Jwala Devi Temple Himachal Pradesh

Jwala Devi Temple, Himachal Pradesh

Jwala Devi Temple is famously situated in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.

This temple can be accessed throughout the year.

This temple is devoted to the holy goddess named Jwala Devi.

This is one of the ancient Indian Temples for over 1000 years of history.

How to reach

By air

• One can also land at Gaggal in Himachal, which is approx about 50 Kms from the Temple, and then travel by road.
• One can land at Shimla Airport, which is approx 160 Kms from the Temple, and then travel by road.
• One can land at Chandigarh Airport, which is approx 200 Kms from the Temple, and then travel by road.
• One can land at Kullu Airport, which is approx 250 Kms from the Temple, and then travel by road.
• One can land at Delhi, which is approx 480 Kms from the Temple, and then travel by road.

By Train

The nearest stations to go to the Temple Jwala ji Road, Pankhot and Chandigarh station which are approx 20, 120 and 200 KMs far from the Temple .

By Road

One can reach the Temple via Delhi, Chandigarh, Manali, Shimla, Kullu, Pankhot, Dharamshala, Gaggal, Jammu.

History and Significance

During ancient times, the Lords were harassed by the demons in the Himalayas.

They decided to destroy those demons and shine the light of positivity.

The lords focused their energy and strength together, which led to the occurrence of huge flames coming from the ground.

This flame gave birth to Sati, also known by the name Parvati or Adi-Shakti.

Shakti grew up in the house of Prajapati Daksha.

Once, her father insulted Lord Shiva and, in utter grief over this incident, Sati killed herself.

On knowing this, Lord Shiva was in a rage and his anger knew no bounds.

He began staking three words holding Sati's body, which led to tremors in other Gods.

The Gods requested Lord Vishnu to come to their rescue.

Lord Vishnu struck an arrow which destroyed Sati's body into 51 sacred pieces which fell off in various places known as Shaktipeeths.

Sati's tongue fell at Jwala Devi and till date tiny flames burned flawless blue through fissures in old rock.

The temple was then built by Raja Bhumi Chand and later renovated by the Pandavas.

Mughal Emperor Akbar once tried to extinguish the flames by channelizing water into the flames.

He also tried to cover the flames with iron disks.

To his surprise and miracle, the flames did not get extinguished.

In turn of worship, he then presented a golden chatter at the holy shrine of Jwala Devi Temple.

Belief

Many pilgrims visit this holy shrine to offer their prayers at Jwala Devi Temple.

The blessing seekers offer gold and silver offerings when their prayers are fulfilled.

Temple Timings

The temple opens at 5.00 a.m in the morning during the summers and closes at 10.00 p.m in the evening.

The temple opens at 6.00 a.m in the morning during the winter and closes at 9.00 p.m in the evening.

Aarti

There are 5 aartis that are performed at Jwala Devi Temple.

1. Mangal Aarti: This aarti goes on from 5.00 a.m to 6.00 a.m.

2. Panjupchaar Aarti: This is an after Aarti.

3. Bhog Aarti: This aarti goes on from 12.00 p.m to 12.30 p.m

4. Evening Aarti: This aarti goes on from 7.00 p.m to 8.00 p.m

5. Shaiyan Aarti: This aarti goes on from 10.00 p.m to 10.30 p.m

The Shaiyan Aarti is known as the most unique aarti of all.

The bed of the Holy Goddess is decorated with beautiful dresses and ornaments.

A special time to visit

The best time to visit Jwala Devi Temple is during Mid February to Mid June and Mid September to Mid November.

Conclusion

The Jwala Devi temple attracts many pilgrims from all over the world.

The temple is considered as one of the oldest and most ancient temple.

Before entering the Jwala Devi Temple one must wash their hands and put off their shoes.

People from all age groups come here to offer their prayers and seek blessings from the Goddess.

Tourists from all over the place are amazed by the eternal burning flame.