Raghunath Temple – Jammu & Kashmir
The Raghunath Temple complex consists of seven Hindu shrines and is located in Jammu & Kashmir in India. It is one of the largest temple complexes in North India and all the shrines have a peak. The presiding deity is Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe. Many other deities are enshrined in the shrines within the temple premises and the niches in the walls of the shrines inside the complex are filled with beautifully carved images. The temple is a famous and much visited spiritual and religious center which exemplifies the rich Indian heritage associated with it.
History of Raghunath Temple
Raghunath Temple Jammu has a rich history of 130 years. Maharaja Gulab Singh, the founder of the Jammu and Kashmir kingdom, started the construction of the temple in 1835 AD. Later, his son Maharaja Ranbir Singh completed the construction in 1860 AD, the majestic temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Rama, who is believed to be the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is believed that the idea to build this temple for Maharaja Gulab Singh came from Shri Ram Das Bairagi. The latter predicted that Maharaja Gulab Singh would become the king. Shri Ram Das Bairagi was a staunch devotee of Shri Ram and came to Jammu from Ayodhya to propagate the Lord’s teachings. He lived in a small hut in Sui Simbli, where he built the first Rama temple.
During the reign of Ranbir Singh, the temple was used as a center of Sanskrit teachings like (School) to educate a large number of Brahmin students. Raghunath Temple was attacked by terrorists in the year 2002. After this deadly attack, it was closed for a while. Finally, in the year 2013, after a long wait of eleven years, the temple gates were once again opened for devotees.
Architecture of Raghunath Temple
This Mughal-influenced temple is an architectural marvel that represents an elegant fusion of the two prevailing design styles of the time. The carvings and arches in the temple are designed so beautifully that they immediately attract the attention of the visitors. The inner walls of the temple are well decorated with images of various Hindu deities and the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) houses an image of Lord Rama. The dome of this shrine is built in the shape of a pyramid, reminiscent of the Sikh architectural design. Gold-plated gopurams adorn each of the seven shrines, and one houses a black stone-carved Shivalinga.
Festivals related to Raghunath Temple
This magnificent temple celebrates many festivals on auspicious occasions and all of them are celebrated with great fervor. All events related to Lord Rama are given due importance, especially Rama Navami festival, considered as Lord Rama’s birthday. On this special occasion, people from distant places visit this temple for the Lord and get blessings.
Timings of Raghunath Temple Jammu
The temple is open daily morning from 06:00 am and closes at night 08:00 pm.
Raghunath Mandir Official Website: http://raghunathtemple.com/
How to Reach Raghunath Temple
By Air: The nearest airport is Jammu city, which is 8 km from the temple.
By Rail: Jammu Tawi Railway Station is 3 km away.
By Bus: Jammu is well connected with neighboring towns and cities by road and bus services.
Nearby Attractions
Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex – 1.53 km from Sri RaghunathJi Temple
Bahu Kota – 1.76 km from Sri Raghunath Ji Temple
Amar Mahal Museum and Library – 2.14 km from Sri Raghunath Ji
Temple Keran – 7.17 km from Sri Raghunath Ji Temple
Hotels Near to Raghunath Temple
Hotel City Heart
Hotel Shri Ganesh
KC Residency
Hotel Royal Choice
Hotel Green view, Jammu
Raghunath Temple Location
Raghunath mandir chowk,
Jammu city, Jammu & Kashmir – 180001.
Raghunath Temple Photos
