Temples of Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir is a mystic land of Sufis and Saints. There are many Temples in Jammu and Kashmir, even, Jammu is known as the city of temples.
The residents of Jammu and Kashmir are the keen believers of God. It is not surprising that there are many Shrines and Temples in Jammu and Kashmir.
History
In the year 1846, the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir- Gulab Singh established Dharamarth Trust in Jammu.
Dharamarth Trust is one of the largest and oldest Religious Trust operating till date in the country. It is the responsibility of the Trust to ensure the protection, preservation and restoration of temples in Jammu and Kashmir.
At present, there are as many as 175 Temples under the Dharamarth Trust all over the country, however, mainly in Jammu and Kashmir.
It was the vision of Maharaja Gulab Singh to preserve the ancient manuscripts of Hinduism. At present, there are more than 7,000 ancient scripts preserved at Ranbir Sanskrit Research Institute, Jammu.
Maharaja Gulab Singh wanted to promote Jammu as 'Second-Kashi', Kashi which is often known as Varanasi- a sacred city in India.
Due to these constant efforts of the past rulers of Jammu and Kashmir- Jammu is called city of temples.
Here is the list of famous Temples in Jammu and Kashmir:
- Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple
- Shri Amarnath Shrine
- Bawe Kali Mata Temple
- Kheer Bhawani Temple
- Raghunath Temple
- Sudh Mahadev Temple
- Krimchi Temples
- Shivkhori Temple
- Machail Mata Temple
- Shankracharya Temple
- Sukrala Mata Temple
- Vasuki Nag Temple
- Sidhgoria Temple
- Purmondal
- Ranbireshwar Temple
1. Vaishno Devi Temple Katra
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the most popular Shrines in India. It is not possible that you have not heard of it, maybe you have already visited the Shrine.
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi is one of the holy Shakti-Peeths. Every year more than 10 million pilgrims visit this one of the holiest temples of Jammu. Every day around 50,000 pilgrims start their pilgrimage to this ancient temple.
The Shrine is located in the ancient cave in Trikuta Hills of Reasi District of Jammu region. Inside the cave temple, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi resides in Pindi form. The Yatra of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple continuous for whole year unlike other famous Temples of Jammu and Kashmir- Shri Amarnath Yatra, Machail Mata Yatra
How to visit Vaishno Devi?
Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is situated in Katra, 44 Km from the City of Temples, Jammu.
After you reach Jammu, you can take a Bus or Train to Katra. From Katra, you have to take Yatra Parchi from Shrine Board Counter before starting the Trek.
If you are unable to Trek the Hills, there is an option to Book Helicopter for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi from Katra to Sanjhi-Chatt. How to book Helicopter for Vaishno Devi online?
2. Shri Amarnath Shrine
Shri Amarnath Shrine is one of the most famous Temples of Jammu and Kashmir. Every year thousands of pilgrims from all over India visit the holy cave of Amarnath.
Shri Amarnath Cave is situated in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. Every Year the holy Amarnath Yatra starts in the month of Jun-July.
It is believed that inside the cave of Shri Amarnath Lord Shiva narrated the secrets of immortality to Goddess Parvati 5000 years ago.
A Self-made, Swyambhu Shivaling is formed every year inside the cave. The 4 metres Shivaling is entirely formed of snow, however, the size may vary year-to-year. The Shivaling changes its shape in accordance with the movements of the moon.
How to visit Amarnath?
From Jammu, you can visit Srinagar either by air or by road. Srinagar is 265 Km from Jammu. The fastest way to reach Srinagar is by flight which would take around 40 minutes.
From Srinagar city, you have to reach Anantnag district by Bus. From Anantnag, there are two routes to visit the holy cave- Pahalgam (45Km), Baltal (11Km).
However, the Pahalgam route is preferred by the pilgrims even though it is longer than the Baltal route. The Pahalgam route is the traditional route to Amarnath which was taken by Lord Shiva as well.
3. Bahu Fort Temple
Indeed, there are many temples in Jammu and Kashmir. However, Bahu Fort Temple, locally known as- Bawe wali Mata Temple, is one of the most famous temples in Jammu city.
The presiding deity in the Bahu Fort Temple is Goddess Kali. The Fort is around 3000 years old built by the descendants of Lord Rama- Raja Bahu Lochan.
The Jammuites has a very strong belief in Bahu Fort Temple irrespective of caste, creed and religion. The Bahu Fort Temple also organises an annual fair in the Navratras.
If you are in Jammu, you should visit this spiritual centre of Jammu city. On Tuesdays and Sundays, the temple is flooded with the pilgrims mostly within the Jammu city. You may experience some rush on these days.
How to visit Bahu Fort Temple?
