Jawalamukhi Temple

As with so many other aspects of the tantrik tradition, there is a gross, a subtle and a supreme aspect to worship. External puja, using either an image or another object such as a yantra or a lingam, is a dualistic form intended, however, to lead the sadhaka to the recognition that there is no difference between worshipper and the worshipped.
After a certain stage, outer worship may no longer be necessary, or may be further complemented with inner worship. Here, for example, offerings to the favoured god or goddess (the isthadevata), may be in the form of offering the senses and the other elements and functions of the human body, all taken here to represent shaktisThis is also combined with meditation and contemplation of the essential oneness of worshipper and worshipped, and may include other elements of the outer worship including recitation of the mantra (japa).In fact, the external puja points to the internal worship. The different nyasas, mudras (hand gestures) and other paraphernalia is intended to produce that feeling of oneness in the sadhaka or sadhika. The tantras proclaim the unity of macrocosm with microcosm
Jwalamukhi-Hundred of years ago the town was an international eat of trade and business. Now it is known for its religious sanctuary the world over. Ruins of substantial buildings still remain. The town was a part of the Nadaun kingdom. Raja Amar Chand ruled the state. Raja Amar Chand succeeded his father, Raja Sir Jodhbir Chand, who was an illegitimate son of Sansar Chand . He lived at Amtar, on the left bank of the Beas and close to Nadaum. According to history, the town was established by the Gosains, who were the principal inhabitants of the town. Though still a thriving and opulent class, they have of late declined through profligacy and extravagance. Their business as wholesale traders gives a certain commercial importance to the town .The principal export was opium, collected from Kulu, and passed on into the plains. Rolia, a drug prepared from the fruit of the anila, and extensively used as a medicine and for dyeing, was also exported in considerable quantity. The city business was linked with Samarkand and Yarkand in Central Asia.
There was a time when demons lorded over the Himalayas and harassed the gods and all good people Lord Vishnu and other gods prepared to destroy the demons. They breathed fire and poured their strengths to a focus. A huge flame rose from the ground and as the smoke clouds lifted, the gods saw that a young girl had taken birth. She was Adishakti, the first Shakti. Hemkunt gave her a white tiger to ride on. Kuber gave her a crown. Varun gave her clothes and water, and the rest gave her lotus, garlands, conch, chakra and a host of other powerful symbols.
She grew up in the house of Prajapati Daksha and was known as Sati(or Parvati). In time, she became the consort of Lord Shiva. Once Sati 's father organised a huge Yagya and all the gods and kings except lord Shiva and his daughter, were invited. When Sati came to know of this, she decided to go away. 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 which my father had given birth to "." She threw herself on the flames of the Yagya and died. When lord shiva heard of this, his rage knew no bounds and holding the body of his wife, he began stalking the three words. The other gods trembled before his wrath and appealed to Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu let fly a volley of arrows that struck Sati's body and severed it to pieces. Across the country, where these pieces fell, rose five Shaktipeeths, sacred to all Hindus. Her tongue fell at Jawalamukhi.
Over 800 years ago, according to legend related by the priests, the goddess revealed herself to a Brahmin devotee resident in the far south, and directed him to go Kangra hills where he would find the burning flame in a spot over grown with forest. The Brahmin, having obeyed the cell, discovered the sacred spot, and erected a temple to the goddess. This story however, completely ignores the far more ancient legend, which identities the flame of Jawalamukhi proceeding from the mouth of the daitya king, Jalandhara.
Jawalamukhi is a place of Dhumra Devi. It is recongnised and acclaimed as the highest seat of power amongst the 51. Shaktipeeths. It is said that the tongue of the Mahasati goddess fell here. In this abode of God, devi is seen in the form of a celestial flame .
The present temple of jawalamukhi is built against the side of ravine. The interior of the temple consists of a square pit about three feet deep with a pathway all round. The flame escapes at other points from the crevices of the walls on the sides of the pitle.
There is no idol of any kind. The flaming fissure is considered as the fiery mouth of the goddess, whose headless body is said to be in the temple bhawan.
The income of the temple, which is considerable, belongs to the Bhojki community of priests. Earlier the temple was controlled by the Gosians, and all religious duties were performed by them .
At one time the Katoch Rajas appear to have taken over control of the entire income. Under Muslim rule, tax of one Anna was levied on all pilgrims coming to the shrine.
When Maharaja Sansar Chand II of the Katoch dynasty was defeated by the Gurkha troops of Nepal under the command of Amar Sing Thapa, the area was ruled by them. After a period of three years, Raja sansar Chand II took military assistance of the Sikh monarch, Ranjit Singh. The Sikh monarch entered the area and fought the Gurkhas in August 1809
The Gurkha army, exposed to malaria, suffered from sickness, Fever decimated their ranks and reduced the strength and courage of the survivors. Yet the battle was ling and fought furiously.
At last fortune smiled on the Sikhs. The hill Raja Ranjit Singh went to Jawlamukhi and there, in the holy temple Ranjit Singh signed an agreement Under the Jawalamukhi treaty, he reserved for himself the fort of Kangra.With the change of the times the religious city become part of Kangra district. Jawalamukhi shrine is the most popular pilgrimage centre for millions of devotee from all over the world. Navratra is celebrated all over the country but it has assumed special significance for Jwalamukhi 10 days long celebrations are held here amidst colourful festivities in keeping with the old traditions. Annual Navratra used to be a great religious celebration marked with religious fervor and gaiety.
Mr. K K Pant Deputy Comissioner Kangra says elaborate arrangement have been made to make the Navratra fairs a big success. Direct buses would be piled between Jwalamukhi Chandigarh and Hoshiarpur. Vegetarian food provided to devotees without any cost. And free medical service is also available in the inside of city.
Elaborate traffic and security arrangements have also been made to avoid untoward incidents, says SSP Kangra. He said number of police constables already deputed in the civil uniform in the city. A control room is also established.
Jwalamukhi dressed up to give a warm welcome to devotees. Shops and temple have been tastefully painted and decorated. Beautiful coloured lights place in the entire Jwalamukhi city wears a festive look.
Navratra start from August 2 with the worship of deities, and sacred flag will be dedicated to the deity by the priest. On August 11 to mark the conclusion of the Navratra MELA.
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