Information of Raghunath Temple, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir

One of the most exceptional and unique temple that has been situated in the heart of the city Katra of Jammu & Kashmir is Raghunath temple. It is considered to be the biggest temple complex of North India. Being constructed by Maharaja Gulab Singh along with his son maharaja Ranbir Singh during the year 1835-1860, the temple is said to possess many gods. However, the leading deity is Ram, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple consists of seven shikhars and every shrine has one shikhar. While entering the temple, you can view the idol of Maharana Ranbir Singh along with the image of Lord Hanuman. According to the rituals of the temple, morning and evening arati is compulsory. Vijaya Dashmi is celebrated with lots of lavishness during the month of October in Raghunath temple. Tourists tend to visit the temple from different parts of the country.

Raghunath Temple Religious Importance

The temple has been of great significance for the pilgrims because of the historical values that it contains. It is often believed that by visiting this temple people tend to be free from all sins of the previous and present birth and can live a very peaceful live ahead. The surroundings of the temple are so elegant that pilgrims after visiting it wishes to visit it again. The temple is considered as the best destination for those people who are looking for an attractive surroundings and best climate. The beauty of the Himalayan ranges tends to attract the pilgrims as this place is decorated with gardens, lakes and hillocks that make the destination quite adoring.

Raghunath Temple Mythology & History

It is difficult to state how old the temple is, but according to some estimates, it can be assumed that the temple is hundred years old. During the Puranic era, Shakti began to be an aspect for prayer. Hence lingam as well as Saligram has been placed in the temple in order to represent Shakti to the worshippers. It is also believed that the idol that has been kept inside the temple is the one that was present during the time of Lord Rama for the purpose of Yagya of Aswamedha. The reason behind the fame of Jammu is because of the fact that the Idol of Lord Raghunath was brought from Ayodhya to Himachal. There are many such mythologies and legends that are associated with the Raghunath temple. Pilgrims do not concentrate much on these aspects and come to pay homage to Lord Rama and attain his blessings. According to Sanskrit epics, there are many legends that is hidden within the area of the temple.

Raghunath Temple Architectural Importance

When a person gazes into the arches, floors and the overall monument, they can get to view the influence of the Mughals. It can further be stated that the centre where the Shakti is worshipped is made with the assistance of the stone lingam that can be viewed in all the shrines within Raghunath temple. The temple contains a beautiful and unique sculpture of Lord Hanuman. There are many other shrines that are also quite famous. The pictures of various other incarnations can also be a centre of attraction for the pilgrims inside the temple. There is a big library inside the temple that contains rare and important manuscripts as well as historical books. The interiors of the temple are carved with gold plated walls as well as elegantly designed shrines. It is because of the fact that Raghunath temple is the abode of different temples, it is therefore one of the largest in northern India.