Raghunath Temple, Jammu

Raghunath Temple, constructed by Maharaja Ranbir Singh and his father Maharaja Gulab Singh, erstwhile kings of Jammu, is one of the prime attractions of the region. The construction of the temple began in the year 1851 and ended in 1857. This pilgrimage site is situated in a temple complex along with the Ranbireshwar Temple and the Panjbakhtar Temple.

Seven historical shrines are present at the site of the Raghunath temple. The prime deities of this temple are different incarnations of the Hindu sun god, Surya, the Hindu god of destruction, Shiva and the Hindu god of preservation, Vishnu. The niches, arches and surfaces of the Raghunath Temple showcase the Mughal architectural style.

The statue of the Hindu monkey god, Hanuman, and the image of King Ranbir can be found at the entrance. The gold-plated interiors of the Raghunath Temple are said to be stunning. The Raghunath Temple enshrines numerous large idols of various Hindu gods and goddesses along with ‘lingams’, the symbolic representation of Shiva.

Closer observation will reveal sacred inscriptions on the walls of the temple. A Sanskrit library, holding ancient books and rare collections of manuscripts, is present inside the temple complex. The temple, therefore, not only attracts millions of devotees but also keen historians.