Jwalaji Temple in Himachal Pradesh

The flaming temple of Himachal Pradesh, Jwalaji temple is located at a distance of 34 km south of Kangra Valley. The Jawalaji temple is considered very powerful, and count as one of the 51 Shakti-Pitha temples in India. It is here that Sati’s tongue fell which can now be seen in the form of the flame.

Besides this main temple, there are Gorakh Dibbi, Chaturbhuj temple and many small shrines situated in the vicinity of Jwalaji temple.

Dedicated to Goddesses Jwalamukhi with flaming mouth, the temple is believed to have nine permanent flames named after the goddesses- Mahakali, Unpurna, Chandi, Hinglaj, Bindhya Basni, Maha Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ambika and Anji Devi.  It is said that centuries ago, a shepherd saw the flames for the first time and Raja Bhumi Chandra, the ruler of the area had the original temple built. The Mughal Emperor Akbar installed a gold parasol and Maharaja Ranjit Singh had the dome gilded. Across the courtyard is Devi’s bed chamber and above the temple is the shrine of Baba Gorakhnath.

Main Attraction of Jwalaji temple

The main attraction of the temple is the Aarti session, which is performed five times a day that begins early morning then at sun rise, afternoon, evening and continues till bed time of the goddesses. Apart from these, the evening Aarti  (Shaiyan Aarti), performed before bed time is unique and different. The bed of the Goddesses is piled up with rich dresses decorated with precious ornaments.

Design of Jwalaji Temple

The picturesque temple, built in the Indo-Sikh style, is a modern building whose dome is of gilt, gold and pinnacles and possesses a beautiful folding door of silver plates, presented by the Sikh Raja Kharak Singh.

How to Reach Jwalaji Temple

The airport at Gaggal is 46 km from Jwalamukhi. The closest broad gauge railhead is at Pathankot, 123 km away. The nearest narrow-gauge railhead is Jawalaji road Ranital at a distance of 20 km from the shrine. Taxis and buses are available at both places. This place is 34 Kms from Kangra Valley. From Delhi the road distance is 473 km and from Shimla it is 212 km.

Climate

In winter, the climate is cold but pleasant when woolens are required like shawls, sweater etc. During summer the temperature is hot and cottons are recommended.

Baba Balak Nath Temple

The Baba Balak Nath temple, a medieval cave temple is one of the famous pilgrimage center of Himachal Pradesh also called Devbhumi  the God’s own land. Baba Balak Nath Temple is situated at village Chakmoh of district Hamirpur on the hill top. The temple has a natural cave carved in the hills which is considered to be the abode of Babaji.

Baba Balaknath Temple is visited by devotees throughout the year but during the Navratras, the visitors rush increases manifold and throng to the temple in large numbers. A few kilometers away from the Baba Balaknath Temple, is the Shah Talai connected by a ropeway which is also an important tourist attraction.

Devotees offer `Rot`, prepared with flour and sugar/gur at the altar of Babaji.  Female devotees are prohibited to enter the inner cave. A raised platform just opposite to the cave has been specially erected for female worshippers for  darshan. Six km from Baba Balak Nath Temple, there is spot named Shahtalai, where Baba is assumed to have observed penance. It is also considered exceedingly sacred to the pilgrims. Sunday is considered an auspicious day of Babaji.

How to Reach Baba Balaknath Temple

By Air

Chandigarh Airport is the nearest airport, which is 120 km from the temple and from there you can go by road.

By Train

Una at a distance of 50 kilometers is the nearest broad gauge rail head. Una is located at the entry point of Himachal Pradesh next to Nangal township of Punjab. There are daily train services from Delhi.

By Road

The temple is situated on the border of Bilaspur and Hamirpur district and is well connected by roads from all sides. The temple is easily accessible via road from Bilaspur (40 Kms) , Hamirpur (45 Kms) and all the major cities of Himachal Pradesh. Tourist can hire private taxis or take state transport buses to reach this holy destination of Himachal Pradesh.