Introduction

Jwalaji is revered as one of Hinduism's 'shaktipeeths'. Legend has it that the tongue of Sati - another name for Parvati, the divine consort of Lord Shiva - fell at this spot. The goddess is manifest as tiny blue flames that burn through rock fissures. Legend has it that once Sati's father organised a huge sacrifice, yagya, and all the gods and kings were invited - except Shiva and Sati. When Sati came to hear of this, she decided to find a welcome for herself. At the yagya, she found that no seat had been kept for her husband and the only welcome she received, was from her mother. In anguish she cried, " I do not wish to keep the body to which my father has given birth." She threw herself on the flames of the yagya and died. When Shiva heard of this, his rage knew no bounds and holding the charred body of his wife, he began stalking the three worlds with a wrath that could bring all creation to an end. The other gods trembled and appealed to Vishnu for help. Vishnu let fly a volley of arrows that struck Sati's body and severed it to pieces. Across the country, where the pieces fell, rose the fifty-one shaktipeeths.

It is said that a cowherd first saw the flames and worship began. The first structure at Jwalamukhi (Jwalaji) is surmised to have been built in the seventh century. Later years witnessed the addition of a gilded dome; a gold parasol is believed to have been presented by the Mughal emperor, Akbar which then debased itself into iron!

The complex also holds the Devi's 'bedchamber'. Just above the temple is the shrine of Baba Gorakhnath. Jwalamukhi has other small temples too like the ‘Tera Mandir’ that is named thus as it stands at a tilt after the structure went out of plumb in the earthquake of 1905.

Special Attributes

One of the most revered Hindu shrines in north India.

Nuisance

Large crowds at festive times.

Dressing restrictions

Conservative

Connectivity

Autos, taxis and buses

Enjoyed by

Religion and architecture

Exposure

Some exposure during the summer months

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

Parking and restaurants close by.

Things Not Allowed

No shoes or other leather items in the temple.

Tip

The evening 'aarti' is a rare experience

Type of site

Temple