Jwalamukhi Temple In Kangra Himachal Pradesh

                                                            Jwalamukhi Temple

Jwalamukhi Temple of Himachal is located close to Kangra and is most famous for the ceaselessly burning blue flame originating in the rock sanctum. The temple is amazingly perched on the ridge known as Kali Dhar. It has a dome and high pinnacles with a 3-feet deep square pit in the interior surrounded by a pathway around it.

There is a crack in the rock in the center that emits gas that creates a huge flame when lighted. This gas is considered as a blessing from the deity. The unique thing about Jwalamukhi Temple is that there is no shrine, but the flame is considered as the sign of goddess Jwalaji.
An eternally burning flame tha issues from a hollow rock in the sanctum, is considered the manifestation of the goddess Devi. During March-April and September-October every year, colorful fairs are held during the Navratra celebration. Jwalamukhi temple is 30 km. from Kangra.
Jwala Ji is a Hindu Goddess. Alternative spelling and names for Jawala Ji include Jwala Devi and Jwalamukhi Ji. The physical manifestation of Jwala Ji is always a set of flames burning off natural gas and the term Jwala means flame in Sanskrit.Historically, shrines dedicated to Jwala Ji were based on fissures from which natural gas seeped by itself. The number of flames is usually either seven (for the seven divine sisters) or nine (for the nine Durgas).
Amongst the 51 Shaktipeethas, Jwala Devi temple happens to be an important temple in Himachal Pradesh. Jwalamukhi is a village in Kangra district, which is believed to be the place where the tongue of Sati fell. According to a legend, a shepherd while herding his cattle in the forest saw a continuously blazing fire from a mountain. He then went and told the king about the incident; the King believed the shepherd visited the place and had a Darshan of Goddess here. He then built a temple in this place, later; Raja Bhumi Chand constructed a proper temple here. It is believed that Jwala Devi fulfills the wishes of all those who visit here. Offering coconut here is mandatory.

 Legend of Jwalamukhi Temple:-

The legend of the Jwalamukhi Temple relates to Sati, who was born when gods concentrated their individual energy on the ground. These gods were looking for a respite from the atrocities of the demons. This girl was Adishakti or the first shakti (Sati or Parvati).
She was brought up in the house of Prajapati Daksha and married Lord Shiva later. It is believed that Prajapati Daksha once organised a yajna and invited everyone barring Lord Shiva. Sati felt immensely humiliated at this act of her father and immolated herself in the fire of the havankund. On hearing this, Lord Shiva became so furious that he carried Sati's burnt body and moved around the three world. The gods could foresee a calamity approaching so they assembled before Lord Vishnu and asked him to do something to diffuse the anger of lord Shiva. Lord Vishnu cut apart Sati's body into several pieces with his Sudharshan Chakra. Wherever on earth the pieces of Sati's body fell, a shaktipeeth came up. These are the spot that are regarded as the power centre of the goddess.
The Jwalamukhi temple is the place where the tongue of Sati fell. Here the goddess is manifested as tiny flames that burn through the fissures in the age old rock. The temple is supposed to be first built by a king who, on the complain of a cowherd, tried to find out the place where from where a female emerged and drank the milk of the cow. Since, the king was aware of the legend of Sati, he continued his search for the place and finally succeeded. He constructed a temple there and employed priest to perform pujas. Later, Pandavas came and carried out some renovation work in the temple.

