Jawalmukhi temple is one of the most visited Temples in Himachal Pradesh. According to Hindu legend, the tongue of Sati fell in the place where the temple is being erected. The Hindu Temple is built in homage to goddess Jawalmukhi, also known as Maa Jwala Ji. The meaning of Jawalmukhi is mouth of flames and Jwala Ji means flames.
The temple of Jawalmukhi in Himachal Pradesh is situated only at a distance of 34 km from the Kangra Valley. The devotees of Sati believe that there are nine flames that burn permanently. As the legends go, Sati burnt herself alive as she felt humiliated on her husband Lord Shiva being insulted. On finding this, Lord Shiva started his Tandava Dance. To save the earth from the wrath of Shiva, he cut the corpse of Sati in fifty one pieces. The places where the body parts of Sati fell came to be known as Shakti Peeths. The Jawalmukhi temple has thus become a religious place as it is considered to be a Peeth.
The Aarti session of the Jawalmukhi temple is the main attraction. The Aarti takes place five times a day but the one performed during the evening, known as the Shaiyan Aarti is the most splendid one. There are precious ornaments and valuable dresses that are kept inside the temple. Tourists and devotees from different parts of the world come to Himachal Pradesh to visit the temple of Jawalmukhi. Generally they attend the grand puja that takes place in the temple.
Last Updated on 27 March 2012
