Raghunath Temple Jammu Complete Details

 The  Raghunath’s sanctum is the divine soul where Lord Rama resides. 

Beginning this holy travelogue with “Jai Shri Ram,” the Jammu Raghunath Temple embodies the devotee’s heart and soul to Lord Rama. Its unique architecture and cluster of seven shrines with spiral-shaped temple towers make it the largest complex in North India. To know more about the history and cultural importance of this unique Raghunath Temple in Jammu City, continue reading this sacred transcript.

Know About Raghunath Temple 

Situated in the beautiful setting of Jammu City in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, the Raghunath Temple is the largest temple complex of Northern India. The temple located in the north of the River Tawi is dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s eighth incarnation, Lord Rama. Construction of this temple was initiated by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1835 A.D. and completed in the year 1860 by Maharaja Ranbir Singh in the heart of the city. This temple was also in the news in 2002, when the Fidayeen of Lashkar-e-Taiba attacked the temple twice. The main temple’s inner walls are covered with gold sheets. The main attraction is the separation of the seven shrines, elevated at 350 meters (1,148 ft).

History of Raghunath Temple 

The Raghunath Temple glorifies the cultural beliefs and richness in heritage, with an amazing history behind the establishment of this temple. According to the legends, on this plot where the temple is today, a fire was constantly lit, indicating some divine energies on this land. At that time, Maharaja Gulab Singh was the founder and ruler of the first Dogra community in Jammu and Kashmir. His Guru, Prem Das Ji, was an ardent devotee of Lord Rama. With his guidance, Maharaja Gulab Singh started the construction of the temple in 1822, and in some sources, 1835 is also mentioned. At the entrance of the Raghunath Mandir, a Takri or Brahmic script is inscribed honouring Maharaja Gulab Singh and his brother Dhyan Singh for building the temple in 1827. The temple construction was completed by his son, Maharaja Ranbir Singh, in 1860.

 There is a Sanskrit pathshala and a library of Sanskrit textbooks to keep the Indian heritage and ancient language alive. It has 6,000 manuscripts in Devanagari from Sarada originals. This library contains Vedic literature, Dharma Sutras, Mimasa, Vedanta, Yoga, Lexicography, Sanskrit Grammar, music, Kavya, drama, fables, etc.

    On the dates 30 March and 24 November 2002, the Fidayeen of Lashkar-e-Taiba attacked the temple with bombs and gun bullets. Both the temple and devotees were harmed in this attack. The darshan was restricted for the devotees. Later, when the situation calmed, it was opened for all the devotees.

Architecture of the Temple

The most interesting attraction about Raghunath Mandir is the seven-temple complex with its shikharas and spiral-shaped gold towers, constructed in the northern Nagara-style temples. The main temple’s dome is inspired by the Sikh architecture style, whereas in other shrines, the shikharas have gold-plated spires showing Mughal artistry. The temple is made from sandstone and marble.

   The inner three walls of the main temple are plated with gold, and the door is made of silver. The painting on the 15 panels on the walls narrates the stories of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagwat Gita. The main temple of Raghunath displays the sculptures and intricate, colourful, carved visuals of Ramayana and its characters. You can also see the paintings of Krishna’s leela on the walls. There are about 300 well-crafted visuals of gods and goddesses. The decorative motifs on the walls, coves and arches are adorned with lotus-type florals and geometrical designs, beautifying the structure. 

