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Raghunath Temple in Jammu and Kashmir is one of the most famous and largest temple complexes of North India. This holy site has a complex of seven smaller Hindu temples, each with its own lofty ‘Shikhar’. The central temple shrine has Lord Ram or Raghunath idols, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Construction of this temple began in 1835 under the orders of Maharaja Gulab Singh and was done under his son’s reign during 1853-60 AD.
Quick Details About Raghunath Temple
Raghunath Temple Address: Raghunath Mandir Chowk, Jammu City, Jammu and Kashmir
Raghunath Temple Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM (Monday – Sunday)
Entry: Free
Built By: Maharaja Gulab Singh
How To Reach: Easily accessible via road
Nearest Airport: Jammu Airport (8 km away from temple)
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Tawi Railway Station
Best Time To Visit: September to April
History And Architecture
Photo: SUDEEP PRAMANIK / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Raghunath Temple in Jammu district depicts the Krishna Leela and Rama Leela paintings. The main idol of the temple is inside an inner sanctum which has a gold sheet on three sides. You can find glimpses of Mughal masonry in the architectural splendour of this temple. Also, the resplendent arches and carvings are further complimented by a temple library containing more than 6000 rare Sanskrit manuscripts and texts. This temple also became the centre of Sanskrit teachings for Brahmin students.
Suggested Read: Kashmir Temples
How To Reach
Lying just a few kilometres away from the local airport and railway station, this temple is in Fatthu Chaugan in Majhin, Jammu. The place is easily accessible via cabs, buses, or auto rickshaws.
Places To Visit Near Raghunath Temple
In addition to the Raghunath Temple, Jammu, there are several other places that one can visit on their trip to this city.
1. Baag-E-Bahu
Photo: Tejan gupta / Wikimedia Commons
Overlooking the magnificent Tawi river, this beautiful garden along the majestic Bahu Fort is a sight to view. There are grand fountains, sprawling gardens, stone sculptures, and a beautiful lake. Home to one of the largest underground aquariums of India in the shape of a fish, the place has over 400 species of marine fishes. Also, the entire garden is a visual treat blending the elements of water, earth and greenery.
Entry Fee: ₹5 per person
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
2. Ranbireshwar Temple
Photo: Ayush901 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Another temple that was constructed by Maharaja Ranbir Singh is the Ranbireshwar Temple. This is one of the oldest temples of Jammu city that was built to make Jammu a city of temples like Banaras. One of the unique features of this temple is that the main sanctum of Lord Shiva is on the first floor. Also, it has a statue of Maharaja Ranbir Singh praying to him in front of the temple.
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Vaishno Devi
3. Vaishno Devi Mandir
Photo: SUDEEP PRAMANIK / Wikimedia Commons
Vaishno Devi Shrine, around 13 kilometres from Katra, is one of the most popular pilgrimage temples of Jammu and Kashmir. Here, you can worship Goddess Vaishno Devi, a manifestation of goddess Durga. Also, this place lies in the lap of the Trikuta hills at a height of 1500 metres. Millions of devotees visit this shrine every year. You can pay a visit to this shrine to seek blessings and enjoy the views.
Timings: 24*7
4. Surinsar Lake
Photo: Pranavmagotra03 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
With an island right in the middle, Surinsar Lake is a picnic spot as well as a bird watcher’s haven. There is a bird sanctuary and a wetland on the periphery of the lake. Also, swimming or boating in the waters is not allowed due to religious sentiments. Surinsar and Mansar lakes are known as twin lakes and the Surinsar Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary is in the middle of both.
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
5. Akhnoor Fort
Photo: saiko3p / Shutterstock / Image For Representation Only
Akhnoor Fort is a mediaeval-era fort that gives a peek into three periods of history. It is a national monument under the Archaeological Survey of India and is extremely important in terms of history. Construction of this fort began in 1762 under Raja Tegh Singh and was done under Raja Alam Singh in 1802. Considering its vicinity to a Neolithic site, Akhnoor is known as one of the northernmost points of the Indus Valley Civilisation.
Timings: 9 AM – 8 PM
Suggested Read: Famous Festivals In Jammu And Kashmir
Where To Stay
Photo: The 7 Hotel Lisbon / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Considering the popularity of Jammu among Hindu pilgrims, there is no dearth of accommodation options here. There are hotels and resorts like Hotel Taj Vivanta, Radisson Blu Jammu and Lemon Tree that offer one of the most luxurious stays for those who like to travel in style. In terms of budget-friendly options, there are homestays like Ashiana Homestay and Hotel Amrita.
Where To Eat
Photo: Miansari66 / Wikimedia Commons
Jammu has an amazing collection of eateries and local cuisine restaurants suitable for all types of travellers. There is the Terrace Sky Lounge that offers family-style buffet dinner options in a serene ambience. Also, the Kohinoor Restaurant is a popular hub if you are looking to taste the delicious local fare. And you can enjoy some budget-friendly meals at the Ganpati Food Junction, Zamindara Dhaba, and Khana Khazana.
Suggested Read: Srinagar Temples
Raghunath Temple is a sight to enjoy as it is one of the largest temple complexes in Jammu and is worth a visit. Considering the popularity of Jammu and Kashmir among pilgrims, it is best to make prior bookings for a comfortable stay in the city. Plan your visit to Raghunath Temple with TripXL for a memorable experience.
Cover Photo: Pramal / Wikimedia Commons
