Jwala Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh

If you are in Himachal Pradesh then Jwala Devi Temple in Kangra district is definitely a must visit place. This temple is also known as Jwalaji temple. The temple is dedicated to Jwala devi. It is one of the 51 shakti peeths of India . it is believed that Goddess Sati s tongue had fallen here.

The temple is dedicated to Jwala Devi (a form of goddess) who is presiding in the form of flames. Owing to this fact, the goddess is also denoted as the ‘Flaming Goddess’. The term ‘Jwala’ means flame in Sanskrit, hence the physical manifestation of Jwala Ji is always a set of eternal flames.

It is believed that Mughal Emperor Akhbar had a strong faith in this holy shrine. Once his army tried to blow off the flames by pouring water and covering it with iron disk , but the flames continued burning. after seeing this miracle he offered a golden parasol at the temple. his cynicism at the power of Devi caused the gold to debase into another metal which is still unidentified in the world. His belief in the deity was all the more strengthened after this incident. The holy place of worship has huge recognition, and thousands of pilgrims visit every year to fulfill their spiritual urge. Nine flames, symbolising the Navadurgas, are believed to be worshipped in the shrine. It is unknown when the flames have been burning and from where the flames emerged.

The local people have so much faith in this temple that any wish they ask here it is always fulfilled. People are also amused by the flames which continue to burn all the time in every season that people from far away places also come to visit the temple just to see these magical flames.  One can sit in the temple and pray to Jwala Devi.

Structure of Jwalaji Temple

Jwalamukhi Temple is made in the Indo Sikh style architecture. The building is modern with a gold dome, pinnacles and possesses a beautiful folding door of silver plates. There is a huge brass bell in front of the main shrine that was presented by the King of Nepal.

Inside the temple, there is a pit where several flames are burning. The temple has no idol and the Goddess is considered to be residing in the form of these flames. The temple has nine eternal flames that are represented as Maa Chandi, Mahakali, Hing Laj, Annapurna, Mahalakshmi, Vindhya Vasini, Ambika, Saraswati, and Anjana respectively. The blue flames are coming out from the fissures in the ancient rock.

Aarti Timings

Aartis are a very important ritual in every temple. In Jwalaji Mandir there are 5 aartis which are performed by Pujaris in worship of Goddess. One aarti is performed in early morning, one at sun rise, one at mid noon, one in the evening and one at the bed time of the Goddess.

 

The bedtime Aarti which is called the Shaiyan Aarti is very unique. The bed of Goddess is decked up with rich dresses and ornaments during aarti. First part of it is done in the main temple of Goddess and the second part is done in the “SEJABHAWAN” salokas from ‘Sondarya Lahri’ by shri shakracharya are recited.

How to reach Jwala Devi Temple

By Air

Kangra Airport in Gaggal , Himachal Pradesh is the nearest airport. it takes around 50km from there to reach Jwala devi temple

By Train

Jwalamukhi Road Railway Station is the nearest narrow-gauge railhead to the extent of around 21 km from the temple. Pathankot is the nearest broad-gauge located at a distance of about 112 km.

By Road

Well-maintained roads are connecting the temple from the capital city Delhi, Chandigarh, and Dharamshala. State-owned and private bus services are available from all the important cities of Punjab, Uttarakhand, Haryana, New Delhi, and Jammu and Kashmir. One can also hire a cab or taxi to reach the place.

Where to stay

There are many Ashram and Dharamshala s which are situated nearby the Jwala Devi Mandir and one can easily get accommodation in these.