Best Temples & Shrines to Visit in Jammu City of Temples | Jammu and Kashmir Tour Guide 2024 and more.

Best Temples & Shrines to Visit in Jammu, City of Temples | Jammu and Kashmir Tour Guide 2024 and more. 

Do you Know that which state/Union Territory in India is known as City of Temples? 

For those who don't know  the answer of this question, the answer is :- 

JAMMU is known as the City of Temples. 

"A Temple is a place where prayers become miracles" 

Jammu is well known as City of Temples in union territory of India where lakhs of tourists and pilgrims from every nook and corner of India and globe  visit through out the year to pay their obedience and perform religious rituals. The famous and mostly visited temples and shrines in Jammu , the city of temples are listed below and i hope the readers and our viewers will definitely plan to perform his or her religious and tourism voyages for these religious destinations after reading this informative blog.

1. Raghu Nath Temple :

Raghunath Temple, also known as Raghu Nath Mandir, is a significant Hindu temple located in the city of Jammu in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is dedicated to Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. The temple is considered one of the most important religious sites in Jammu and attracts a large number of devotees and tourists.

 The world-famous Raghu Nath Temple with Seven Shrines each with its Shikhar, meaning mountain peak which refers to the rising tower in the Hindu Temple architecture in North India. 

Raghu Nath temple History: 

The history of the Raghunath Temple dates back to the 19th century. It was built by Maharaja Gulab Singh, the founder of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, between 1822 and 1860. The construction of the temple was overseen by his son Maharaja Ranbir Singh, who completed the main shrine in 1860. However, subsequent additions and renovations were carried out by the later rulers of the Dogra dynasty.

The Raghunath Temple complex is spread over a vast area and consists of multiple shrines and pavilions. The main shrine houses the idol of Lord Rama, along with his consort Sita and his brother Lakshmana. The temple complex also includes various other deities, such as Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, and Goddess Durga.

The architecture of the Raghunath Temple showcases a blend of various styles, including the North Indian Nagara style and the Mughal architectural influences. The main shrine is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, depicting scenes from the Hindu epic Ramayana and other mythological stories.

Over the years, the Raghunath Temple has faced several challenges and undergone restoration efforts. In 1952, a massive fire broke out, which caused significant damage to the temple complex. However, it was subsequently restored to its original grandeu

2.Kol Kandoli temple  Nagrota : 

Kol Kandoli Mata is a revered goddess in the Jammu region of India, particularly in the village of Kol Kandoli near Jammu city. The temple dedicated to Kol Kandoli Mata is located on a hilltop in Kol Kandoli village, approximately 15 kilometers from Jammu city. 

Kol Kandoli Mata Temple is a popular pilgrimage site located in the Nagrota area of Jammu. It is situated atop a hill and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Devotees visit the temple to seek blessings, offer prayers, and perform rituals in honor of the goddess.

Devotees from Jammu and other nearby areas visit the Kol Kandoli Mata temple to seek blessings and offer prayers. The temple holds significance for the local community, and it is especially popular during the Navratri festival, which celebrates the nine divine forms of Goddess Durga.

Kol Kandoli History :

The historical details and origins of Kol Kandoli Mata are not widely documented. The worship of the goddess primarily has local significance in the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The temple dedicated to Kol Kandoli Mata holds great religious and cultural importance for the people in the area.

The worship of the divine mother goddess is deeply rooted in Indian culture, and various forms of the goddess are worshipped across different regions. In the case of Kol Kandoli Mata, she is revered as a powerful and benevolent deity, and her devotees seek her blessings for protection, prosperity, and well- being.

It is believed that the goddess has been worshipped by the local communities for centuries, and her worship predates written historical records. The exact historical timeline and the events surrounding the origin of Kol Kandoli Mata are not well-documented.

While the specific historical details may be scarce, the devotion and reverence towards Kol Kandoli Mata continue to be an integral part of the cultural and religious fabric of the Jammu region.