Spiritual Significance

• The religious Raghunath Temple of Jammu city is dedicated to Lord Rama.
• The ‘Raghunath’ is also the name of Lord Rama, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. 
• The main temple has a Ram Darbar with the idols of Lord Rama, Mata Sita, Brother Laxman and Lord Hanuman. 
• In this temple, you will find idols of every god, goddess, saints, ancient religious kings, sages and the holy characters from Ramayan and Mahabharta. There are almost 300+ sculptures of deities in the temple.
• There are idols from the Ramayana and Mahabharata of Lord Rama’s father, Dashratha, brother Bharata and Shatrughana, Jatayu and his brother Sampaati, Bhishmapitamah, Karna, etc.
• There are idols of Lord Vishnu and Maa Laxmi, Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati, Goddesses like Maa Durga, Maa Kali, Maa Saraswati, Maa Vaishno Devi, a unique Hanuman idol with joined hands, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya and NandiーShiva’s bull.
•  The idols of Lord Vishnu’s other incarnationsーShri Krishna with Radha as Balgopal, Bhagwan Narasimha, Lord Kurma, Lord Matsya, Lord Varaha, Lord Vamana, and Lord Buddha are established in this temple. 
• There are also idols of Saints and sages like Sage Valmiki,  Devrishi Narayan, etc.
• There is also an idol of Surya Dev, as Lord Rama belongs to the Suryavanshi family.
• There are also 1.5 lakh Shaligrams worshipped in the form of Bona Lingams or Pindis from the Narmada River. It is believed that Lord Raghunath resides here in the form of these small pindis. The locals called these small Shivlings that you can find everywhere in the temple premises. 
• The devotees believe that this temple is the abode of “33 Koti Devi-Devta”. This means “33 types or classifications of deities”, which includes 12 Adityas, 8 Vasus, 11 Rudras, and 2 Ashwins. In some sources, it is written as 33 crore, but actually, it is not true. According to Hindu scriptures, it is 33 Koti, not 33 crores.
• There is a large Shiva lingam made from a single black stone, 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall, and a sculpture of Nataraja made from ashtadhatu (8 auspicious elements). There are also 12 small shivlings made of crystal (height ranges from 15 to 38 cm).
• At a distance of 3 km, a Ranbireshwar temple is there. In this temple is a large Shiva lingam made from a single black stone, 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall, and a sculpture of Nataraja made from ashtadhatu (8 auspicious elements). There are also 12 small shivlings made of crystal (height ranges from 15 to 38 cm). This Temple is named after Maharaja Ranbir Singh.

What You Can Explore Here

Raghunath Bazaar (280 m from Temple)

Near the Raghunath temple, it is a crowded place where you can purchase items and eat food.

Amar Mahal Museum and Library (3.5 km from Temple)

Situated on the banks of the Tawi River, this citadel palace is inspired by French architecture. The palace was built by Maharaja Amar Singh in 1862, now it is converted into an art museum and a library for visitors.

Mubarak Mandi Palace (1.9 m from Temple)

A heritage palace with amazing architecture is a historic landmark in the heart of Jammu. The residence of Dogra dynasty rulers is now a place of tourist attraction.

Peerkho Caves (2.4 km from Temple)

This is a spiritual gem in Jammu, with a 20-30 feet deep, where Jamvant, the bear king, meditated in the name of Lord Rama in the Ramayana. In this cave, Lord Shiva’s Shivling is also worshipped.

Bawe Wali Mata Mahakali Temple (4 km from Temple)

The Mata Mahakali in this temple is said to be the protector of Jammu City. This temple is situated in the Bahu fort on the hilltop. People come here to take blessings from Bawe Wali Mata, especially on Tuesdays and Sundays, which is

340-year-old temple.

Bagh-E-Bahu (2 km from Temple)

The Bagh-E-Bahu near the Bahu Fort is a beautiful Park with manicured gardens, trees, Different types of flowers, and fountains. This picturesque site is ideal for viewing and photography. It has India’s first underground aquarium.

Bahu Fort (4.2 km from Temple)

Bahu Fort is named after Jammu’s Suryavanshi King Bahu, who built this fort. The Bawe Wali Mata Mahakali Temple is situated in this fort, regarded as the guardian of Jammu. This fort marks the grandeur of the Dogra dynasty.

Dogra Art Museum (2.2 km from Temple)

The Dogra Art Museum is a gallery showcasing the heritage of the Dogra dynasty, which has ruled the kingdom of Jammu and Kashmir for centuries. This art gallery is housed in the Pink Hall of Mubarak Mandi Palace.

Manda Zoo Park (3 km from Temple)

Manda Zoo Park is the only Zoo in the whole province of Jammu City. The children and family’s favourite spot for a picnic and see the amazing animals closely. 

Shree Ranbireshwar Temple (800 m from Temple)

Maharaja Ranbir Singh built Shree Ranbireshwar Temple near Shalimar road as a devotion to Lord Shiva. It has an 8-foot-tall Shivling and the 12 ekadash crystal shivlings measuring 15 to 38 cm. In front of the temple, a statue of Maharaja Ranbir Singh folded in hands with devotion towards the temple.

Best Time To Travel

• March to June: Weather is hot and humid, ranging from 20°C to 40°C. The place experiences bright sunshine and dry surroundings, which makes it uncomfortable to travel in Jammu.
• July to September: Jammu experiences frequent rainfall, which requires cautious driving. However, the surroundings turn verdant and refreshing, but dangerous, as hilly regions are prone to landslides.
• October to March: The temperature is moderate with cool winds in mid-November. This time is ideal, crisp weather and vibrant due to festive seasons like Diwali, Dussehra, Ram Navami, etc.
• September to April: This time, the weather is cool and pleasant. The afternoons are clear and sunny, a comfortable time to explore the Raghunath temple. Temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C.

