Jammu is known worldwide for its enchanting landscapes. Tourists also visit to experience spring in the valleys, capture the pristine rivers, enjoy the Kolahoi Glacier and Yousmarg trek and savor the mouth-watering Kashmiri cuisines. However, Jammu is also a land of holy places. It is one of the most sacred destinations which is frequented by big crowd annually.
Delhi has over 500 temples to let you dip into spirituality. But the ones in Jammu add on to the uniqueness and personality of the state. The glorious temples are built by the finest craftsmen and the spiritual aura is sure to leave you fascinated. So, if you are taking a Delhi to Jammu flight anytime soon, consider including the following temples in your itinerary.
1. Raghunath Temple
This temple belongs to the 8th incarnation of Vishnu and is one of the biggest complexes of Northern India. This expansive beauty was jointly established by Maharaja Gulab Singh and Maharaja Ranbir Singh. You can see a glimpse of Mughal influence on the arches and carvings while the towers have Sikh style architecture. Further, the three interior sides are wrapped in pure gold. You can also witness the beautiful ‘saligrams’ and ‘lingams’ in the gallery. Before taking the Jammu to Delhi flight, do attend the morning or evening ‘aarti’ here.
2. Vaishno Devi Temple
This is India’s richest shrine located at an altitude of 5,200 ft. is visited by millions of devotees every year. The goddess is known as ‘moonh maangi muradein poori karne wali’. This is because hardly anyone goes back disappointed from this temple. Locals believe that during the aarti, Goddesses come down to the Holy cave to pay their homage to Mata Rani. The pooja is performed twice a day and the chants include the 108 names of Goddess Durga.
3. Peer Kho Cave Temple
This is popular religious site dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has a unique location amid the acacia forest and was frequented by Jamvant (bear God) in the ancient times. While booking flight tickets from Delhi to Jammu, check if you can plan a visit on Shivratri. The festival is celebrated with much pomp and grandeur here.
1. Ranbireshwar Temple
This is known as the abode of 12 lingams. These are 12-18 inches in height and made of crystals. If your Delhi to Jammu flight lands early morning, consider planning a same day visit since the temple doors open at 5:00am. The shrine is devoted to Lord Shiva and the walls are decorated with photos of Kartikeya and Ganesha. It depicts the art and architecture of 1883 and three of its walls covered in gold. Further, platforms on either sides of the temple have nearly 1.25 lakh Shivalingas on display.
2. Avantipur Temple
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and reflects a mind blowing Greek architecture. It is believed to have been built between 855 AD and 833 AD. The complex is adorned with carvings of Apsaras on the stairs, stretched floors of unique carvings and tall pillars. These are exceptionally beautiful and were constructed by King Avantivarman back in times. The complex is open 24/7 so you can visit it anytime before taking an onward Jammu to Srinagar flight.
The other famous temples are Purmandal, Bhairavnath and Shivkhori. Do check their timings beforehand to plan your visits accordingly.
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