Shri Jwalamukhi Mata Shaktipeeth
Also known as Jwala Ji, Jawala Ji, Jawalamukhi, Jwalamukhi Devi
Shri Jwalamukhi Mata Shaktipeeth in Kangra, HP, is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, uniquely worshipped as eternal blue flames rising from rock, with no idol.
Photos of Shri Jwalamukhi Mata Shaktipeeth
- Presiding Deity
- Devi
- Established
- Attested since c. 650 CE; named in 14th-century Persian chronicles
- Architecture
- Indo-Sikh (gold-plated dome and pinnacles, largely from Maharaja Ranjit Singh's renovation)
- Address
- Kohala, Jawalamukhi, Himachal Pradesh 176031
- Timings
- 05:00–23:00 daily
History of Shri Jwalamukhi Mata Shaktipeeth
Chinese travellers noted the site's natural flames as early as the 7th century CE, and 14th-century Persian chronicles record Firuz Shah Tughlaq's visit. Tradition credits the Kangra ruler Bhumi Chand Katoch with building the shrine after a divine dream. The best-known legend involves Akbar, who tried and failed to extinguish the flame; accounts differ on whether he then gifted a gold chhatri in devotion or ordered the temple demolished.
Festivals Celebrated at Shri Jwalamukhi Mata Shaktipeeth
- Navaratri (Chaitra & Sharad)
How to Reach Shri Jwalamukhi Mata Shaktipeeth
Nearest airport: Kangra (Gaggal) Airport, ~46 km. Nearest railhead: Jwalamukhi Road station on the narrow-gauge Kangra Valley Railway; broad-gauge at Pathankot, ~123 km. Well connected by road from Pathankot, Dharamshala and Kangra.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shri Jwalamukhi Mata Shaktipeeth
Where is Shri Jwalamukhi Mata Shaktipeeth located?
- Shri Jwalamukhi Mata Shaktipeeth is located at Kohala, Jawalamukhi, Himachal Pradesh 176031, in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Who is the presiding deity at Shri Jwalamukhi Mata Shaktipeeth?
- The presiding deity at Shri Jwalamukhi Mata Shaktipeeth is Devi (also known as Shakti, Durga), worshipped in the Shakta tradition.
What are the timings of Shri Jwalamukhi Mata Shaktipeeth?
- Shri Jwalamukhi Mata Shaktipeeth is generally open 05:00–23:00 daily. Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.
When was Shri Jwalamukhi Mata Shaktipeeth built?
- Shri Jwalamukhi Mata Shaktipeeth was established Attested since c. 650 CE; named in 14th-century Persian chronicles. Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.
What is the architectural style of Shri Jwalamukhi Mata Shaktipeeth?
- Shri Jwalamukhi Mata Shaktipeeth is built in the Indo-Sikh (gold-plated dome and pinnacles, largely from Maharaja Ranjit Singh's renovation) style, characteristic of Devi shrines of this region.
Which festivals are celebrated at Shri Jwalamukhi Mata Shaktipeeth?
- The principal festivals celebrated at Shri Jwalamukhi Mata Shaktipeeth include Navaratri (Chaitra & Sharad). These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Himachal Pradesh and beyond.
How can I reach Shri Jwalamukhi Mata Shaktipeeth?
- Nearest airport: Kangra (Gaggal) Airport, ~46 km. Nearest railhead: Jwalamukhi Road station on the narrow-gauge Kangra Valley Railway; broad-gauge at Pathankot, ~123 km. Well connected by road from Pathankot, Dharamshala and Kangra.
Why is Shri Jwalamukhi Mata Shaktipeeth significant?
- Shri Jwalamukhi Mata Shaktipeeth in Kangra, HP, is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, uniquely worshipped as eternal blue flames rising from rock, with no idol.
Is there an entry fee at Shri Jwalamukhi Mata Shaktipeeth?
- Entry to the main shrine of Shri Jwalamukhi Mata Shaktipeeth is generally free for darshan. Special sevas, abhishekams and priority queues may carry a nominal fee — check with the temple office on arrival.
What is the dress code at Shri Jwalamukhi Mata Shaktipeeth?
- Shri Jwalamukhi Mata Shaktipeeth follows the traditional dress code observed at Himachal Pradesh temples — modest attire covering shoulders and knees. Many shrines in the region also expect men to remove upper garments before entering the sanctum.