The best time to visit the temple is from September to April and October to March for a pleasant darshan of Raghunath Mandir, Jammu.

Raghunath Temple’s Routes, Lodgings, and Other Details

How To Reach Raghunath Temple?

By Road: 

You can travel from any major city to the Raghunath on the NH 44. From Delhi(597 km) to Jammu, you will get many public and private luxury buses. The Jammu bus stand is only 0.5 km from the Raghunath Temple 

By Railway: 

Trains from major cities to Jammu Tawi Railway Station are available. This railway station is at a distance of 4.8 km, which can be travelled by an auto rickshaw or a cab.

By Airways:

The Jammu Airport in Satwari, Jammu is closest at 6.5 km from the Raghunath Temple. Arrive at the Jammu airport from major cities by flight and travel by road in a cab or a car.

Accommodations 

Accommodations	Features
Hotel Raghunath	Good ambience with good staff and tasty meals. It is at a Duration of 1 minute from the temple.
Hari Bhavan	A motel with all types of room options, dormitory, AC/Non AC rooms and good service with laundry and medical facilities. This hotel is also within walking distance of the Temple.
Dharma Guest House	Comfortable rooms, good food, 24-hour service, luggage storage, medical services available and all amenities. It is 4.1 km from the Raghunath temple.
Royal Inn	Comfortable stay with 24-hour room service, a tour guide and meals with all basic facilities. It is 2 minutes’ walking distance from the temple.
K.C. Residency	Best hospitality and customer services, and they have stay options. It is 1.3 km away from Raghunath Temple.
Itsy Hotels	All facilities, comfortable rooms and 24-hour customer service. It is only 0.1 km from the temple.

 

Timings and Entry Fees of the Temple

The timings of the Raghunath Temple are given.

November to February: 

Ritual or Aarti	Timings
Morning Temple Timings	6.30 am to 11.30 am
Morning Aarti	8.30 am
Bhog	11.00 am
Evening Temple Timings	5.00 pm to 9.00 pm
Evening Aarti	8.00 pm
Bhog	8.30 pm

 

March to October:

Ritual or Aarti	Timings
Morning Temple Timings	6.00 am to 11.30 am
Morning Aarti	8.30 am
Bhog	11.00 am
Evening Temple Timings	6.00 pm to 9.30 pm
Evening Aarti	8.30 pm
Bhog	9.00 pm

 

∴The temple is open till 10 pm every day.

The entry fees of the temple are: Free for all devotees. However, if you want to conduct a special pooja with the priest, a nominal fee is there.

Rituals and Celebrations

• Daily Aarti:  The Aarti of all the deities and puja is commenced everyday in the temple. The aarti is a Hindu religious hymn recited in front of the Hindu God. Evry God has its own Aarti. Morning and evening aartis are recited for Lord Ram, Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva, other gods and goddesses.
• Special Offerings: Devotees seek blessings or the fulfilment of their wishes by offering shaligram or lingams to Lord Rama.
• Ram Navami: Ram Navami is the festival celebrated as the birth of Lord Rama in Ayodhya. This is a significant festival of the Raghunath temple, and people celebrate it enthusiastically. 
• Diwali: The festival of lights, Diwali or Deepotsav, is celebrated by people to mark the return of Ram to Ayodhya after 12 years of exile. People light earthen diyas or candles in the temple premises and offer sweets to Lord Raghunath.
• Other Festivals: Other festivals like Holi, Navratri, Shivratri, Basant Panchami, Janmashtami, etc., are celebrated by the people of Jammu in the temple. Puja and offerings are done by the people to please their deity.

Things To Remember 

• Wear decent or traditional clothes in the temple premises.
• Be polite to the locals.
• Obey the instructions and customs given by the temple authorities to the devotees.
• Respect the religious norms and culture.
• Keep a National ID card like a driving license, an aadhar card, etc., for booking and other purposes.
• Carry your essentials like sunscreen, medical kits, comfortable clothes, healthy snacks, water for hydration, toiletries, etc.
• If you wish, you can take some offerings or purchases from the local stalls for Lord Dwarkadhish.
• Be humble and keep your surroundings clean.

FAQS 

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