Raghunath Temple, Jammu
Raghunath Temple has been dedicated to Lord Rama who is one of the primary Hindu deities. The temple was constructed by Maharaja Gulab Singh who was the founder of kingdom of Jammu & Kashmir and the work on the temple began in 1835 A.D. After his death the work was completed by Maharaja Gulab Singh’s son, Maharaja Ranbir Singh. The main temple’s inner wall is covered with gold sheet on the three sides of the temple. The temple also has a vast gallery which has various “lingams” as well as “saligrams” that are placed for the general public as well.
Mahima – The Importance of Raghunath Mandir
Raghunath Temple, with seven shrines each with its own `Shikhara`, (shikhara, a Sanskrit word translating literally to `mountain peak`, refers to the rising tower in the Hindu temple architecture in north India) is one of the largest temple complexes of north India, located in Jammu city. T he presiding deity is Lord Ram, an `avatar` (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu.
The gigantic Raghunath temple has seven lofty `shikharas`, where every shrine has its own shikhar. On the very entrance to the temple, a portrait of Maharana Ranbir Singh and an image of Lord Hanuman exaggerate the site. The centrals shrine is dedicated to Lord Ram / Raghunath, who is the commanding deity. Apart from the main shrine, the other shrines encompass various incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
There is another remarkable shrine of Lord Surya (Sun God), which houses different forms of the Lord. Inside the temple there are other shrines that house colossal statues of the Hindu gods and goddesses. Raghunath temple comprises almost all the images of the Hindu Pantheon, an unusual embodiment in temple architecture.
Temple Timings & Darshan
Timing:
Monday – Friday: 6.00 AM – 8.00 PM ,
Saturday: 6.00 AM – 8.00 PM ,
Sunday: 6.00 AM – 8.00 PM ,
Public Holidays: 6.00 AM – 8.00 PM
Bhadrachala Ramadasa
Bhadrachalam and Vijayanagara are sites said to have been closely associated with the Ramayana. Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are said to have stayed at Parnasala, 35 km away from Bhadrachalam. Rama is said to have crossed the river Godavari on his way to Sri Lanka to rescue Sita, at the spot where the Bhadrachalam temple stands, on the northern bank of the river. Legend has it that the son of Meru and Menaka, Bhadra, performed penances towards Rama here. Kabirdas, a Muslim by birth is also closely associated with this temple. It is believed that the images of the deities miraculously disappeared when Kabir was refused entry into the temple and that they reappeared miraculously upon his being permitted to enter.
How to Reach
Fatthu Chaugan,
Pakki Dhaki,
Majhin,
Jammu.
Jammu and Kashmir 180001.
Jammu Airport,
Around 8 km away from the temple.
Nearest Railway Station :
Jammu Tawi,
The temple is located at a distance of about approx 3 km from the railway station.
