Jwala Devi Temple Himachal Pradesh

Scientists say the flames at Jwala Devi Mandir are due to natural gas emissions from the earth’s crust. But for devotees, these are no less than a divine miracle. The temple has multiple openings in the rock from which blue and yellow flames emerge. These are worshipped as different forms of the goddess, and each flame has been named.

Despite attempts by Mughal emperor Akbar and later rulers to douse these flames still they continue to burn with the same intensity. Many have tried to study this phenomenon, but no concrete explanation has been found for their uninterrupted existence.

The temple has a total of nine different flames, and each represents a different form of the goddess: Maha Kali, Annapurna Devi, Chandi Mata, Hinglaj, Vindhyavasini, Maha Laxmi, Maha Saraswati, Ambika and Anjana.

People believe that by witnessing these eternal flames, their wishes get fulfilled and life obstacles will be removed. The priest of the temple performs daily rituals to keep the flames sacred.

When you visit Jwala Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh, timing really makes all the difference. The temple follows a pretty standard schedule for devotees.

• In the summer months, you can visit from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
• Winter months see the temple open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Throughout the day the temple comes alive with a series of aartis and rituals.

• The Mangla Aarti at 6:00 AM
• The Bhog Aarti at 11:00 AM
• The Evening Aarti is at 7:00 PM
• Shayan Aarti wraps up the day at 9:00 PM.

That is when the temple is at its busiest during the Navratri, when thousands of devotees flock in to seek the goddess's blessings. And that's when you can really feel the energy and devotion in the air. Special celebrations and grand rituals during Navratri make that time truly unforgettable.

Reaching the Jwala Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh is a journey that will leave you in awe of the region's majestic beauty. Whether you're flying in, hopping on a train or driving in, the temple is connected to the rest of India in a way that makes it accessible to both devotees and tourists. Here's how to get there.

By Air

Gaggal Airport, also known as Kangra Airport, is your nearest airport to Jwala Devi Mandir. That's about 50 kilometres away. Flights from Delhi and Chandigarh are frequent. Once you land, you can take a taxi or a private vehicle to the temple. The drive usually takes anywhere from an hour to 1.5 hours, depending on the traffic. The roads are scenic, so you might not even mind the wait.

By Train

Travelling by train is a good option. The nearest railway stations to Jwala Devi Temple are Pathankot and Kangra, both are well connected to all over the country. You can reach from Delhi to Jwala Devi, Himachal by train ​to the railway stations mentioned below.

Pathankot Railway Station

• Distance to Jwala Devi Temple: 123 km
• How to Reach: From Pathankot, you can take a taxi or bus to reach the temple. It takes 3-4 hours by road, depending on the vehicle.

Kangra Railway Station

• Distance to Jwala Devi Temple: 35 km
• How to Reach: You can take a taxi or local bus from Kangra Railway Station to Jwala Devi Temple, it will take 1 hour by road.

By Road

Travelling by road to Jwala Devi Temple is a great option for those who like the freedom to create their own itinerary. You can choose from buses and taxis that connect major cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, Shimla and Dharamshala. The road network is well-maintained and the views of the mountains along the way are just as beautiful as the temple. Driving itself can be a pretty pleasant experience.

You can take a luxury bus, hire a private taxi or car or even drive yourself if you enjoy the road trip experience. Most buses run overnight or during the day, whichever suits you best. Some people love the overnight journeys for the scenery you see under the stars.

If you want a more comfortable and personal experience, then driving in your own vehicle or taking a taxi or car on rent is a great way to go. With your own vehicle, you can stop at all the scenic points you want to along the way. The roads are well-maintained, but they do get a bit winding as you approach the temple. That winding road can actually be quite peaceful. And you'll have plenty of opportunities to take in the natural beauty of the region.

Accessibility Tips

Weather Conditions: Weather conditions in Himachal Pradesh can change dramatically with the seasons. Winters can be pretty chilly, and snowfall can make those roads very slippery indeed. That is why it is always a good idea to check the weather forecast before you plan your trip, especially during the winter months.

Local Transport: Local buses, taxis, and private vehicles are all readily available near the temple. If you do want to visit the nearby attractions, car rental services are a good option for a comfortable journey.

Travel in Groups: When you are travelling in a group, hiring a tempo traveller on rent or a bus can be a cost-effective way to get around. We offer guided tours that include transportation to the temple. Those tours can be a convenient option for visitors who want to make the most of their trip.

The best time to visit Jwala Devi Temple, Himachal Pradesh, is from March to June and September to November. During these months, Jwala Devi's temperature is pleasant and travel is comfortable. The temple is open throughout the year, but winters can be very cold and the temperature goes down to 5°C.

Summer is mild with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. Navratri, celebrated twice a year in March-April (Chaitra Navratri) and September-October (Sharad Navratri) is the best time to visit. During Navratri, thousands of devotees come to see the grand celebrations. If you want to avoid the crowd, you can visit during off-season and you will be able to see the temple in peace and still enjoy the spiritual atmosphere.

After your spiritual visit to Jwala Devi Temple, Himachal Pradesh, there are several other attractions nearby. You can make a plan accordingly to enjoy the serenity of the Hill station and the religious charm.

Kangra Fort - 18 Km

One of the oldest and magnificent forts in India stands as a symbol of the region’s grandeur, The fort offers an impressive view of the valley below. The fort's history dates back to the 4th century, and it is an important historical site. The view from the fort offers a glimpse into the surrounding mountains, rivers, and valleys.

Masrur Rock-Cut Temples - 40 Km

The Masrur Temples, located about 40 kilometres from Jwala Devi Temple, are an architectural marvel carved out of rock. These temples are believed to date back to the 8th century, and their intricate carvings are a testament to the skill of ancient architects. They are often referred to as the "Kangra's Kailash" due to their resemblance to the famous Kailash Temple in Ellora.

Dharamshala and McLeodganj - 55 Km

An absolutely beautiful place just 55 km from Jwala Devi, it is preferred to plan a Dharamshala Dalhousie Trip with family to enhance the trip experience. It is a lovely hill station and an ideal place to unwind after your visit to the temple. Bhagsunath Temple, the Tsuglagkhang Complex, Dharamshala Cricket Stadium are some of the prominent places to visit here.

Baijnath Temple - 60 KM

When you are on a pilgrimage trip to Himachal, plan your itinerary accordingly to cover famous places such as Baijnath Temple- dedicated to Lord Shiva and highly revered. You can also visit 5 Devi Temples to complete a yatra from Jwala Devi.

Kareri Lake - 35 KM

One of the most tranquil and serene places is perfect for picnics, family outings after darshan at the Temple. Enjoy the cool view of the Dhauladhar Mountain range and soak in the beauty of nature.