

This fissure is regarded as the mouth of the Mahakali, and in all, nine fissures symbolize the nine forms of the Divine Mother in various Avatars.

The flames leaping out from the ground are believed to represent the deity; hence, she is revered as the Goddess of Light.

The Main factor that attracts devotees to the temple

Because of its distinctive architecture and design, the temple has become an essential part of India’s cultural and architectural heritage.

It continues to draw visitors and devotees worldwide who witness the miracle of the eternal flame and seek the goddess’ blessings.

There was no Initial Idol to worship mata. The temple’s nine eternal flames, or Jyotis, keep glowing from the earth’s womb and are worshipped.

These nine jyothis invoke the roof/form of Mahakali, Annapurna, Chandi, Vindhyavaasini, Hinglaj, Maha Laxmi, Saraswati, Anji devi, and Ambika.

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 Many scholars attempted to discover the science behind these unstoppable flames in the temple during British rule and independence.

But no one could find anything. This unrevealed secret of Mata Jwala attracts devotees from all over the world.

Interesting Fact about the temple

King Akbar ordered his subjects to dig deep and create an artificial river called Akbar Nehar. It was made to get water from the same to blow the Jyotis away. His repeated attempts failed because they could not be done.

History of Jwala Mukhi temple Kangra Himachal

Jwala Mukhi Temple has a long and fascinating history intertwined with the legend of Devi Sati. According to Hindu mythology, Sati was King Daksha’s daughter and Lord Shiva’s wife.

When Daksha insulted Shiva in a yagna ceremony, Sati was so outraged that she immolated herself. In response to this tragedy, Lord Shiva went on a destructive rampage, and to stop him, Lord Vishnu cut Sati’s body into pieces.

It is believed that the tongue of Devi Sati fell at the location of the Jwala Mukhi Temple, which is why it is considered one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in India.

The temple is said to have been built in the 18th century by Raja Bhumi Chand Katoch, the ruler of the Katoch dynasty in Kangra.

The temple was rebuilt and renovated several times over the years, with the current structure dating back to the 19th century.

Despite these renovations, the temple has maintained its ancient look and feel.

Legend has it that the temple’s eternal flame has been burning for centuries and that Lord Shiva originally lighted it.

The flame manifests the goddess’s power, surrounded by silver pipes installed during Emperor Akbar’s reign. The lines feed a continuous supply of ghee and other offerings to the flame.

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Over the years, the Jwala Mukhi Temple has been the site of many significant events, including a visit by the Sikh Guru Gobind Singh, who is said to have worshipped at the temple in the 18th century.

The temple also played a role in the Indian Independence movement, as it was a meeting place for freedom fighters who planned and organized their resistance against British rule.

Today, the Jwala Mukhi Temple is one of the most popular destinations in Himachal Pradesh, attracting thousands of visitors annually.

It is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus, who seek the goddess’s blessings and witness the miracle of the eternal flame.

The temple’s rich history and religious significance continue to make it an essential part of Indian culture and heritage.

Legends Associated with the temple

The Jwala Mukhi Temple is where the tongue of Devi Sati, Lord Shiva’s wife, fell to the earth after her self-immolation.

According to legend, Sati was so enraged after her father, King Daksha, insulted Lord Shiva during a yagna ceremony that she threw herself into the sacrificial fire.

Lord Shiva became enraged when he learned of Sati’s death and began the Tandava, a destructive dance that threatened to destroy the universe.

To halt Lord Shiva’s dance, Lord Vishnu used his chakra to cut Sati’s body into 51 pieces, which fell across the Indian subcontinent.

Jwala Mukhi, which means “flaming mouth,” was named after the location where Sati’s tongue fell.

It is said that the goddess’ tongue caught fire, and a flame began to burn from the spot, which has been burning ever since.

The demon king Jalandhara is another legend associated with the temple’s founding. Jalandhara was a powerful demon who had amassed enormous power through penance and devotion to Lord Brahma.

