Raghunath Temple Jammu is one of the most prominent and revered Hindu temples in India, located in the heart of Jammu City, the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The temple complex covers an area of 125,000 square feet and houses seven shrines, each with its own shikhara (spire). The main shrine is dedicated to Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and the other shrines are dedicated to various forms and avatars of Lord Vishnu, such as Narasimha, Vamana, and Varaha.
The temple also boasts of a rich collection of ancient scriptures, manuscripts, and paintings, as well as a gallery of 12,000 lingams (phallic symbols of Lord Shiva) and saligrams (fossilized shells of Lord Vishnu).
The Raghunath Temple Jammu is not only a place of worship, but also a place of history, culture, and art. The temple was built by Maharaja Gulab Singh, the founder of the Dogra dynasty and the first ruler of Jammu and Kashmir, and his son Maharaja Ranbir Singh, between 1835 and 1860.
The temple reflects the blend of Mughal and Sikh architecture, with its gold-plated walls, intricate carvings, and domed ceilings. The temple also showcases the influence of Kashmiri, Dogri, and Pahari art forms, with its colorful frescoes, murals, and paintings.
How to Reach and Timings
The Raghunath Temple Jammu is easily accessible by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Jammu Airport, which is about 8 km away from the temple. The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi, which is about 4 km away from the temple. You can also take a bus or a taxi from the airport or the railway station to reach the temple.
The temple is open from 6 am to 8 pm every day, except on Tuesdays, when it is closed for maintenance. The best time to visit the temple is during the morning or evening aarti (prayer ceremony), when the temple is illuminated with lamps and incense, and the chants and hymns create a divine atmosphere.
The temple also celebrates various festivals and occasions, such as Ram Navami, Janmashtami, Dussehra, and Diwali, with great fervor and devotion.
Must Know Before You Visit
The Raghunath Temple Jammu is a sacred place, and you need to follow some rules and etiquette while visiting it. You need to remove your shoes and cover your head before entering the temple premises. You also need to refrain from using cameras and mobile phones inside the temple, as they are strictly prohibited.
You can use the locker facility available at the entrance to store your belongings. You also need to be careful of the priests who may try to extort money from you in exchange for blessings or offerings. You can politely decline their requests or pay a nominal amount as per your wish. You also need to respect the sentiments and beliefs of the devotees and avoid any kind of disturbance or disruption.
Nearby Attractions and Travel Packages
The Raghunath Temple Jammu is not the only attraction in Jammu City. You can also explore other places of interest, such as Akhnoor, a historical town on the banks of the Chenab River, where you can see the ruins of an ancient fort and a temple; Amar Mahal Palace, a former royal residence turned into a museum, where you can see the paintings, artifacts, and throne of the Dogra kings.
Or explore Bahu Fort and Garden, a 3000-year-old fort and a beautiful garden, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the Tawi River; Gurudwara Dera Baba Banda, a Sikh shrine and a pilgrimage site, where you can see the relics and weapons of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, a disciple of Guru Gobind Singh; Krimchi Group of Temples, a cluster of seven ancient temples, dating back to the 8th-9th century, where you can admire the architecture and sculptures of the Gupta period; Mansar Lake, a scenic lake surrounded by hills and forests, where you can enjoy boating, fishing, and wildlife watching; Mubarak Mandi Palace, a complex of palaces and buildings, where you can see the fusion of Rajasthani, Mughal, and European styles of architecture.
You may also visit Peer Baba Dargah, a shrine of a Muslim saint, where you can witness the harmony and brotherhood of different faiths; Purmandal Temple, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, where you can see the rock formations and caves; Ranbir Canal, a canal built by Maharaja Ranbir Singh, where you can enjoy a walk or a picnic; Salal Dam and Lake, a hydroelectric project and a reservoir, where you can see the engineering marvel and the natural beauty.
Some Good Restaurants Near Raghunath Temple
here are some of the options you can consider:
Friends Sher E Punjab Restaurant:
This is a popular restaurant that serves delicious and homely Punjabi food, such as dal makhani, butter chicken, naan, and lassi. The restaurant is located in Subhash Chowk, Dalhousie, which is about 4 km away from the temple. The restaurant is open from 9 am to 11 pm every day.
The Hooch:
This is a stylish and cozy bar and restaurant that offers a variety of Indian and continental dishes, such as tandoori chicken, pizza, pasta, and burgers. The restaurant is located in The Mall Near Gandhi Chowk Dalhousie, which is about 3.5 km away from the temple. The restaurant is open from 11 am to 11 pm every day. You can also visit their website to know more about their ambiance and facilities.
Blue Coriander - The Restaurant:
This is a fine dining restaurant that serves a range of cuisines, such as Indian, Chinese, and Italian. The restaurant is located in Hotel Lagoon Sarovar Premiere Resort, which is about 5 km away from the temple. The restaurant is open from 7 am to 11 pm every day,
The Raghunath Temple Jammu is a magnificent shrine of Hinduism, where you can experience the spirituality, culture, and art of Jammu and Kashmir. The temple is a must-visit for anyone who wants to witness the glory and grace of Lord Rama and other Hindu deities. The temple is also a gateway to explore the other attractions and destinations of Jammu and Kashmir, where you can discover the beauty, diversity, and charm of the state.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets and plan your trip to the Raghunath Temple Jammu, and get ready to be mesmerized by the wonders of the temple and the state.
Thank you for reading this article, and we hope you have a great time at the Raghunath Temple Jammu.