History of Jwalamukhi Temple ( Kangra ):-

Dating back to the origin of Adishakti or Sati, the temple basks in a glorious past. It was to get respite from the unending atrocities of the demons that the gods concentrated their individual energies at one point, thus giving birth to Sati. Brought up in the house of Prajapati Daksha, Sati got married to Lord Shiva later.
Once Prajapati Daksha organized a yajna and invited al the gods and goddesses to it barring Lord Shiva. Sati wanted to partake in this grand affair so she reached the place of the Yajna uninvited. All her sisters were welcomed by her father there except her. Daksha did not even dedicate the sacred portion of the Yajna Prasad to Lord Shiva. This made Sati feel immensely humiliated. Therefore, she immolated herself in the fire of the Yajna.
Sati's end disturbed the Lord Shiva immensely. He sliced Daksha's head. On his reparation, the Lord affixed the head of a male goat to him. Unable to restore his mental peace even then, He roamed in the entire universe carrying Sati's burnt body. Foreseeing a calamity approaching, the gods requested Lord Vishnu to diffuse the anger of Shiva. At this, Lord Vishnu cut apart Sati's body into several pieces with his Sudharshan Chakra. Wherever those pieces of sati's body fell on earth, a shaktipeetha or the power centre of the goddess came up.
The Jwalamukhi temple is the place where Sati's tongue fell. The goddess therefore is manifested as tiny flames here that burn through the fissures in an age old rock. There are nine flames at the temple that have been burning here without any oil or cotton since ages.
The temple also has a great historical significance dating back to the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar. Amazed at the continuity of these flames, he tried to extinguish these. He tried a lot of methods for this but in vain. Finally, he submitted to the power of the goddess. He went to the shrine bare footed and presented a golden umbrella to the goddess. But the goddess denied this offering and the Chhatra turned into a colossal metal. Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab also paid a visit to the temple in the year 1809. The building of the temple has a gilt dome gifted by Maharaja Ranjit Singh and silver plated folding doors.

Inside the temple, there is a 3 feet square pit with pathway all around. In the centre of which is a hollowed rock over a primary fissure of flame. This one is regarded as the mouth of Mahakali. Nine flames in total emanate from different points in the pit and represent Saraswati, Annapurna, Chandi, Hing Laj, Vindhya Vasini, Mahalakshmi, Mahakali, Ambika and Anjana - the forms of goddess. Thousand of devotees flock the temple round the year to pay homage to the goddess and to get their wishes fulfilled.

 Jwalamukhi temple as a Shakti Peeth:-

The shrine is regarded as a Maha Shakti Peetham. It is believed that Sati Devi’s tongue fell here. Shakti Peethas are shrines of Devi, the primodial Mother Goddess. Each Shakti Peetha has a shrine for the Shakti and Bhairava. Siddhida (Ambika)is the Shakti and Unmatta Bhairava is the Kalabhairava. The mythology of Daksha yaga and Sati’s self immolation had immense significance in shaping the ancient Sanskrit literature and even had impact on the culture of India. It led to the development of the concept of Shakti Peethas and there by strengthening Shaktism. Enormous mythological stories in puranas took the Daksha yaga as the reason for its origin. It is an important incident in Shaivism resulting in the emergence of Shree Parvati in the place of Sati Devi and making Shiva a grihastashrami (house holder).

Nine  Jyoti's Jwalaji:-

After entering the main room, in front, across the wall opposite, is the Jyoti which is constantly running and is considered to be Maa Kali's Jyoti. It is considered a complete Brahma Jyoti (Poorna Brahma Jyoti) in covered by a Silver Aalay(silver case). Alongside there are 8 other forms of Jwala Jyotis in this temple room. See all the auspicious Nine swaroop of Jwala Jyotis at Maa Jwala Ji Temple.

Outside the main temple room, a few steps up is the Gorakh Dibbi at Jwala Ji or the Rudra Kund. This is the place where Guru Gorakh Nath Ji had worshipped Maa Bhagwati. Maa Anjana Jwala Ji Jyoti is present at this kund.

The Jwalamukhi Temple Itself:-

The temple of Jwalamukhi is not an architectural delight. Moreover, there is no idol to worship too. The building has a gilt dome and a silver plated folding doors. Inside, there is a 3 feet square pit with pathway all around. In the centre, there is a hollowed rock over a primary fissure of flame. This one is regarded as the mouth of the Mahakali. Flames emit out from several other point in the pit. They are nine in total and represent the different form of the goddess - Saraswati, Annapurna, Chandi, Hing Laj, Vindhya Vasini, Mahalakshmi, Mahakali, Ambika and Anjana. There are two lions in front of the temple.

Poojas:-

There are mainly 3 ways of doing Mata Jwala Devi's Pooja Archana, i.e. Panchopchal, Dashopchal and Sholshobchal. Similarly there are 5 different Jwalaji Aartis done of Mata Jwala Ji.

Shringar Aarti:-

Shringar Arti is done early mornings at Brahma Mahurat time. In this aarti, Malpua, Khoya and Mishri are offered to Maa Jwala.

Mangal Aarti:-

 This aarti is done after around half an hour difference to the first one. In this aarti, yellow rice and curd is offered to Maa Bhagwati.

Madhyayan Kaal Aarti:-

This is performed in the afternoon(Madhyayan Kaal). In this, rice, Shatras Dal and sweet/ desert is offered to Maa.

