Raghunath Temple (Jammu & Kashmir)

The deul (tower) and jagmohana (porch) of
the Brahmeswara temple (c. 1050) are in the
fully developed mature Orissan style.

Raghunath Temple (Jammu & Kashmir) Hindu Temples

Raghunath Temple, with seven shrines each with its own Sikhara, is one of the largest temple complex of north India, and is located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The temple was built during the period 1835-1860 by Maharaja Gulab Singh and his son Maharaja Ranbir Singh. The temple has many gods, but the presiding deity is Rama, an avatar of Vishnu.

On 30 March 2002 when two suicide bombers attacked the temple. Seven persons including three security forces personnel were killed and 20 were injured. While the Hindus were performing puja in the temple complex on 24th November 2002, fidayeen attack by terrorists took place, when two suicide bombers stormed the temple which resulted in the deaths of 13 devotees and injuries to several devotees.

How to Reach

Jammu has an airport 8 km from the city centre. There are flights to Delhi, Srinagar and Leh. There is also a major rail head. Jammu is connected to all parts of the country by the National Highway. By road the distance to Delhi is 586 km, Srinagar 305 km, Chandigarh 436 km, Amritsar 243 km, Katra 48 km, Manali 428 km, Patnitop 112 km, Mansar 60 km. The main bus station is 0.5 km from the Tourist Reception Centre. For local transport bus, taxi, minibus and auto are available.

History

Amongst the temples in Jammu, the Raghunath Mandir dedicated to Lord Rama, takes pride of the place, being situated right in the heart of Jammu. The temple has seven shrines, with god-plated interiors. The most important houses the Dogra's patron deity, Rama, Vishnu's eighth incarnation. The cluster of temples makes it the largest temple complex in Northern India.

The inner sanctums of the temples contain gigantic statues of Gods and Goddesses and numerous 'lingams'. It contains representatives of almost the entire Hindu Pantheon, which makes it a rare sight to see. The inner walls of the main temple are covered with gold sheet on three sides. There are many galleries with lakhs of 'Saligrams'. The surrounding Temples are dedicated to various Gods and Goddesses connected with the epic Ramayana.The arches and architectural details show Mughal influence. Morning and evening aartis are ritually attended and there is also a stone lingam here and in the other shrines, for this is a center for Shakti worship.

A portrait of Ranbir Singh, the temple patron and a sculpture of Hanuman are at the entrance. The other shrines have images of Vishnu in various incarnations, Siva and Surya. The Sanskrit Library here contains numerous rare manuscripts.Work on the temple was started by Maharaja Gulab Singh, founder of the Kingdom of Jammu and Kashmir in 1835 AD and was completed by his son Maharaja Ranbir Singh 1860 AD.

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