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Jwalamukhi Temple located in the lap of Kangra Valley and Shivalik ranges in Himachal Pradesh, the temple overlooks the majestic Dhauladhar mountain ranges.This unique temple does not house any idol as it is dedicated to Jwalamukhi, the Goddess of Light, also known as the Flaming Goddess. This temple is believed to be the first temple built by the Pandavas. The perpetually burning holy flame in the temple represents the tongue of Sati Devi. Jwalaji temple’s distinctive faith, appealing architecture and unique history draw in tourists from all over the country.
Quick Details About Jwalamukhi Temple
Location: Kangra District
Timings: 5 AM – 10 PM (Summer), 6 AM – 9 PM (Winter)
Elevation: 2001 feet
Built By: Raja Bhumi Chand of Kangra
Where To Stay: Hotel Jawalaji, Hotel Mata Vaishno Devi and Pooja restaurant, Hotel Paryag
Where To Eat: Jai Jawala Maa Palace, Fateh Da Dhaba, the Flavour House, Hot Slice
Best Time To Visit: September to June
About
Photo: Achyuta T. Madabushi / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Believed to have been built in the 11th century, Jwalamukhi temple belongs to one of the 51 Shakti Peethas of India, and it is one of the highly revered Shakti temples in India. The Jwalamukhi fair is held twice a year in April and October to honour Jwalamukhi Devi. The Navratri festival is celebrated in this temple in a grand manner. This temple is a great ancestral site not only for the people of Jwalamukhi, Kangra and Himachal Pradesh but for the entire country.
Suggested Read: Top Things To Do In Jispa On Your Next Himachal Trip
Location
Photo: Guleri Sahil / Wikimedia Commons
The temple is located 35 km south of Kangra Valley in the town of Jwalamukhi in Himachal Pradesh. Kangra district belongs to the lower Himalayan area. The biggest cities near Jwalamukhi are Dharamshala, which is 54 km away and Pathankot, which is 140 km away.
How To Reach
Photo: Balajijagadesh / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The nearest airport to Jwalamukhi is the Gaggal Airpot or Kangra Airport. This airport is around 46 km from the temple, which you will need to cover by road. Taxis are available from the airport to the temple.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Jwalamukhi is Pathankot, which is around 123 km away. There are also mountain trains that run from Kangra.
By Road: You can reach the temple from Dharamshala (51 km) or from Pathankot (110km) either by private vehicle or by bus.
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Things To Do
1. Explore The Temple Inside
Photo: Ms Sarah Welch / Wikimedia Commons
The temple has an exquisite folding door made of silver plates. The structural design of the shrine is inspired by Ind-Sikh architecture and built on a wooden platform that is visible in front before entering the temple mandap. There is a huge brass bell that adorns the entrance that was gifted by the King of Nepal. Tourists can visit this temple to soak in the spiritual ambience and seek Jwala Devi’s blessings.
2. Participate In The Aartis
Photo: Pramal / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Five Aartis are conducted every day with the Mangal Aarti at 5 am. The next Aarti done at sunrise is known as Panjupchaar Aarti, and the next one is performed at noon. The evening Aarti is at 7 pm, and the last Aarti, called Shaiyan ki Aarti, is performed at 10 pm and is conducted only in this temple and nowhere else. When the last Aarti is performed, the Goddess bed is decorated with ornaments and grand clothes.
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3. Explore Temple Complex
Photo: Pardeeps / Wikimedia Commons
The temple complex is aesthetically built with many shrines and idols. The temple boasts modern architecture with a dome made of gold. The temple sits on a hilltop at an altitude of about 610m, and a trip up to the temple can be exciting. You can reach it by climbing a flight of stairs while enjoying stunning views of surrounding valleys and hills.
Places To Visit Nearby
1. Beas River
Photo: Shubhankar Sakalkale / Wikimedia Commons
About 25 km from the temple, the Beas River originates from Central Himachal Pradesh from the Himalayas and travels for around 470 km to join the Sutlej river located in the state of Punjab. After traversing the Mandi district, it enters the Kangra district at SAndhol, at 590m above sea level. Near Reh in Kangra, it distributes into three more tributaries that reunite at the Shivaliks.
Things To Do: Rafting, Kayaking and Camping
Suggested Read: Discover The Best Places To Visit In Himachal In March
2. Kangra Fort
Photo: John Hill / Wikimedia Commons
The famous and historic Kangra fort is located about 32 km from the Jwalaji temple on the outskirts of Kangra town. The history of this massive fort traces back to the Trigarta kingdom, which is mentioned in the epic Mahabharata. The largest fort in the Himalayas and the oldest dated fort in India, the Kangra Fort was once upon a time a popular hill station of Punjab and Himachal. Now in ruins, the fort once housed valuable treasures and jewels.
Things To Do: Hiking, Touring the Fort and Viewpoints
3. Chamundi Devi Temple
Photo: Er.ankushgarg / Wikimedia Commons
About 54 km from the temple and 15km from the Kangra valley, the Chamundi Devi hilltop temple is one among the 51 Shakthi Peethas. Goddess Chamundi Devi, who is the raging version of Mother Durga along with Lord Bhairava and Hanuman, are the main deities here. The main idol of the Goddess is fierce and vibrant, which depicts her immense power to destroy evil. The temple also has a downward staircase that leads to a Shiva cave, where the Shiv Ling is worshipped.
Things To Do: Visit Chamundi Devi temple, participate in Aarti, visit the Shiva temple.
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4. Bajreshwari Temple
Photo: Varun Shiv Kapur / Wikimedia Commons
Around 35 km from the temple, the Bajreshwari temple in Kangra, rebuilt in 1930, is one of 51 Shakti Peethas. This ancient temple is located behind Kangra Bazaar. This temple reverberates to spirituality due to its mystic architecture. Once upon a time, the richest temple, the main deity here, was Mata Bajreshwari Devi. It is believed that the Pandavas built this temple upon the command of the Mother Goddess. There is usually a queue to visit the inner sanctum, where the idol is beautifully decorated. There is also a Bhairava temple within the main temple complex.
Things To Do: Visit Bajreshwari Temple, attend Aartis, visit Bhairava temple, shop in Kangra bazaar.
5. Dharamshala
Photo: Amit Phulera / Wikimedia Common
Dharamshala is known as the winter capital of Himachal Pradesh that is in the upper slopes of Kangra valley. A hub of the British during the colonial era, Dharamshala was soon occupied by Tibetan refugees and became home to the great Buddhist leader, Dalai Lama. Dharamshala is surrounded by Tibetan temples and monasteries. Mcleodganj town near Dharamshala has several shopping, dining and trekking options.
Things To Do: Visit Tibetan monasteries/temples/museums, shopping and trekking in Mcleodganj.
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Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Doland Tong / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
- During certain months, especially during festivals, you can expect crowds and long lines in the temple that you must be prepared for.
- Since Kangra is a hill station, the temperatures will be relatively low in all months and drop significantly during the winter months of October to February. Hence, it is advisable to carry warm clothes and winter gear on your trip.
The Jwalamukhi temple is not just a place of worship but a spiritual haven in the heart of Himachal Pradesh. Hindus all over the world attach immense value to the temple due to its ancient history and religious significance. Whether you are a devotee seeking blessings of Jwala ji or a tourist looking to explore Himachal Pradesh, you do not miss visiting the hidden gem, the temple in Kangra. So, connect with TripXL today and begin your spiritual journey to this renowned place.
Cover Photo: Nswn03 / Wikimedia Commons
