JWALAMUKHUI - JWALAMUKHI TEMPLE

Hinduism believes in the omnipresence of God and advocates worshipping of almost all objects-animate or inanimate, as evidenced by even the primitive man adoring five elements giving shape and size for visual appeal and steadfast attention. This practice received unqualified and absolute recognition and is passed on with reverent faith from generation to geneation. It is well known that fire worship fetches manifold blessings and without it neither civilisation nor existence is possible. Celebrated Mahashis offered prayers to Fire-god with elaborate rituals everyday in their hermitages. There are some countries continuing the worship of Fire-god alone even today. And so their place of worship is bereft of any representation of any divinity except fire.

Though Hindus worship Fire-god with all reverence due, there is only one shrine exclusively built for this august God. And it is unique in every aspect. It is in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh and called Jwalamukhi Temple. It is a much-hallowed centre of pilgrimage and devotees visit it throughout the year. Though our scriptures have green the 'Fire' male form and worshipped it accordingly here, a constantly burning flame is given the female form and name and is going by the name of Jwalamukhi. And treating it as the manifestation of the Goddess and is worshipped with rituals and hymns speaks volume veneartion shown to Fire-god. The shrine indeed won the appreciation of Muslims, as evidenced by its doors and roof gilded by Akbar the great.

It is 34 km off Kangra town, accessible by four wheelers.

[ Back ] [ Up ] [ Next ]