Image Source: Atul Kumar
About Raghunath Temple
Raghunath Temple is centrally located in the bustling city of Jammu, the winter capital of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India.
Nestled in the old city area near the Raghunath Bazaar, the temple complex is situated on the banks of the Tawi River, which flows gracefully through Jammu. The region lies at the foothills of the Shivalik range of the Himalayas, characterised by undulating terrain, rocky outcrops, and dense vegetation in the surrounding hills.
Jammu’s strategic location near the India-Pakistan border and its elevation of approximately 327 meters above sea level give the city a unique climatic and cultural blend.
Nestled in the old city area near the Raghunath Bazaar, Raghunath Temple is centrally located in the bustling city of Jammu.
The area around Raghunath Temple is urban, vibrant, and heavily frequented by pilgrims, tourists, and locals alike. The temple stands as a spiritual nucleus in this ancient city, which itself is considered the City of Temples.
Legacy of the Dogra Dynasty
A prominent example of 19th-century Hindu religious architecture, the temple is one of the largest temple complexes in North India.
Its foundation was laid by Maharaja Gulab Singh, who was the founder of the Dogra dynasty and the first Maharaja of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. The construction of the temple was begun in 1835 but was later completed by his son, Maharaja Ranbir Singh, in 1860.
Dogra rulers were ardent devotees of Rama, so they built a temple dedicated to Lord Rama (Raghunathji), who is considered an incarnation of Vishnu. The temple is named after it. During the rule of Dogra, the temple was not only a place of worship but also a hub for Sanskrit education. It houses an impressive collection of over 6,000 manuscripts in various Indian languages. Some of the text was in Sharda scripts that later transferred into Sharda script in the 19th century.
Terrorist attack
Throughout history, the temple witnessed numerous socio-political events. One of the most tragic events happened in 2002, which caused damage and loss of life. However, the resilience of the city and the devotion of the people have ensured that the temple continues to stand as a symbol of faith and cultural heritage.
Architectural Grandeur
The Raghunath temple shows an eclectic mix of Mughal, Sikh, and traditional Hindu temple architecture. In the temple complex, there are several shrines dedicated to different deities, but with Lord Rama as the central figure. A magnificent idol of Lord Rama sits in the central sanctum. It’s flanked by Sita and Lakshmana. Gold-plated interiors, intricate carvings, and murals beautifully depict whole scenes from the Ramayana.
The entire temple is built in the Indian Nagara style with soaring Shikharas (temple spires) that dominate the skyline of the old city.
Cultural and Religious Significance
Raghunath Temple, being a religious site, is a cultural landmark of Jammu. During festivals like Ram Navami, Diwali, and Dussehra, thousands of devotees come from nearby to pay their offerings and respect.