Jwalaji Temple is also known as Jwalamukhi or Jwala Devi. Jwalaji Temple is located 30 km south of Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh and 56 km from Dharamshala. Jwalaji Temple is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess “Jwalamukhi”.
In the valleys of Kangra, the nine eternal flames of the Jwala Devi Temple burn, attracting Hindu pilgrims from all over India. Because of her abode in the nine eternal flames of the temple, she is also known as the Flaming Goddess.
This is such a wonderful temple that there is no idol of the Lord. The goddess is believed to reside in the sacred flames of the temple, which miraculously burn day and night without fuel from outside.
Science believes that the fire burns due to some natural jet of combustible gas from the mold of the rocks. However, devotees still have great faith in the goddess who resides in these flames.
The aarti performed in this temple is the main attraction. Rabri Prasad is usually offered to the Goddess.
Jwala Devi Temple has been an important Hindu pilgrimage site for thousands of years and as long as the flame continues to burn, devotees will continue to come here in search of peace and bliss.
So let us take you on a journey of Jwaladevi through this article today.
Who built Jwalamukhi Temple
Jwalamukhi Temple is a famous temple of Jwalamukhi Devi. A great devotee of Goddess Durga, King Bhumi Chand Katoch of Kangra dreamed of the holy place and the king sent people to locate the site.
When the place was traced, the king built a temple at that place. Which we know by the name of Jwalamukhi Temple.
History of Jwala Devi Temple
According to legend, Jwala Devi Temple is at the spot where the flaming tongue of Goddess Sati fell when she sacrificed herself. The temple was built by Raja Bhumi Chand Katoch to ensure the sanctity of the site.
It is said that the Pandavas also helped the king in the construction of the temple. However, the temple was actually completed in the 19th century.
According to legend a cowherd found that his cow did not give milk. The cowherd followed the cow to find out the reason.
The cowherd saw that a little girl come out from forest and drink the cow milk and dissappear. The cowherd told the king whole story.
The king was aware that Sati tongue had fallen in this area. The king tried very hard but did not get success. After some years later the cowherd went to the king and reported that he had seen a flame burining in the mountains.
The king found the place and vision of the holy flame. The king built a temple at this place. There is no idol inside the temple. The Goddess is worshipped in the form of flame.
During the Mughal period, Akbar tried to extinguish the fire several times, but it continued to burn in all its divine glory.
It is said that when a humble Akbar went to pay his homage amid the flames and offered a golden “Chhatra” to the Goddess, the gold turned into an unknown metal, a sign that the Goddess had rejected his offering. The temple was looted and destroyed by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1009.
This temple is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths and holds immense religious importance for Hindus.
Read Also: Famous Temples of Himachal Pradesh – Part one
Importance of Nine Flames
- The sacred flame of the Goddess can be seen in nine different ways at Jwala Ji Temple. Navadurga is said to be the creator of the 14 Bhuvans, whose servants are Satva, Rajas and Tamas.
- The main flame burning in front of the door in the silver corridor is the form of Mahakali. This Jyoti is Brahma Jyoti and is the power of devotion and liberation.
- Next to the main flame is the flame of Mahamaya Annapurna who bestows devotees in abundance.
- On the other side is the flame of Goddess Chandi, the destroyer of enemies. The flame that destroys all our sorrows belongs to Hinglaja Bhavani.
- The fifth flame is Vidvashani which gives relief from all sorrows.
- The flame of Mahalakshmi, the best flame of wealth and prosperity, is situated in Jyoti Kund.
- Goddess Saraswati, the supreme goddess of knowledge, is also present in the kund.
- Goddess Ambika, the eldest goddess of children can also be seen here.
- Goddess Anjana, who gives all happiness and long life, is present in this kund.
Best Time to Visit Jwala Devi Temple
Navratri is a popular time for this holy pilgrimage. Tourists may also note that the temple hosts colorful fairs in the months of March-April and September-October.
How to reach Jwala Devi Temple
How to Reach Jwala Devi Temple by Air
Kangra is not served by an airport. Gaggal Airport is the nearest airport at a distance of about 14 km from Kangra Valley.
You can take a flight from Delhi to Dharamshala and then book a cab. You can hire a cab or bus for commuting.
Chandigarh airport is at a distance of about 200 km. Shimla and Delhi are located 212 km and 473 km away respectively.
How to Reach Jwala Devi Temple by Rail
There is no direct train to Kangra. Amritsar Shatabdi Express runs from New Delhi to Jalandhar. You can take a cab from Jalandhar and reach the valley. The nearest broad gauge railhead is Pathankot.
It is situated at a distance of 123 km. The nearest narrow gauge railhead is Jwalaji Road, Ranital, located at a distance of 20 km from the temple. Taxis and buses are easily available from here.
How to Reach Jwala Devi Temple by Road
Direct buses from New Delhi to Kangra make the journey convenient. It takes around 13 hours and the fare is around INR 900. You can reach Jwalamukhi bus stand to reach the temple.
The temple is well connected by road. State transport buses ply frequently from cities of Punjab and Haryana to Kangra. Taxis are also available.
Location
Jawalamukhi temple is situated 30 km from Kangra. It lies between 31.88°N and 76.32°E. The altitude of Jawalamukhi temple is 2,001 feet.