He wielded this power to attack the gods and wreak havoc throughout the universe. Lord Shiva created a beautiful woman named Jwala and imbued her with his abilities to defeat Jalandhara.

Jwala’s beauty captivated Jalandhara, and she fell in love with her. Jwala, on the other hand, used her powers to defeat Jalandhara and save the gods.

She then reverted to her original form as a tongue of fire and settled near the current location of the Jwala Mukhi Temple.

The goddess’ power is said to still reside at the temple, and the flame manifests her divine energy.

These legends have made the JwalaMukhi Temple Kangra Himachal Pradesh an important pilgrimage site for Hindus who seek the goddess’ blessings and witness the miracle of eternal flame.

The temple’s rich history and religious significance continue to draw devotees and visitors worldwide.

The temple’s unique architecture and design

The temple’s design and structure are inspired by the traditional style of temples in northern India.

The temple’s facade is made of beautiful, intricately carved white marble adorned with images of gods and goddesses.

The main entrance to the temple is through a small gate, which opens into a large courtyard. A veranda surrounds the yard with beautiful carvings and paintings of gods and goddesses.

The temple’s main shrine is located in the courtyard’s center and is built around an eternal flame that burns continuously.

The shrine is surrounded by a circular enclosure made of brass and topped with a dome. The dome is ornately decorated with carvings and sculptures of gods and goddesses.

The temple’s interior is equally stunning, with intricate carvings and paintings on the ceiling. The sanctum sanctorum is a small, dark room that houses the goddess’ idol.

The idol is encrusted with precious jewels and set on a pedestal before the eternal flame.

The underground channels that transport ghee and other offerings to the eternal flame are one of the most distinctive features of the Jwala Mukhi Temple. The silver channels were built during Emperor Akbar’s reign.

The JwalaMukhi Temple Kangra Himachal Pradesh’s distinctive architecture and design have made it an essential part of India’s cultural and architectural heritage.

Its unique design and intricate carvings have made it a site of cultural and architectural importance, attracting scholars and researchers worldwide.

The rituals and practices followed at the temple.

The Jwala Mukhi Temple in Himachal Pradesh, India, is of great religious significance for Hindus. The temple follows several rituals and practices necessary for daily functioning and worship.

One of the essential rituals at the temple is the offering of ghee, which is poured into the underground channels that lead to the eternal flame.

This ritual is believed to be a way of pleasing the goddess and seeking her blessings. The ghee is considered a symbol of purity and is believed to purify the offerings and devotees.

Another essential practice at the temple is the ringing of bells and the chanting of mantras. Devotees ring the bells and chant the goddess’ name and mantras, creating a reverberating sound believed to please the goddess and invoke her blessings.

The temple priests perform various puja ceremonies throughout the day, including offering the goddess flowers, incense, and other items.

Festivals at Jwala Mukhi temple Kangra Himachal

The Jwala Mukhi Temple in Himachal Pradesh, India, celebrates several festivals yearly. These festivals, which draw many devotees and visitors, are essential to the temple’s religious and cultural identity.

Navaratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to the goddess Durga, is one of the most important festivals celebrated at the temple.

The temple is decorated with flowers and lights during Navaratri, and special puja ceremonies are held daily.

The festival celebrates Vijayadashami, commemorating the victory of good over evil.

Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is also celebrated at the temple. During Diwali, the temple is illuminated with thousands of lights, and special puja ceremonies are held to seek the goddess’s blessings.

The festival also allows people to unite and celebrate their shared cultural identity.

Another significant event at the temple is the annual Jwala Mukhi fair, which takes place in May. The fair is an essential social and cultural event attracting many visitors and vendors.

The fair allows people to come together and celebrate their religious and cultural identities and enjoy music, dance, and other cultural activities.

In addition to these festivals, the JwalaMukhi Temple Kangra Himachal observes several other significant religious and cultural events, such as Makar Sankranti, Holi, and Shivratri.

These festivals are essential to the temple’s identity, expressing devotion and celebrating shared cultural values.

