Jwalaji

Ancient legend speak of a time when demons lorded over the Himalayan mountains and harassed the gods. Led by Lord Vishnu, the gods decided to destroy them. The gods focused their strengths in a huge flame which rose from the earth. From the fire, a young girl look birth. She is regarded as Adishakti the first 'Shakti'.

Known as Sati or Parvati, she grew up in the house of Prajapati Daksha and later became the consort of Lord Shiva. Once her father insulted Lord Shiva and unable to accept this, she killed herself. When Lord Shiva heard of his wife's death his rage knew no bounds and holding Sati's body he began stalking the three worlds. The other gods trembled before His wrath and appealed to Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu let fly a volley of arrows which struck Sati's body and severed it to pieces. At the places where the pieces fell, the fifty-one sacred Shaktipeeths came into being.

Sati's tongue fell at Jwalaji (610m) and the goddess is manifest as tiny flame that burns flawless blue through fissures in the age-old rock. Even the Pandavas are regarded to have visited this sacred place.

ACCESS: The airport at Gaggal is 46 km from Jwalamukhi. The closest broad gauge railhead is at Pathankot, 123 km away. Taxis and buses are available at both places. From Delhi the road distance is 473 km and from Shimla is 212 km.

CLIMATE: In winter, the climate is cold but pleasant when woolens are required. During summer the temperature is hot and cottons are recommended.

PLACES OF INTEREST

JWALAJI SHRINES:  There are nine different flames within the temple and each signifies something different. It is said that centuries ago, a shephard 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.

NAGINI MATA( 4.5 km): The site of a fair held in July / August, this is located on the hill above Jwalaji.

SHRI RAGHUNATHJI TEMPLE (5 km): Popularly known as Teda mandir, Rama, Laxman, and Sita are said to have stayed here and the first temple is supposed to have been built by the Pandavas.

ASHTABHUJA TEMPLE(1 km): This ancient temple has stone image of the eight-armed goddess.

NADAUN (12 km): Closely connected with the glory of Kangra erstwhile rulers, there are numerous old temples and remains of a couple of old palaces.

CHAUMUKHA (22 km via Nadaun): There is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva with a huge four faced image.

PANJ TEERTHI AND MAHAKALESHWAR (9 km and 28 km via Nadaun): By the banks of the river Beas and closely associated with the exile of the Pandavas are these two sacred places. These are within a few hundred meters of each other.

BANKHANDI (36 km): At the Bandla Mata temple is a stone image of the goddess. At the nearby Shiv temple is a Linga said to have been placed by the Pandavas.

HARIPUR (45 km): There are numerous attractive temples and an old fort.

MANGARH (37 km): On top a hill is this octagonal fort named after Raja Man Chand.