Sayan Kaal Aarti:-

 This is, as the name suggests, performed in the evenings. In this aarti, Poori, Chana and Halwa is offered to the Jagad Janani.

Shaiyya Aarti:-

\As the name suggests, it is the bedtime aarti of Maa, before the pandits offer the last prayers in the late evening of the day and prepare Maa's bed to sleep. This aarti starts around 9:00 PM in the evening. Milk, Malai and seasonal fruits are offered to Maa Jwala.

General information of the Jwalaji Temple Area:-

The Bhawan area is around a kilometer area in the valley. It is a busy place most parts of the year with tourists from all across India, specially North India, visiting this place regularly. Maa Jwalaji is a place for many to get their children's mundan too. Once up at the Bhawan area, you will find lots of hotels and Dharamsalas for a comfortable stay. Dhabas and small hotels serving mostly north Indian food. The temple experiences a huge amount of rush in the festive season of Navratras, though otherwise you can get awesome Darshan and also get special prayer done for a minute or two.

Festivals and Rush times at Maa Jwalaji:-

There is a huge rush in this area with lakhs of devotees during the times of Chaitra Aswin Navratras and Shrawan Months from Delhi, Punjab, Himachal and other parts of India. Though otherwise, in the changing trends of modern followers, devotees from north India, specially Delhi, Punjab visit this place regularly on weekends. The locals prefer to visit mainly on Tuesdays and Fridays.

•The Jwalamukhi fair is held twice a year during the Navratri of Chaitra and Aswin. The devotees go round the ‘Jwala Kund’ in which the sacred fire burns, making their offerings. The ‘Gorakh Tibbi’ a centre of the Gorakhpanthi Naths is placed near the Jwala Kund. Folk-dances, songs, plays, wrestling matches and athletics are some of the important attractions of the fair. The Jwalamukhi Temple in Kangra becomes the venue for the major fair.
•In April and October, the people of the area who believe that the jets of the inflammable gas coming from the volcano are actually the sacred fires coming out from the mouth of their Goddess, worship the Goddess of the Jwalamukhi volcano in the district of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh. People come with red silken flags (dhwaja) to greet the Mother Goddess, ‘JwalaJi’. The fair is attributed to the worship of that Eternal Flame which is coming out of earth spontaneously and perpetually.

How To Reach:-

By Air :-

 Closest Airport is at Gaggal, 50km away. Chandigarh airport is at a distance of around 200 km.

By Rail :-

 The nearest Narrow gauge is at Ranital, 20 km away. Also Nearest Broad Gauge Railway Station is at Pathankot, More than 100km away

By Road :-

 The temple is also well connected by road. State transport buses from cities of Punjab and Haryana are available. Taxis are also there to take you to the Jwalamukhi temple.

Sheetala Mata Temple In Gurgoan

                                                         Sheetala Mata Temple

Sheetla also called Sitala  is a Hindu goddess of sores, pustules, ghouls & diseases as per the mythology. The literal meaning of Shitala is smallpox in Sanskrit. Sheetla is more often called as ma or amma (‘mother’) and is worshipped by Hindus, Buddhists & tribal communities. She is worshipped as a protector. The temple represents the sculptures and idols of the goddess which brings soothing to the eyes and mind.

There is a Mundan Hall; a separate section dedicated to Lord Shani & Lord Bhairav where oil is available to be offered to the Gods, Sheetla Mata Madir at the centre and Shiva statute in the garden.

It is also one of the Shakti Peeth of the country. Shakti Peeth is a site where the scattered pieces of Goddess Parvati had fallen when she immolated herself in anger. Unable to bear the insult of her husband, Lord Shiva by her own father, the Goddess put an end to her life. The various pieces of her body fell in different parts of the world. Temples were built at these sites and they are believed to be very pious and powerful. Devotees worship the Goddess with great faith and seek the blessings for protection, well-being, richness and power.

