Jwala Ji Temple, Ancient Hindu temple in Kangra District, India
Jwala Ji Temple is a Hindu shrine in Kangra featuring nine eternal flames that emerge from natural rock fissures within its square inner sanctum, each representing a different form of the goddess. The interior is simple, with these naturally burning flames serving as the focal point of worship.
The sanctuary was damaged during medieval invasions and lost valuable Sanskrit manuscripts in the process. Despite historical attempts to extinguish the natural flames, they have persisted through centuries, becoming a testament to the site's resilience.
This temple serves as a major pilgrimage destination for Hindu devotees across the region seeking blessings from the goddess Jwala Devi. Local priests maintain family genealogy records that connect visitors to their ancestors, making the site a place where personal and spiritual histories intertwine.
Visitors should come prepared for basic facilities and enter respectfully, as this is an active place of worship. The flames are accessible year-round, though mornings offer a quieter experience with fewer pilgrims present.
The nine flames originate from natural gas deposits beneath the sanctuary and have burned continuously without requiring external fuel sources. This rare phenomenon often surprises visitors who witness the flames burning freely from the rock.
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