The Bahu Fort Temple is around 4 Km from the Jammu Bus Stand. You can take the Mini-Bus (Matador) to Bahu Fort Temple which will cost you around 10 Rs per passenger.
4. Kheer Bhawani Temple
Kheer Bhawani is the most important Temple for the Kashmiri Pandit community of Kashmir. The Temple is situated in the Tulmul village of Kashmir 22 Km from the mainland of Srinagar City.
The Temple is situated over a sacred spring, it is believed that the spring changes its colour. The dark and Black colour in the spring resembles the upcoming of an inauspicious event. It is believed that before the floods in Kashmir, the colour of the spring had changed marking the indication of the floods.
The presiding deity of the Temple is Goddess Bhawani- a form of Goddess Durga. A Legend tells that the Goddess Kheer Bhawani was brought to Kashmir by Lord Hanumana from Lanka, present-day Sri Lanka.
A similar Temple which is the replica of the main Temple is also built in Jammu, Janipur area by the Kashmiri Pandit Community after the exodus. The Temple also organises an annual Fair.
How to visit Kheer Bhawani Temple?
The Temple is situated in the Kashmir region of Jammu & Kashmir. From Jammu, you have to visit Srinagar either by Bus or Flight.
The Temple is situated in the Tulmul Village in the Ganderbal District. From Srinagar, you can hire a Taxi or visit the temple by the Bus.
To visit the Kheer Bhawani Temple in Jammu, you can take a Mini-Bus from Bus Stand to Lakkar Mandi. The Temple is at walking distance from Lakkar Mandi.
5. Raghunath Temple
Raghunath Mandir as the name suggests is dedicated to Lord Rama. As the Dogras are the descendants of Lord Rama, the temple in the centre of the city resembles the beautiful Culture of the city.
This is one of the most famous temples in the Jammu city situated in the Busy street of Raghunath Market. Ranbir Sanskrit Research Centre is also there on the backside of the temple.
Raghunath Temple is no ordinary temple, inside the temple, you can see the idols of all the Gods mentioned in the Vedic tradition. Mainly the Temple complex has 7 shrines. The Grand idol of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lakshman are inside the main building of the temple.
Separate Temples are dedicated to the brothers of Lord Ram- Bharat and Shatrughan. A grand idol of Lord Ganesha is also there along with all the other Gods inside this largest Temple Complex in North-India.
The Raghunath Temple tries to depict all the 33 Crore Gods inside one Temple which is the unique feature of the temple. The other peculiar thing about the temple is its various small Shivlings which you may notice inside the temple depicts the remaining Devi-Devtas.
One of the North-India's biggest Shivling is also hosted by the Raghunath Temple. Another Transparent Shivlinga is also there adjacent to the Raja Amarsingh's Samadhi.
The Golden Shikara of the temple shown in the above image hosts the portrait of the mighty ruler and founder of Jammu and Kashmir- Maharaja Gulab Singh. He was the one who laid the foundation stone of the temple. His son Maharaja Ranbir Singh, later completed the construction of the Temple.
How to visit Raghunath Temple?
From Jammu Bus Stand, you can take a mini-bus to Parade. From Parade the Temple is at the walking distance.
The Grand Parade Market is on your way to Raghunath Temple. You can buy dry fruits, Rajma, Saffron from the Kanak Mandi area of Jammu which is nearby the temple.
6. Sudh Mahadev Temple
Near the Temple is Gauri Kund, which is around 3000 years old. It is believed that at this place Goddess Parvati worshipped Lord Shiva and later at the same place- Sudh Mahadev, Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati.
The Temple has black marble idol of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Outside the Temple, a huge Trishul is also there. At the walking distance of the Sudh Mahadev situated the place Mantalai, where Lord Shiva married with Goddess Parvati.
5 Km ahead of Mantalai, a sightseeing area is developed, providing a breath-taking view of the lush deodars of the region.
How to visit Sudh Mahadev?
Sudhmahadev is situated in the erstwhile Chenani state of Jammu and Kashmir which is currently in the Udhampur district of Jammu region.
From Jammu, you can hire a cab or Taxi to the Sudhmahadev area, or you can visit Udhampur by Bus which are easily available in the Jammu Bus Stand. From Udhampur you have to book a cab, for rest of the journey.
7. Krimchi Temples
Krimchi Temple also known as Pandava Temples, is the group of seven temples situated in the Krimchi village of Udhampur district, Jammu and Kashmir.
Krimchi Temples are one of the most ancient temples of Jammu and Kashmir. The Temple complexes are not in perfect condition. Some Temples have been damaged.
The Seven Temple complexes are dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Parvati. However, at present, there are no idols inside the temple except the two Shivlings inside the Shikaras of the Temples.
It is believed that during the exile (Vanvas & Agyatvas), Pandavas have stayed there. From then on the Krimchi temples are also known as Pandava Temples.