Legend:-

About Temple – More than three centuries ago two brothers, Padarath and Singha lived in the village of Gurgaon. They were fief holders and owned thousands of acres of land. Singha was a calm, good-natured person who spend most of his time in singing Bhajans. Impressed by Singha’s devotion, Sheetala Devi appeared in his dream and granted him a boon. The boon was that, Singha’s mere touch would free a person from all pains. Singha thus left his luxurious abode and started meditating near the pond. He also made a crude temple like structure and started worshipping the Devi there. One day it seems, while collecting mud from the pond, Singha found the idol of the Devi and consecrated it in the crude structure. This structure later on became the Sheetala Devi temple.
According to another legend, a poor carpenter living in Farukh Nagar had a beautiful daughter of marriageable age. On hearing about her beauty, the Mughal ruler expressed his desire to get married to the girl. The carpenter resented giving away her daughter to a person from a different religion and so appealed to King Surajmal of Bharatpur. The matter being outside his jurisdiction, the king refused to interfere. The disappointed carpenter met Prince Bharatpur, son of King Surajmal while returning home who tried to talk it out with his father but to no avail.Consequently, the prince revolted against his father. On his way to attack Delhi, he passed through Gurgaon and he pledged to the Shri  Mata Sheetla Devi that if he returned victorious, he would build a proper temple. The prince won and upon his return, he built the temple.
There is another version of the same temple. It is said that when prince of Bharatpur was proceeding towards , he and his army rested at Ballabhgarh. But the horses refused to move further from here. The court astrologer was summoned to explain the strange behaviour of the horses, whereupon it was found that since obeisance was not paid the goddess after entering Gurgaon on their way, this had angered her. Thus an elaborate worship of the goddess was arranged and the horses started moving. The prince pledged that he would build a temple on his victorious return.

Bhairon temple in Sheetala Mata Temple:-

Bhairon temple is a part of the Temple. It’s situated back site of the temple, People come there after finish the worship in the temple and come there for Bhairon worship. According to the people without Bharion worship all worship not completed of the sheetala Mata temple.  In the Navratre visitor can get the benefit of the yearly festival of this temple.

Significance of Sheetla Mata Mandir:-

Sheetala is a sanskrit term which means ‘one who cools’. This Goddess have the various name and is worshipped by these different names in the subcontinent.
Hindus, Buddhists and people from tribal communities worship Goddess Sheetala. Goddess Sheetala is often referred to as Maa by her devotees. Goddess Sheetala has been clearly mentioned in Tantric and Puranic literature. Her appearence in the vernacular text has strengthened her status.
Goddess Sheetala is majorly famous in North India. In many places, she is often identified as one of the forms of Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva. Shitala is known as the seasonal goddess and with honorific titles such as Thakurani, Jagrani, Karunamayi, Mangala, Bhagavati, Dayamayi. In South India, Goddess Sheetala’s role is taken by the Goddess Mariamman, who is worshipped by Dravidian-speaking people.

The Deity:-

The sanctum, inside, is built like a large hallway leading to a small room & the large hallway provides a glimpse of the main idol & the seating area for the pilgrims. The narrow path bordered with railings leads to the area which houses Sheetla Mata. The deity is surrounded in a room & the pilgrims cannot go near it but can offer their prayers from a window-like structure built at a distance from the idol.

One look at the deity leaves you mesmerised. It is finished in gold polish & is embellished with precious jewels, beautiful clothes & the huge gold nose ring enhances the idol who is seated in a silver-polished arched structure.  Hindu priests take your offerings & provide you with Parshad (sacred offering of food).

Sheetla Mata Mandir Timings:-

Sheetla Mata Mandir is open for darshan from 6am to 8pm. The Puja of Shitala Temple is conducted by both, Brahmins and low caste Pujaris. Goddess Sheetala is mainly worshipped in the dry seasons of winter and spring. There are many arti sangrah and stuties for the puja of Goddess Shitala. These arti sangrah and stuties include shri shitla mata chalisa, Shitala Maa ki Arti, Shri Shitala mata ashtak, etc.

