Shri Raghunath Temple, Kullu

According to tradition, Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu, after a curse and subsequent penance advised by the saint Krishnadas Payahari, brought the idol of Lord Raghunath (Rama) from Ayodhya and installed it on the throne of Kullu as the supreme deity of the valley, having symbolically renounced the kingship. The Dussehra celebration at Kullu was instituted in his name from the 17th century and continues to this day — beginning on Vijayadashami and running for seven days at the Dhalpur Maidan opposite the temple, with the rath (chariot) of Raghunath drawn through the town. In October 2022, PM Narendra Modi became the first sitting prime minister to attend the Kullu Dussehra.

• Kullu Dussehra (Vijayadashami + 7 days, October)
• Ram Navami
• Diwali
• Makar Sankranti

Nearest airport: Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali) Airport, ~10 km. Nearest railhead: Joginder Nagar narrow-gauge (~125 km, limited service); Chandigarh broad-gauge (~250 km) is the major alternative. On NH3 / NH-305 in central Kullu town at Sultanpur; well connected by HRTC and private buses from Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla, Mandi and Manali.

Where is Shri Raghunath Temple, Kullu located?

Shri Raghunath Temple, Kullu is located at Sultanpur, Kullu, Kullu District, Himachal Pradesh 175101, in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India.

Who is the presiding deity at Shri Raghunath Temple, Kullu?

The presiding deity at Shri Raghunath Temple, Kullu is Rama (also known as Ramachandra, Raghunath), worshipped in the Vaishnava tradition.

What are the timings of Shri Raghunath Temple, Kullu?

Shri Raghunath Temple, Kullu is generally open Approx. 06:00-12:00 and 16:00-21:00 daily (aarti ~07:00 and ~19:00). Timings can vary on festival days and special occasions — verify with the temple before your visit.

When was Shri Raghunath Temple, Kullu built?

Shri Raghunath Temple, Kullu was established 17th century CE (tradition dates the original installation to 1606; the current idol is the 1650s re-installation by Raja Jagat Singh). Portions of the structure have been added and renovated by successive dynasties over the centuries.

What is the architectural style of Shri Raghunath Temple, Kullu?

Shri Raghunath Temple, Kullu is built in the Pahari / Himachali stone temple with tiered shikhara and pagoda-roof mandapa, set in the Dhalpur maidan complex style, characteristic of Rama shrines of this region.

Which festivals are celebrated at Shri Raghunath Temple, Kullu?

The principal festivals celebrated at Shri Raghunath Temple, Kullu include Kullu Dussehra (Vijayadashami + 7 days, October), Ram Navami, Diwali, Makar Sankranti. These draw large crowds of pilgrims from across Himachal Pradesh and beyond.

How can I reach Shri Raghunath Temple, Kullu?

Nearest airport: Bhuntar (Kullu-Manali) Airport, ~10 km. Nearest railhead: Joginder Nagar narrow-gauge (~125 km, limited service); Chandigarh broad-gauge (~250 km) is the major alternative. On NH3 / NH-305 in central Kullu town at Sultanpur; well connected by HRTC and private buses from Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla, Mandi and Manali.

Why is Shri Raghunath Temple, Kullu significant?

Shri Raghunath Temple in Kullu enshrines Lord Rama as the valley's presiding deity, whose Rath Yatra anchors the famed Kullu Dussehra festival.

Is there an entry fee at Shri Raghunath Temple, Kullu?

Entry to the main shrine of Shri Raghunath Temple, Kullu 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 Raghunath Temple, Kullu?

Shri Raghunath Temple, Kullu 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.