Vaishno Devi - Jammu is home to the famous Vaishno Devi shrine. Nestling on top of the Trikuta Hills at a height of 1700 m is the sacred cave shrine of Vaishno Devi, the mother goddess. At a distance of 61km from Jammu, the cave is 30 metres long and just 1.5 m high. At the end of the cave are shrines dedicated to the three forms of the mother goddess—Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasarasvati.
Pilgrims enter in small groups through a narrow opening and walk through ice-cold waters to reach the shrines. According to legend, the mother goddess hid in the cave while escaping a demon whom she ultimately killed. The cave shrine of Trikuta Bhagwati has been a beacon of faith and fulfillment for millions of devotees since time immemorial.
Pilgrims enter in small groups through a narrow opening and walk through ice-cold waters to reach the shrines. According to legend, the mother goddess hid in the cave while escaping a demon whom she ultimately killed. The cave shrine of Trikuta Bhagwati has been a beacon of faith and fulfillment for millions of devotees since time immemorial.
Akhnoor - This small historic town is located on the banks of Chenab river. It is just 32kms way from jammu & has the ruins of the Indus Valley civilisation. It was the town of two very famous lovers called Soni & Mahiwal.
Baba Dhansar - It is a lovely picnic spot with amazing landscaping which includes incredible mountains, waterfalls, the holy Banganaga river, the groves of trees.Next to the spring in a small grove in the rock face is a naturally formed Shivling. It is located just 65 kms from Jammu.
Bahu Fort - This fort is just 5kms from the city center and was built by Raja Bhaulochan about 3000 years ago. Its has temple of Goddess Kali and the other highlight is the the terrace garden called Bagh-e-Bahu.
Jajjar Kotli - It is the Jajjar Kotli Tourist Complex, built on the banks of the Jajjar rivulet. The crystal clear cool water surrounded by unprecedented natural beauty makes this place an ideal picnic spot, located just 35 kms. from Jammu on the national highway leading towards Srinagar.
Krimchi - The way to Shudh Mahadev Mantalai, a short detour takes one to Krimchi, site of three of the oldest temples of Jammu. The architecture of the temples shows distinct Greek influences.
Mubarak Mandi Palace - The architecture of this palace has a unique blend of Rajasthani, Mughal and Gothic styles. The Sheesh Mahal segment in the palace is most famous. The Pink Hall now houses of Dogra Art Museum which has miniature paintings of the various Hill Schools.
Peer Baba - This is the famous dargah of the Muslim saint, Peer Budhan Ali Shah and it is believed that it is the shrine that protects the people of this city from mishaps and evil spirits. On Thursdays apart from Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs also come in large numbers to pay their respects.
Peer Khoh - Peer Khoh is a cave shrine located on the Circular Road, dedicated to Shiva and a naturally formed Shivaling is worshipped here. The antiquity of this lingam is not known.
Purnamandal - Proceeding towards Jammu, Pathankot is on the highway and we find few ancient temples. It’s believed that these temples are built on the banks of the underground river Devak. Also referred as "Chota Kashi", the main temple here is dedicated to "Umapati". The Shaivites of Kashmir Valley built these temples.
Raghunath Temple - This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is surrounded by a group of other temples, dedicated to various Hindu deities from the epic Ramayana. The inner walls of the main temple are covered with gold sheet on three sides. There are many galleries with innumerable saligrams".
Ranbir Canal - A small garden along the Ranbir Canal, 2 kms. from the heart of the town, provides a cool picnic spot during the summer. These gardens provide excellent walkways and viewpoints of the surrounding areas. Even in summers, water in the canal remains ice cold.
Ranbireshwar Temple - Located on Shalimar Road this historic temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, which was built by Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1883 AD. It has one central "lingam" measuring seven-and-a-half ft in height, twelve Shiva "lingams" of crystal and galleries with thousands of others carved on stone slabs.
Salal Dam and Lake - 95 kms. from Jammu to the west of the Holy Shrine of Vaishnodeviji is the Salal Dam and Lake. This is the largest Hydroelectric Project commissioned in the state so far. The lake behind the dam is 33 kms long and can be visited with the permission of project authorities.
Sanasar - About 17 kms from Patnitop, is a cupshaped meadow surrounded by gigantic conifers. A place for a quite holiday, the meadow has now been developed as a golf course. It also provides opportunities for para gliding.
Shiv Khori - This holy cave is 100 kms from Jammu, nearly a kilometre long with a 4-feet high naturally formed Shivling, is considered second only to the shrine of Vaishnodeviji. A festival is organized on Shivratri day.
Sudh Mahadev - Situated about 120 kms. from Jammu, this shrine is visited by pilgrims on the full moon night of `Sawan" (July- August) to worship the "Trishul" (trident) and a mace belonging to Lord Shiva. The Devak stream originates at Sudh Mahadev and disappears among the rocks down-stream.
Surinsar Lake - This lake is located approximately 42 km from Jammu and is a must see for its breathtaking view.
No comments:
Post a Comment