Festivals:-

Sheetala Ashtami:-

 this festival is very much popular among Hindu and is dedicated to Goddess Sheetala. This festival is also known as Basoda Puja. It is celebrated on the eighth day of the Krishna during the Hindu month of ‘Chaitra’. It corresponds to the month of mid-March to April in the Gregorian calendar. Sheetala Ashtami is celebrated Holi, generally after eight days. But in some communities, it is celebratedon the first Thursday or Monday that comes after Holi. Also in some districts, Sheetala Ashtami is observed on the ‘ashtami’ of the Krishna Paksha, every month, but of all these, the Chaitra Krishna Paksha Ashtami is considered most propitious.
The celebrations of Sheetala Ashtami are very famous in the north Indian states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh. In the Indian state of Rajasthan, the Sheetala Ashtami festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm. A huge fair is organized for this occasion and several musical events and programmes are also staged. Devotees celebrate this festival with immense joy and devotion. It is believed that by keeping the vrat on this chosen day, they will be prevented from several deadly diseases. On the day of Sheetala Ashtami according to the traditions, the families do not lit the fire for the purpose of cooking. They, therefore, prepare food a day in advance and consume the stale food on an actual day. It is only in Sheetala Ashtami that there is the unique custom of offering stale food to Goddess Sheetala.
Devotees get up early, before sunrise and take a bath. They visit the Sheetala Devi temple and worship the Goddess with ‘haldi’ and ‘bajra’. After performing the puja rituals they listen to the ‘Basoda Vrat Katha’. ‘Rabri’, ‘curd’ and other essential offerings are then made to Goddess Sheetala. People also take blessings from their elders. After offering the prepared food to the Goddess, rest of the food is eaten all day long as Prasad and is known as ‘Basoda’ in the local language. The food is also distributed among other devotees and also given to the poor and needy people. On this day reading ‘Sheetalashtak’ is also considered favourable.
The temple is thronged by a large number of devotees throughout the year, especially on Mondays during the Hindu month of Chaitra (i.e in March and April). Devotees visit this temple mainly to conduct the mundan (first shaving off the heads) ceremony of their children and offer the crop of hair at the altar of goddess. People suffering from small pox performs a ritual named 'Jal dema' by spending a whole night in the temple, chanting hymns and songs in honor of the goddess. Married couple also visit here to get the blessings of the goddess for a happy married life. The annual Masani Fair celebrated here is a major draw attended by thousands of devotees from far and near.

Mundan Ceremony:-

A section of the visitors come for the mundan ceremony ( the first hair cutting ceremony) of their children and offer the crop of hair at the altar of goddess. Among other visitors married couples also come to invoke the blessings of the goddess for a happy married life

Outer Temple in The City:-

Surdershan Mata Mandir :-

 It’s a another mata temple in the city. It’s located on Old railway road near RAJ  mahel In. According to the people, it’s a part of Jandhewala Temple New Delhi.  People come there Tuesday and Saturday in a week.  In Navratra among 3500 – 5000 People come daily in both temples.

 Sai Temple In The City:-

Sai temple is a very best place in the Gurgaon city. Lot of people come there for observe the temple of sai.. It is located in Sec 56, Near paras hospital. It’s design look like a Shirdi temple Mumbai. People come there every Thursday in SAI Dham Arti and Darshan of SAI BABA. Another Lots of Sai temple is present in the city in different locations.

Shiv temple Sohna:-

 Shiv temple Sohna Is a best place for tourist and local people.  It’s situated at the Sohna village total distance from city to village is 25 Km from the city.

Interesting points:-

A Police post is located inside the temple area for security.
A long queue can be seen on auspicious days and events.
Trees and greenery add to the beauty of the temple.
The oldest and the most famous temple require a sincere cleanliness effort.
Beware of pick pockets in crowded areas.
Stay away from people trying to persuade you to offer money throughout the temple.

Reaching the shrine in Gurgaon:-

Gurgaon is one of the districts in the state of Haryana which is located in the Northern part of India. The district is located south west of national capital Delhi. The city of Gurgaon is well connected by Road, rail and air transport. The Sheetla Mata Shrine is located 2 km from the Gurgaon bus stand, 3.5 km from Gurgaon Railway station, and 7 km from Huda city centre Metro Station. Public transport is available from all these places to the Shrine.

By Road:-

Gurgaon is located on the National Highway No. 8 linking Delhi to Mumbai. The Haryana Roadways runs both intercity and interstate buses. Also Delhi Transport Corporation runs buses connecting Delhi and Gurgaon. Many other state transport corporations also run interstate buses to and from Gurgaon.

By Rail:-

Delhi Metro:-

Delhi metro Yellow line connects Gurgaon with Delhi. Currently there are 5 metro stations in Gurgaon. The stations are connected to interior of the city by city bus service of Haryana Roadways, Three wheelers, private buses etc.

Indian Railways:-

Located at the western end of the old city, the Gurgaon Railway Station connects Rewari in the South and Delhi Cantt in the North.

By Air:-

The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) at New Delhi, which is about 15 km from Gurgaon.