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Apart from breathtaking natural beauty, one thing that Jammu is known for is its wide range of temples. This is why it’s commonly known as the ‘City of Temples.’ Home to ancient and modern temples, Jammu houses a variety of places that attract pilgrims from across the country. Each of the Jammu temples has its own history, background and architectural intricacies that make them popular tourist attractions. While planning your Jammu itinerary, prioritise creating one that covers all the popular Jammu temples to get a closer look at the religious importance and architectural marvel.
10 Jammu Temples
From the renowned Vaishno Devi Temple to the underrated Ranbireshwar Temple, here is a list of Jammu temples that serve as centres of pilgrimage and cultural immersion.
1. Vaishno Devi Temple
Photo: SUDEEP PRAMANIK / Wikimedia Commons
Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the most famous temples in Jammu and is located in the Trikuta mountains. It is one of the holiest Hindu shrines dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi, who is a reincarnation of Goddess Durga. In addition to spiritual significance, the highlight of this temple lies in its pilgrimage trek spanning 12 km from the base camp at Katra to the cave shrine. This naturally formed cave houses three ‘pindis’ representing the goddesses Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati. Also, millions of devotees trek to the cave shrine annually.
Location: Katra, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Vaishno Devi
2. Raghunath Temple
Photo: jly un / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Raghunath Temple is one of the largest temple complexes in North India. Constructed by Dogra rulers Maharaja Gulab Singh and his son Maharaja Ranbir Singh, the origin of this temple dates back to 1857. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, who is a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu. Also, the highlight of this temple lies in its seven shrines, each with a distinct Shikhara that represents the various Hindu deities. In the main inner sanctum lie the idols of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana. The temple’s architecture has a blend of Mughal and traditional Indian styles, featuring gold-plated interiors too.
Location: Raghunath Mandir Chowk Jammu city, Jammu and Kashmir 180001
Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
3. Shree Ranbireshwar Temple
Photo: Sonika Agarwal / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Shree Ranbireshwar Temple is one of the oldest Jammu temples. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this architectural marvel was constructed by Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1883. The charm of this temple lies in the 7.5-foot-tall crystal Shivalinga, which is further surrounded by 12 other shiva lingams made out of crystal and black stone. Inside the temple, there are beautiful paintings and sculptures, which add to the beauty. The temple complex itself is surrounded by well-maintained gardens, which provide a serene escape from the chaos of life.
Location: Shalamar Road near the Civil Secretariat, Jammu
Timing: 05:00 AM – 09:00 PM
Suggested Read: Famous Festivals In Jammu And Kashmir
4. Maha Kali Temple, Bahu Fort
Photo: Swapnilp7498 / Wikimedia Commons
Maha Kali Temple, also known as the Bahu Fort Temple is a popular temple in Jammu located inside the ancient Bahu Fort. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali. The exact origins of the temple remain a mystery but historians and legends believe that it dates back to 3000 years in the past. Also, the temple was constructed by Raja Bahulochan. Due to its strategic location on a hillock inside the fort, you get panoramic views of the Tawi River adjacent to the temple. If you want to witness the temple in its maximum grandeur, visit during the Navratri festival.
Location: Bahu Fort, Jammu
Timing: 05:00 AM – 10:00 PM
5. Panchvaktra Temple
Photo: Aranya Kar / Wikimedia Commons
The Panchvaktra Temple, also known as the Panchvakhtar Mahadev Mandir, is the oldest temple in Jammu. The temple’s name ‘Pachvaktar’ means ‘five-faced’, which symbolises the five forms of Lord Shiva that are on display in the temple. The temple’s origin dates back to the time of the Mahabharata, and Adi Shankaracharya visited this temple. The temple houses the idol of Lord Shiva, which add to the place’s spiritual significance. During Shiv Ratri in Savan month, the temple is usually more crowded with pilgrims.
Location: Sector 5, Trikuta Nagar Jammu Jammu and Kashmir 180012
Timing: 05:00 AM – 08:00 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Kashmir
6. Peer Kho Cave Temple
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Located on the banks of the Tawi River, Peer Kho Cave Temple is another one of the popular temples in Jammu, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the best temples in Jammu. The temples’s association is depicted with the legendary sage Jamvant from the Ramayana. Beyond the Shivalinga, which is the main attraction in the temple, there are other idols of Hindu deities inside the temple. There are two caves in the temple, each 20-30 feet deep with multiple flights of stairs. The temple is also locally named ‘Jamwant Gufa’ by the locals.
Location: Circular Rd, Peer Kho, Pakki Dhaki, Old Heritage City, Jammu, 180001
Timing: 05:00 AM – 07:00 PM
7. Shivkhori Temple
Photo: Devika Robin Singh / Wikimedia Commons
Shivkhori Temple is another popular Hindu temple located in the Reasi district of Jammu. A naturally formed Shiva linga which is 200 metres long is inside the cave. Also, this iconic linga is the main attraction of this temple. The name of the temple ‘Shivkhori’ translates to ‘Shiva’s cave’. According to mythology, Lord Shiva himself created this temple. You have to trek through rugged terrains for around 3 km to reach the temple. The shrines are dedicated to Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, Bull God Nandi and Sheshnag.
Location: Reasi, Sangar, Jammu and Kashmir 185201
Timing: 07:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Suggested Read: Museums In Jammu And Kashmir
8. Mahamaya Temple
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the popular Jammu temples is the Mahamaya Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga. The origins of this temple date back to the 12th or 13th century, during the reign of Kalachuris of Ratnapura. Legends suggest that it was King Ratnadeva who had a vision of Goddess Kali and decided to construct the temple where it stands today. Also, the temple worships three Goddesses – Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswati. An idol of Goddess Durga made of black stone is in the main sanctum of the temple. The idol has religious and spiritual significance.
Location: Maha Maya Path, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180017
Timing: 06:00 AM – 09:00 PM
9. Sudh Mahadev Temple
Photo: Sunil Shakya / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Sudh Mahadev Temple is one of the famous temples in Jammu. It is another sacred shrine of Lord Shiva. This 2800 years old temple has remains of God. It also has a holy spring, known as Pap Nashni Bowli, which cleanses sins. It also features authentic carvings and sculptures adorned across the walls of the temple. Besides the main inner sanctum housing the idol of Lord Shiva, there are various idols of other Hindu deities inside the temple as well. Every year, the temple attracts a huge number of pilgrims during Shivratri.
Location: Sudhmahadev, Jammu and Kashmir 182141
Timing: 07:00 AM – 09:00 PM
Suggested Read: Hill Stations Near Vaishno Devi
10. Ram Talai Temple
Photo: Sonika Agarwal / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Ram Talai Temple is 200 years old. It is located near the famous Rani Kasturi Devi temple. Inside the temple lies idols of Lord Krishna and Radha, which attracts pilgrims from across the world. Besides the intricate architecture of the temple, what stands out is the serene pond that lies in the middle of the temple, which adds to the beauty of the natural surroundings too. If you want a less crowded religious spot to visit in Jammu, you should visit this temple.
Location: Pakki Dhaki, Old Heritage City, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180001
Timing: 06:00 AM – 07:00 PM
Among the many tourist attractions, Jammu temples hold a lot of spiritual and religious significance. The city houses some of the oldest temples in the country and depicts the rich cultural and traditional magnificence of the place. By visiting these temples you can also witness the architectural splendour. To book your next vacation to Jammu, rely on TripXL to find the best deals and discounts.
Cover Photo: Indar Gupta / Unsplash
