About Jwala Devi Temple
Jwala Devi Temple, also known as Jwalamukhi, is in the town of Jawalamukhi in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. It is revered as one of the Shakti Peethas, where the tongue of Sati is believed to have fallen. There is no idol here. Instead, the goddess is worshipped in the form of small natural flames that burn constantly from cracks in the rock inside the sanctum. These flames are traditionally counted as nine and honoured as forms of the goddess, including Mahakali, Annapurna, Chandi and Hinglaj.
The temple is linked with many legends. One popular story says the Mughal emperor Akbar tried to put out the flames, failed, and then offered a golden umbrella, which is said to have turned into an unknown metal. The flames themselves come from natural gas seeping from the earth, yet for devotees they are a living sign of the goddess. The temple was patronised by local hill rulers, and Maharaja Ranjit Singh is credited with gilding its dome.
The temple is built in an Indo-Sikh style, with a gilded dome and silver-plated doors. Inside, devotees bow before the flames in a small square pit. Nearby is Gorakh Dibbi, a small pool where water appears to bubble and boil but is cool to the touch. Shops along the approach lane sell chunri, coconuts and prasad.
Jwala Devi Temple timings & aarti
Usually open about 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM in summer and about 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM in winter. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Mangal Aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Bhog Aarti | Around midday (approx.) |
| Sandhya Aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
| Shayan Aarti | Night, before closing (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Jwala Devi Temple
By air
Kangra (Gaggal) Airport is about 45 km away.
By train
Jawalamukhi Road station on the narrow-gauge Kangra Valley Railway is about 20 km away; Una (Himachal) and Pathankot are the nearest broad-gauge stations.
By road
Regular buses and taxis connect Jawalamukhi with Kangra, Dharamshala, Una and Chandigarh.
Festivals at Jwala Devi Temple
- Chaitra NavratriMar/Apr
- Sharad NavratriSep/Oct
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing recommended.
- Entry
- Free entry for all.
- Visit early in the morning or late evening to avoid crowds.
- See Gorakh Dibbi, just behind the main shrine.
- Combine your trip with Chintpurni, Kangra Brajeshwari and Chamunda Devi on a Shakti circuit.
- Weekends and Navratri bring heavy crowds from Punjab and Haryana.
Places to visit near Jwala Devi Temple
- Gorakh DibbiPool with bubbling cool water, within the temple complex
- NadaunRiverside town on the Beas, about 20 km away
- Kangra Fort and Brajeshwari TempleHistoric fort and Shakti shrine, about 35 km away
- Chintpurni TempleShakti Peetha in Una district, about 40 km away
Frequently asked questions
Why does the flame at Jwala Devi burn continuously?
The flames are fed by natural gas seeping from the rock. Devotees revere them as a living form of the goddess.
Is there an idol at Jwala Devi Temple?
No, the goddess is worshipped in the form of the natural flames.
What are the Jwala Devi temple timings?
Usually about 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM in summer and 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM in winter.
How far is Jwala Devi from Dharamshala?
It is about 55 km from Dharamshala, roughly a two-hour drive.
What is the aarti time at Jwala Devi Temple?
Mangal Aarti: Early morning (approx.); Bhog Aarti: Around midday (approx.); Sandhya Aarti: Around sunset (approx.); Shayan Aarti: Night, before closing (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Jwala Devi Temple?
Modest traditional clothing recommended.
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