Located at the heart of the city, Raghunath Temple is the important pilgrimage of Jammu and has been dedicated to Lord Rama who is one of the primary Hindu deities. The construction of the Raghunath temple was started by then Maharaja Kashmir Gulab Singh in 1835 A.D. After his death the work was completed by his son Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1860.
Raghunath Temple, Jammu
The temple structure has seven shikharas of which main shikhara is devoted to Lord Rama and other forms of Lord Vishnu. The inner walls of the main temple are covered with gold sheets from three sides while the interiors of the temple are plated with gold. The temple complex also have other small temples of Hindu Gods. The library in the temple premises hold rare Sanskrit manuscripts and documents.
Legend and History of Raghunath Temple
The Raghunath temple has a historical significance and there are multiple temples that surround the main temple and these temples are dedicated to the multiple Gods and Goddesses that are connected with the times of the epic Ramayana. This popular temple in Jammu is renowned for the temple’s depiction of Rama Leela and also of the Krishna Leela in its beautiful paintings. Prevalent legend suggests that the temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and was originally built by Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu in order to correct a major wrong that was done by him. The main idol that is placed inside the temple was brought back from Ayodhya which is the birthplace of Lord Rama according to the Ramayana.
The temple also has peeps of the Mughal masonry that can be visualized in architectural splendor of the Raghunath Temple. The temple carvings and arches are extraordinarily resplendent that grabs everyone’s attention. The temple complex also has a library that houses rare Sanskrit books as well as manuscripts. People also visit this temple in huge numbers in order to pay their homage to their deity and to seek blessings from the Lord.
The major significance of the Raghunath Temple is seen with seven shrines each of which has its own “Shikhara”, (which deciphers to ‘mountain peak’ in Sanskrit and this refers to rising towers and is a special part of the Hindu temple architecture especially in northern India). This temple has one of the largest temple complexes in the entire of North India which is located in Jammu city. This temple has multiple Gods enshrined in it but has the presiding deity as Lord Ram who is believed to be an “avatar” or an embodiment of Lord Vishnu.
Note: It is believed that Raghunath Temple in Jammu consists 33 crore Goddesses and Gods (DEVI DEVATA) on a single spread stone.
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Gallery of Raghunath Temple, Jammu
The temple also has a vast gallery which has various “lingams” as well as “saligrams” that are placed for the general public as well.
Note: Photography is not allowed inside.
Address of Raghunath Temple, Jammu
Fatthu Chaugan, Pakki Dhaki, Old Heritage City, Jammu and Kashmir 180001
Timings of the Temple
6.00 AM – 8.00 PM
Local Transport for Raghunath Temple, Jammu
City buses, Mini buses/Matadors, taxis and auto-rikshaws are available for local transportation.
How to reach or Location of Raghunath Temple, Jammu
Nearest Airport is Jammu with 5 km. Nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi at a distance of about approx 3 km. Jammu is well connected by road transport to other cities.
For directions the map is below
Important Events & Festivals
Seven day festival is held on the occasion of Dusshera in the month of October.
Official Website
http://www.raghunathtemple.com/