Raghunath Temple, Hindu temple in Jammu, India.
Raghunath Temple is a Hindu worship complex in Jammu that consists of multiple shrines arranged around a central courtyard, with each building connected by open passageways. The structures feature gilded tower tops and spiraling finials, while the interior walls are covered with carved reliefs and painted panels.
A regional ruler began building this temple complex in the 19th century, and his successor continued the work over several decades. The site grew during this long construction period, with additional shrines and courtyards added as the project progressed.
Worshippers move between the different shrines throughout the day, pausing before each deity to offer prayers and light oil lamps in the dimly lit chambers. Priests perform morning and evening rituals while visitors walk slowly through the halls, observing the carvings and sitting in quiet reflection.
The complex opens early in the morning and closes in the evening, giving visitors enough time to walk through the different shrines at their own pace. Shoes must be removed before entering, and it helps to arrive outside peak prayer times if you want to explore the halls without large crowds.
An extensive collection of old manuscripts is kept in a special room within the complex, including texts written in different scripts and languages. Some of these documents date back centuries and were gathered by scholars over many generations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
