jwalaji

jwalaji in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh is well-known for the famous Jwalaji Temple which is one of the fifty-one Shakti Peeths in the country. It is said that when, Sati, the consort of Lord Shiva, killed herself by jumping in the sacrificial fire when her father Daksha Prajapati insulted her husband, an enraged Shiva started roaming the entire universe with the body of Sati in his arms. His movement created havoc and imbalance in the Universe. To calm down the anger of Shiva, Lord Vishnu dismembered the dead body of Sati and various parts of the body fell at 51 different places in India which later on became sacred as Shakti Peeths. It is believed that Sati's tongue had fallen at the very place where Jwalaji Temple is now situated. The tongue of Sati is represented by Jwala (Holy Flame) that is perpetually burning. The flames come out from nine different rocks in the temple. It is said that the Pandavas have visited this sacred place. Even Emperor Akbar paid yearly visit to this Temple after he became impressed with the holy flames that kept burning even after he had put a massive chhatra (canopy) over it to extinguish the flame. The climat of this region is quite moderate with cool but pleasant winters and warm summers.

FAST FACTS : 

• Main Attraction : March-April & September-October Navaratra Celebrations. Two huge fairs are held at the temple in April and mid October during the Navratries which anyone can attend.
• About Prashad : Devotees can either buy prashad from any of the nearby shops of the temple or bring in their own prasad from home. Usually, the prasad that is offered to the deity include pan, supari, dhawaza, narela, loung and elaichi.
• Climate : During summer, the climate is mild and light woollens/cottons are recommended. In winter, the temperature can drop to freezing point when heavy woollens are required.
• Best Season to Visit : Whole year is best to visit this place.  
• HOW TO REACH / ACCESS / GETTING THERE : 
• Air : Closest Airport is at Gaggal, 50km away. Chandigarh airport is at a distance of around 200 km.
• Rail : The nearest Narrow gauge is at Ranital, 20 km away. Also Nearest Broad Gauge Railway Station is at Pathankot, More than 100km away
• 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.
•