Jwala Devi Temple is one of the famous Hindu temples which is located in Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh, and is situated on a hilltop at a height of 610 metres approximately and is believed to have been built in the 11th century. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Jwala Devi or Jwala Mukhi, who is deliberated to be an avatar of the goddess of power, Durga. Jwala Devi is renowned as the ‘Flaming Goddess’. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas found in different places in India. This temple is situated in the Shivalik Range of Kangra Valley and is surrounded by hills and valleys which offer visitors a scenic view with a pleasant atmosphere.
Legend and History of Jwala Devi Temple:
Jwala Mukhi Temple is one among the 51 ShakthiPeetas. According to Hindu mythology, Sati, a goddess was born when Gods focussed their total energy on the ground. The Gods were looking for some protection from the violence of the demons. Goddess Sati was born and raised by the Praja Daksha and later married Lord Shiva. Once Prajathi Daksha conducted a yagna in which everyone got invited apart from Lord Shiva. Sati felt dishonoured and insulted by such acts of her father. Sati decided to take revenge by burning herself in the fire of yagna. With this, Lord Shiva became very angry and carried her body around the world and started destroying it.
All the divinities became violent by Lord Shiva’s act and decided to meet Lord Shiva for his help. Lord Vishnu confirmed to take action and therefore cut down Sati’s body by his Sudharshan Chakra which got discrete into 51 pieces at different paces and these places are known as ShakthiPeetaswhich is considered as the power center of Goddess Sati.
Jwala Devi is one of the avatars of Maa Durga where the tongue of Sati fell. The Goddess is believed to be the tiny flames that ignite every day without any help from an external source.
Jwala Devi temple was built by Raja Bhumi Chand who had a dream about this holy place. After finding this place, he decided to build a temple at this place which came to be called ‘Jwala Devi’.
The history of the temple exposes that the Mughal emperor Akbar once visited this place and tried to extinguish the fire but did not accomplish it. After this incident, he gives himself to Goddess and presents her with a gold umbrella which is said to turn into copper when he looks back before departing the temple.
Architecture of Jwala Devi Temple:
The architectural grandeur of the Jwala Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh is a witness to the intense heritage and craftsmanship of the region. The temple goes along the traditional Nagara style which is Indo-Sikh architecture, portrayed by its towering shikhara and complex carvings. The sanctum sanctorum contains the natural flame, which is worshipped as a picture of the goddess.
This temple is split up into four areas that include the main shrine, the outer courtyard, the inner courtyard as well as the Priest’s Quarters. The temple is built from stone and features an exterior of red and yellow. The main entrance of this temple has a huge gate built from silver and brass.
The inner courtyard of the temple contains an immense brass bell that rings to announce the call of the goddess for prayers. The main shrine is home to the goddess’s flame and is supposed to be a sign of her power. The outer courtyard is very capacious for devotees to gather. From here the display of the surrounding place is very attractive. The tranquil ambiance and panoramic views from the temple surroundings make it an ideal place for meditation and soul-searching.
Timings of Jwala Devi Temple:
The visiting hours of Jwala Devi temple are between 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Aarthi is performed five times a day. The first aarthi which is called ‘Mangal Aarti’, performs early in the morning around 5:00 AM when the temple gates open. The next aarthi known as ‘Panchupjaarpuja’ is performed during the time of sunrise. The next aarthi known as ‘Bhogi Kaarthi’ takes place when the deities are showered with fruits, and milk by the devotees as a sign of saying thank you to the goddess. The fourth aarthi is performed at around 7:00 PM and the last aarthi which is called ‘Saiyaankiaarthi’ happens around 10:00 PM which is the closing time of the temple.
Festivals and Celebrations at Jwala Devi Temple:
The temple comes alive at the time of different festivals and celebrations and attracts a huge number of visitors. The most famous festival is Navarathri which is a nine-night celebration dedicated to the goddess. During this time, the temple is beautifully decorated, and special cultural programs and religious rituals take place. The atmosphere of the temple is filled with the fragrance of incense and the sound of devotional chants, creating an aura of joy and spirituality.
The Jwalamukhi fair is also a prominent celebration in the temple which is held twice a year during the Navarathri of Chaitra and Aswin. There are folk dances, songs, plays, athletics, and wrestling matches which are some of the major attractions of this fair.
Best Time to Visit Jwala Devi Temple:
The best time to explore the Jwala Devi temple is from March to June and September to November, which is the spring and autumn season in Himachal Pradesh. In these months the weather is pleasant and the temperature ranges between 10 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for exploring the temple and for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
During the summer season which is in May and June, the temperature increases to a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius, but the weather remains comfortable for most of the day. This is the peak tourist season and the temple receives a huge number of devotees and tourists during these months.
How to Reach Jwala Devi Temple:
Jwala Devi Temple is situated in Jwalamukhi town in the Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh which is easily accessible by various methods of transport. Following are the various ways to reach there.
By Air: The closest airport to Jwala Ji temple is Gaggal Airport which is located about 50 kilometres away from the temple. One can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple from the airport.
By Rail: The closest railway station is situated in Kangra which is about 22 kilometers away from the temple. One can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple from the railway station.
By Road: This temple is well-connected by road and various buses and taxis are operating from the nearby cities and towns. One can take a bus or a taxi from Kangra, Palampur, or Dharmashala to reach the temple. The closest major city is Pathankot which is about 110 kilometres away.
Places to Visit near Jwala Devi Temple:
While visiting the Jwala Devi Temple, the tourists have the chance to explore other nearby tourist attractions to explore near Jwala Devi Temple that offers visitors a rich cultural and natural heritage of the region. Some of the tourist sites are Kangra Fort, Chamunda Devi Temple, Chintpurni Temple, Masroor Rock Cut Temple, Maharana Pratap Sagar Lake, Dharmashala, and Palampur.
Conclusion:
Jwala Devi Temple stands as a witness to the lasting devotion and spiritual zeal of its devotees. With its ancient roots, mystic ambiance, and religious significance, it continues to captivate the hearts of visitors. A pilgrimage to the Jwala Devi Temple assurances a transformative experience that excels the ordinary and touches the divine.
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