3. Bawe wali Mata Temple :

Bahu Fort is an iconic tourist place located in Jammu. Bahu Fort is situated along the banks of the Tawi River. It has a height of over 325 meters. The exterior of the fort has a beautiful garden all around. The garden is filled with different types of flowers and waterfalls. It has a famous BAWE WALI MATA on its premises. Also in March and April, a fair is organized here to seek the divine blessings of Bawe Wali Mata. Also, recently a musical water fountain was inaugurated here, which is fun. it is a must-visit place when you come to Jammu. 

4. Vaishno Devi Temple  : 

Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world, with an estimated 8 million devotees visiting each year. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani, who is believed to have the power to fulfill the wishes of her devotees.

The trek to the temple is a popular pilgrimage route, and many devotees walk the 13.5 km uphill journey from the town of Katra to the temple. Some also choose to ride horses or atake a helicopter ride.

Navratri is a major  9 days festivals of Hindus which people observe twice in a year  with great fervor and enthusiasm. People keep nine days fasting  as a mark of respect and devotion as well joyously worship Godess Durga. The meaning of "  Nav" means nine and " Ratri" refers to night and hence this holy festival derives it name. Hindus celebrate it over a period of nine nights and keep fasting as a mark of dedication, reverance and faith in   Godess Durga. 

Everg year during Navratri festival, devotees   start reaching  here in large numbers from every nook and corner of India  for Holy Darshan  of Godess Mata Vaishno Devi Ji and for religious rituals and Pooja Archana(prayers ).

It is also here to say that during these nine days of Navratri, heavy rush of devotees from all over all country is witnessed at Mata Vaishno Devi Ji's shrine who visit here specially to pay due homage and perform religious rituals over here besides usual rush being witnessed here through out the year. Special Prayers are being observed at the holy shrine both in morning and evening time which is being aired live from the Holy Bhawan for people all across the globe.

Mata Vaishno Devi History :

According to religious Legends and beliefs Goddess Mata Vaishno Devi Ji was born as a princess, but she left her home to meditate in the Trikuta Mountains. She then merged with three goddesses - Kali, Lakshmi, and Saraswati - to become one deity.

The temple has a unique feature where devotees can pass through a narrow cave-like structure called the 'Bhawan', which represents the womb of Mata Vaishno Devi.

The temple is located in a cave in the Trikuta Mountains, which is believed to be the place where Mata Vaishno Devi meditated and attained enlightenment.

Vaishno Devi is a revered Hindu shrine located in the Trikuta Mountains in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, also known as Mata Rani, and is considered one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India.

The origin and history of Vaishno Devi are shrouded in mystery and mythology. According to legend, the goddess manifested herself in human form as a young girl named Vaishnavi and took up residence in the Trikuta Mountains. She then embarked on a journey of spiritual enlightenment and penance and eventually attained divine powers.

The story goes that a demon named Bhairon Nath, who was known for his misdeeds, pursued Vaishnavi to capture her. However, the goddess managed to evade him and took refuge in a cave in the mountains. Bhairon Nath followed her there, but Vaishnavi, in a fit of rage, beheaded him with her sword.

It is believed that the cave where Vaishno Devi took shelter is the same cave where the Vaishno Devi Shrine is located today. The cave was discovered by a Brahmin priest named Sridhar, who was guided to it by the goddess herself in a dream. Sridhar then built a temple at the site, which has since become one of the  has since become one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in India. 

5.Shiv Khori Shrines : 

The holy Shivkhori Shrine is one of the most important shrines in the Hindu religion It is situated in Village Ransoo of Block Pouni in District Reasi of Jammu and Kashmir. Shivkhori shrine is located on Reasi- Rajouri Road and is well connected to Jammu and other parts of the country. The shrine is unique and a large number of devotees & tourists from all over the country and abroad visit here every year to have glimpses of Lord Shiva and pay obedience here. It is about 130 kilometers away from Winter Capital Jammu and one can also reach from  Katra side which is about 80 kilometers from the shrine with a well-connected road.

The pilgrims who visit Katra to perform the pilgrimage of  Mata Vaishno Devi Ji can easily club their pilgrimage with Shivkhori as it is only Fifty kilometers away from District Reasi. Transportation facilities are easily available from all the District Headquarters viz; Jammu, Reasi, and Udhampur for Holy Shivkhori shrines.