How to visit Krmichi Temple?
From Jammu, you have to visit Udhampur which is around 70 Km from Jammu city. You can visit Udhampur by Bus.
From Udhampur the temple is around 12 Km North of Udhampur city. You can hire a taxi to reach the roadside of the Krimchi Temple. A trek of 10 minutes and you are in the Krmichi village where the 10th century Temples are situated.
8. Shiv Khori Cave Temple
After paying their obeisance to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims prefer to visit either Shiv Khori Cave Temple or Patnitop.
Shiv Khori is a cave temple situated in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. It is one of the most revered Shiva temples of Jammu and Kashmir. Lord Shiva is a very important deity in Jammu and Kashmir. There are many Shiva Temples in J&K- Amarnath, Buddha Amarnath, Shiv Khori, Aap Shambu, Ranbireshwar Temple, Peer Kho Temple, Ranbireshwar Temple etc.
How to visit Shiv Khori?
Shiv Khori is around 140 Km from Jammu and 80 Kms from Katra. Either way, you have to hire a taxi in order to reach the Cave Temple.
From base of the village Ransoo, you have to trek the mountain path to reach the natural cave. An artificial cave exit is also constructed in order to maintain the flow of pilgrims.
9. Machail Mata
In the village Machail of Kishtwar district of Jammu region situated a highly revered temple of Goddess Durga. In the Jammu region, the Goddess is popularly known as Chandi Mata.
At the time of Dogra rulers, General Zorawar Singh visited the temple to seek the blessing of Goddess Durga before his campaign in Ladakh. Later General Zorawar Singh annexed Ladakh into Jammu and Kashmir.
The valley of Paddar is nearby the Machail Mata Temple is famous for its sapphire mines. The temple is in the blessed location of Kishtwar with the majestic mountains in the background and streams of cold waters coming from glaciers.
How to visit Machail?
From Jammu, the temple is around 300 Km. An annual Yatra (Chaddi) is organised by the authorities in the month of Jul-Sept.
It would take around 2 days to reach the temple by foot, however, helicopter services are also available to reach the temple.
10. Shankracharya Temple
Shankracharya Temple is the ancient temple of Lord Shiva situated in the Srinagar, Kashmir. It is situated on a hilltop in the Zabarwan range.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was visited by ancient Saint of India- Adi Shankracharya. From then on the temple is named after the Saint as Shankracharya Temple.
Stairs are constructed to reach the hilltop. You can enjoy the view of Srinagar city from the hilltop. Pilgrims on their way to Shri Amarnath visit this famous temple in Jammu and Kashmir.
How to visit Shankracharya Temple?
From Jammu, you have to visit Srinagar which is around 270 Km from Jammu city. From Srinagar, you can hire a cab to the base point, from the base point hike around 250 stairs to reach the ancient temple
11. Sukrala Mata Temple
Sukrala Mata Temple is situated in Sukrala village of Kathua district surrounded by a lush green forest of tall pines.
Sukrala Mata Temple is one of the most beautiful and important temples in Jammu region's Kathua district. It is believed that from the nearby jungle tigers came to the temple for the darshan of Sukrala Mata. Similar is the case with the Pingla Mata temple which is located in Udhampur district.
How to Visit Sukrala Mata Temple?
You can visit Sukrala Mata Temple by using public transport like Bus and Mini-Buses. Firstly you have to take a Bus to Billawar which you can easily take from Jammu Bus Stand.
From Billawar Bus Stand, take a Mini Bus to the Sukrala Mata Temple which drops you exactly at the Gate of Sukrala Mata Temple.
There are around 150-200 steps in the way to the main Temple of the Sukrala Mata Temple. You can see various shops selling Prashad, flowers, and various other offerings to the pilgrims.
12. Vasuki Nag Temple
Baderwah is known as Devo ki Dharti- 'abode of Gods' & 'the land of Snakes'. There are many famous temples in Baderwah. Baderwah is a town and tehsil in district of Doda, Jammu region.
In Baderwah the worship of Nag is very common, not only in Baderwah but most of the Pahari regions of Jammu and Kashmir. Vasuki Nag ji is the Kul-Devta of many living in Jammu and Kashmir.
Vasuki Nag ji was the son of Kashyap Rishi- who founded Kashmir. Vasuki Nag ji always reside alongside with Lord Shiva in his neck.
The temple is situated in the main town of the Baderwah. The temple is more than 2500 years old. The pilgrims on their way to Kailash Yatra seek blessings of Vasuki Nag ji.
How to visit Vasuki Nag Temple?
From Jammu you have to take a Bus to Baderwah which is easily available in Jammu Bus Stand. You can always hire a cab to Baderwah if you are planning to stay. Vasuki Nag temple is in the middle of the town in Baderwah.
