All About Pilgrimage in Jammu
Known as the “City of Temples”, Jammu is a spiritual haven nestled in the lap of the Himalayas. The city offers a unique blend of religious harmony and stunning natural landscapes, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike. Surrounded by rivers, lakes, snow-clad peaks, and alpine beauty, Jammu is a sacred destination where temples, gurudwaras, and dargahs stand as symbols of faith and devotion.
Vaishno Devi Temple – The Spiritual Heart of Jammu
Located near Katra in Udhampur district, Vaishno Devi Temple is one of India’s most revered shrines, second only to Tirumala. Nestled on the Trikuta hills at 5200 ft, this shrine attracts millions of pilgrims every year who undertake a 13 km uphill trek to seek blessings from Goddess Vaishnavi—an embodiment of Kali, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.
Raghunath Temple – A Magnificent Complex
Situated in the heart of Jammu, Raghunath Temple is a grand complex with seven shrines, dedicated primarily to Lord Rama, an avatar of Vishnu. Built over 25 years by Maharaja Gulab Singh and Maharaja Ranbir Singh, the temple also houses a rich Sanskrit library with ancient manuscripts.
Bahu Fort and Bawey Wali Mata Temple – History and Divinity
Overlooking the Tawi River, Bahu Fort is an ancient structure said to be 3,000 years old. It houses the famous Bawey Wali Mata Temple, where devotees gather in large numbers every Tuesday and Sunday to worship Goddess Kali. The nearby Bagh-e-Bahu gardens and waterfalls add scenic beauty to the divine experience.
Peer Kho Temple – The Cave of Shiva
One of the oldest shrines in the Shivalik region, the Peer Kho Temple is known for its natural black Shiva Lingam located in a pentagonal cave. Believed to be the meditation site of Jamvant from the Ramayana, the temple is most visited during Maha Shivaratri.
Ranbireshwar Temple – Crystal Lingams of Devotion
Built in 1883 by Raja Ranbir Singh, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is famous for its 7.5 ft high crystal Lingam and thousands of smaller lingams carved on stone slabs. Located near Shalimar Road, this architectural marvel is a spiritual gem.
Peer Mitha – Sufi Spirit in the Heart of Jammu
This Muslim pilgrimage site is named after a saint who accepted only sugar as an offering. The Peer Mitha shrine, featuring a mosque and tomb, is associated with saints Ajaib Dev and Ghareeb Nath, and reflects Jammu’s culture of interfaith harmony.
Panchbakhtar Temple – Shiva’s Five Faces
Overlooking the Tawi River and near the Peer Kho cave, this temple is among the oldest Shiva shrines in Jammu. It holds spiritual significance for its association with ancient legends of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
Peer Budhan Ali Shah (Peer Baba) – A Place of Peace for All Faiths
Located near Jammu Airport, this Dargah is a symbol of unity and is visited by people of all religions, especially on Thursdays. Dedicated to Peer Budhan Ali Shah, a revered saint known for his long life and milk-only diet, the shrine is believed to protect Jammu from misfortune.
Jammu stands as a testament to India’s spiritual diversity, offering a peaceful escape for those seeking blessings, reflection, and cultural enrichment. From caves and forts to temples and dargahs, each destination here holds a story of faith, legend, and timeless devotion.
Name four places of religious pilgrimage in Jammu and Kashmir
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