About Jwala Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh
- Jwala Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh, also known as Jwala Ji Temple, located in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, is one of a kind, there is no idol inside, but there is one flame. The Jwala Devi Temple is dedicated to Jwala Devi (goddess form) who rules in the form of a flame.
- Jwala Devi has no idols and Mata Jwala Devi is worshipped in the form of fires that rise from crevices in the rocks. Raja Bhumi Chand Katoch of Kangra, a great worshiper of Goddess Durga, dreamed of a sacred place, and many rajas wondered where this place was.
- Devi’s sacred flame can be seen in the shrine in nine different ways. The natural flame in the temple is revered as the incarnation of the nine goddesses: Mahakali, Maha Lakshmi, Saraswati, Unpurna, Chandi, Hinglaj, Bindhya Fables, Ambika and Anji Devi.
History of Jwala Devi Temple
- By the grace of Goddess Jwala this place was found and Raja Bhumi Chand Katoch started building the temple. A few years later a flame was discovered in the mountain and Raja Bhumi Chand Katoch built a temple around it and named it Jwala Devi Temple. It is also said that the Pandavas visited this temple and renovated it. The legend says that Akbar, the great Mughal emperor, visited the Jwalamukhi temple to check its originality after Akbar found out about this legend.
- Recognizing the power of Maa Jwala, the goddess of light, Akbar led his army to the temple of Jwala and offered the goddess a golden umbrella, but shortly after offering the dome, the umbrella turned to copper, indicating that the goddess refused his offer.
How to Reach Jwala Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh
- By Air – If you are going by air then you have to arrive at Dharamsala airport. From airport the temple is 40 km. far. You can easily take bus from there.
- By Train – If you are going by train you have to arrive at Pathankot Railway Station. From Pathankot it is 85 km. far. You can easily opt bus, cab or auto for the mandir.
- By Road– If you are going Jwala Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh by road, then you have to arrive at Jawalamukhi. From Jawalamukhi you can easily opt bus, cab or auto for the mandir.