The Holy Shrine of Shivkhori is purely dedicated to Lord Shiva situated on the hills in the Ransoo Village in Reasi District is surrounded by lush green mountains and is at a distance of about 3.5 kilometers from the base camp of Ransoo. Devotees can enjoy nature while traveling through this hilly track of 3.5 kilometers by foot and devotees can also hire a pony or Palki to go up to the Shrine from Ransoo Village.

Shiv Khori  History  :

The Holy Shrine of Shivkhori is completely dedicated to Lord Shiva, the creator of this universe and there are different incredible stories about the discovery of this Holy Shrine. 

It is as old as Hindu Puran because the same is mentioned in Puranas. As per the Shiv Puran, a demon namely Bhasma Asur (converting to Ashes by Demon) worshipped Mahadev(Lord Shiva) for a long time. Mahadev, the creator of this universe was well aware of the intentions of the demon and misuse of his blessings. Despite knowing the intentions of the demon and misusing his blessings, Lord Shiva still asked him for his wish. Accordingly, he was blessed with his wish to convert any living being into ashes (Bhasma) while putting his hand on his head but to save the universe, Lord Shiva made his wisdom corrupt, and Bhasma Asur under greed and lust for power 

This demon then decided to convert  Mahakal(Lord of Deaths) into Bhasma (ashes). As such Mahakal(Lord Shiva) accompanying Maha Shakti Goddess  Parvati,   the Ganesha & Kartikay reached Shivkhori Hill. Lord Shiva used his Trident and carved out the way out of the Mountains and made a special cave for his family as well for 33 Kotey devtas.

Then Lord Vishnu appeared before Bhasma Asur as a beautiful Virgin with a Mohini appearance and again made the dirty mind of a demon to play a dirty game. The demon Bhasma Asur offered her marriage but Mohini accepted the offer with the condition that Natraj dance live with her and Bhasma Asur accepted. Bhasmasur while dancing, Narayia got Bhasma Asur(demon) to zenith & put his hand over his head and Bhasmasur repeated the same and thus he died of his blessings. Thereafter 33 Kotey(forms) Devi Devtas(deities)  visited the cave and stayed there.it is believed that 33 Kotey Devi Devtas (deities)  live in this Holy cave in the shape of Pindies and naturally, milky water trickles down on them from the top of the cave.

There is a natural Shivlingam inside the cave and has a large number of natural objects that resemble Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, and Nandigan. Inside the Holy Shrine, six-mouthed Sheshnag and 3 pronged lances depicting the Trident of Lord Shiva are also seen on the roof of the cave. The main portion of the roof of the cave has round cuttings, marks that signify the construction of the cave by Sudarshan Chakkar. Pigeons are also often seen here inside the cave-like the Amar Nath cave of Kashmir, hence creating more interest among the devotees from the spiritual point of view.

One famous saint namely Ramesh Giri Ji who used to live in this cave had said that there is also a cave inside the shrine which directly goes to Holy Amar Nath in Kashmir. One can feel complete peace of mind, soul, and spirituality at this holy place with the incredible natural beauty around the shrine. 

The Holy Shivkhori cave is about 200 meters long, one meter wide, and three meters in height and only 250 to 300 devotees can assemble one time at the entrance of the cave while the inner chamber of the cave is very small. Devotees have to keep and adjust their bodies according to the shape of the cave to reach the shrine for religious rituals. Devotees can visit the shrine any time to have a glimpse of Lord Shiva and pay obedience at the place but many devotees especially prefer to perform morning prayers with full religious rituals which are considered to be most pious in the Hindu religion.

Conclude :  

These above mentioned globally famous temples and shrines are being visited globally through out the year by the pilgrims and tourists who perform religious rituals at these places as well enjoy their natural beauty and climate as well. I hope after reading today's blog you will surely plan to undertake religious  pilgrimage surely for mental peace and agony.

From : 

Team Panaromicspots.

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