Overall, the festivals and celebrations at the Jwala Mukhi Temple are essential to its religious and cultural identity.

They allow people to unite and express their devotion while celebrating their cultural heritage.

The temple is open all year, but the best time to visit is between September and October, when colorful fairs are held during the Navratri celebration.

How to reach 

By Air: The nearest airport is in Guggal, about 46 kilometers from Jwalamukhi Temple. Indian Airlines operates three weekly flights from Delhi to Dharamshala. Taxis are available from the airport to the temple.

By Rail: The nearest railway station, Pathankot, is approximately 123 kilometers away. There is also a mountain train that runs from Kangra. Buses and taxis are available outside the station.

By Bus: Regular buses run from Pathankot to the Jwalamukhi temple.

Where to stay at Jwalamukhi temple Kangra Himachal

There are no lodging options in the temple complex. Kangra offers a variety of low-cost and mid-range lodging options.

Dharmashala to jwalamukhi temple Distance

The distance between Dharamshala and JwalaMukhi Temple Kangra Himachal Pradesh is about 60 km, and it takes 2 to 2.5 hours to reach there by road. Here are the different ways you can travel from Dharamshala to Jwala Mukhi Temple:

1. Taxi or Private Car: You can hire a taxi or a private car from Dharamshala to reach Jwala Mukhi Temple. This is a convenient option, as you can travel at your own pace and stop for breaks if needed. You can find taxis or private car services in Dharamshala or pre-book online.
2. Bus: Another option is to take a bus from Dharamshala to Jwala Mukhi Temple. Several buses are available from Dharamshala to Jwala Mukhi, and the journey takes around 2.5 hours. You can take a state-run or private bus, depending on your preference.
3. Car Rental: You can also rent a car and drive from Dharamshala to Jwala Mukhi Temple. This is a good option if you are comfortable driving on hilly roads and want the freedom to explore the region at your own pace.

Regardless of the mode of transportation you choose, it’s essential to plan and check the road conditions before you start your journey.

The roads in this region can be winding and narrow, so it’s important to drive carefully and take your time.

Places to visit in Jwalamukhi Kangra Himachal

Jwala Mukhi is a small town in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, India. Here are some of the top places to visit in Jwala Mukhi and Kangra:

1. Jwala Mukhi Temple: This temple is the main attraction in Jwala Mukhi and is famous for the eternal flame that burns continuously inside the temple. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Jwala Devi, one of India’s most important Hindu pilgrimage sites.
2. Kangra Fort: Located in the Kangra district, the Kangra Fort is one of the oldest forts in India. The fort has a long history and is famous for its beautiful architecture and design.
3. Masroor Rock Cut Temple: This ancient temple is about 40 km from Jwala Mukhi. The temple is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful location, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. Baglamukhi Temple: This temple is located in Bankhandi, near Jwala Mukhi, dedicated to the goddess Baglamukhi. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and popular pilgrimage site.
5. Dera Baba Banda: This is a historical Sikh gurdwara located on the banks of the river Beas, about 30 km from Jwala Mukhi. The Gurdwara is dedicated to Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, who fought against the Mughals.
6. Chamunda Devi Temple: This temple is located about 45 km from Jwala Mukhi and is dedicated to the goddess Chamunda Devi. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and is a popular pilgrimage site.
7. Bhagsu Waterfall: Located in the town of Bhagsu, near Jwala Mukhi, the Bhagsu waterfall is a popular tourist spot. The waterfall is surrounded by beautiful scenery and is an excellent place for a picnic.

Overall, Jwala Mukhi and Kangra offer a rich cultural and spiritual experience for those interested in exploring the history and traditions of this part of India.

Conclusion

Overall, the JwalaMukhi Temple Kangra Himachal is of religious significance, unique design, and historical importance making it an important site of worship and pilgrimage for Hindus and an essential cultural and architectural landmark. The continuous jwala is still a mystery in the temple even today.

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