13. Baba Sidhgoria Nath Temple
Baba Sidhgoria nath is a beautiful temple over a pond situated in the Samba district of Jammu region. Baba Sidhgoria Nath ji was a Yogi who lived in the ancient Jammu preaching the ways of Nath tradition.
Inside the pond temple, Samadhi of Baba Sidhgoria Nath is present. The peculiar thing about the Samadhi is that the Samadhi is in the Lotus Pose.
Inside the temple premises various other temples- Baba Bharo Nath temple, Baba Surgal Dev Temple are also there. The temple attracts pilgrims from all over North India.
How to Visit Baba Sidhgoria Nath Temple?
The Temple is situated in the Swankha village of Samba district. The Temple is around 30 Km from Jammu. You can board a Bus which is going to Samba and left the Bus at the Swankha-Mod Stop. From Swankha Mod you can hire an Auto to the temple.
14. Purmondal
Purmondal known as the Chotta Kashi is the holy abode of Lord Shiva. It is located in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir.
The temple is located over the bank of river Devika. The flow of the river is inward. It is the strong belief of the pilgrims that the water of the river purifies the souls.
When you dig some deep with your bare hands the water spring came out of nowhere. In this water, pilgrims take the holy dip. Purmondal is also famous for Pind-Daan, which is done to liberate the souls of one's forefathers.
How to visit Purmondal?
Purmondal is around 22 Km from Jammu. The simplest way to visit Purmondal is to hire a cab. If you do not want to hire a cab then Bus services are also available to the holy shrine of Purmondal.
15. Ranbireshwar Temple
In Jammu and Kashmir, the Shiv and Shakti Pujan is very popular in the hilly as well as in the plains of the Jammu and Kashmir. It is no wonder that there are many Shiv temples in Jammu and Kashmir. This one is situated in the mid of the city.
Shri Ranbireshwar Temple located in the busy roads of Shalamar near Secretariat is on the largest Shiv temples in Northern India. Inside the temple, a huge Shivling of 2.5 meters is the prime attraction. It was built by the second Dogra ruler Maharaja Ranbir Singh in the year 1883.
Ranbireshwar Temple along with Raghunath Temple and Bahu Fort Temple are the main temples of Jammu. A transparent Shivling is also installed in the Raghunath as well as in the Ranbireshwar Temple which is very rare.
How to visit Ranbireshwar Temple?
Ranbireshwar Temple is around 5 Km from Jammu Bus Stand. Take a Mini-Bus from Bus Stand to Parade. From Parade walk towards the Shalamar Road for 5 minutes and that's it! You are about to visit one of the most beautiful and famous temples of Jammu and Kashmir
Conclusion
Jammu and Kashmir is the beautiful land of ancient Sufis and Saints. There are many other famous temples in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). However, the above mentioned are the most important ones.
After visiting Vaishno Devi do not forget to visit the above-mentioned temples in Jammu and Kashmir. If you are in J&K, I urge you to make a visit at Bahu Fort Temple and the fascinating Shri Raghunath & Ranbireshwar Temples.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why Jammu is called city of temples?
A. Jammu is called city of temples because there are many temples in Jammu and Kashmir. You can find a temple in every 2 Km of the Jammu city. In the old city of Jammu, there are many ancient temples.
Q. What are the famous temples in Jammu?
A. Jammu temple list:
- Raghunath Temple
- Ranbireshwar Temple
- Bahu Fort Temple
- Mahamaya Temple
- Peer Kho Temple
- Aap Shambu Temple
- Kheer Bhawani Temple
- Vaishno Devi Temple
- Nau Deviya
- Sidh Goria Nath temple
- Vasuki Nag Temple
- Sukrala Mata Temple
- Machail Mata
- Shiv Khori
- Krimchi Temple
- Narsingh Temple
Q. What are the famous Kashmir Temple?
A. Kashmir Temple list:
- Kheer Bhawani Temple
- Amarnath Temple
- Shankracharya Temple
- Raghunath Temple
- Martund Sun Temple
- Hari Parbat
Q. What are the main Temples of Jammu and Kashmir?
A. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Shiv Khori, Bahu Fort Temple, Raghunath Temple, Ranbireshwar Temple are the main Temples of Jammu and Kashmir.
Q. How many Temples are there in Jammu?
A. In Jammu there are more than 2500 temples while in the Kashmir division the number is less. To an estimation, there are not more than 4000 temples in whole Jammu and Kashmir. Restoration of temples in Jammu and Kashmir is also under process.
Q. What is Jammu famous for?
A. Jammu is famous for its rich Cultural Heritage and Temples. Some must-visit places are- Mubarakh Mandi Palace, Raghunath Temple, Ranbireshwar Temple, Bahu Fort.
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