About Raghunath Temple
The Raghunath Temple stands in the old heart of Jammu city, near Raghunath Bazaar, and is one of the largest temple complexes in North India. It is dedicated to Lord Rama, worshipped as Raghunath, the lord of the Raghu dynasty, and the complex holds shrines for many other deities. For the people of Jammu, often called the City of Temples, it is the best-known place of worship, and many pilgrims on their way to Vaishno Devi stop here for darshan.
Construction of the temple was begun in 1835 by Maharaja Gulab Singh, founder of the Dogra rule over Jammu and Kashmir, and it was completed in 1860 by his son Maharaja Ranbir Singh. The Dogra rulers were devout Vaishnavas, and Ranbir Singh also supported a library and the copying of Sanskrit manuscripts at the temple, making it a centre of learning as well as worship. Over the years the complex has been repaired and kept in active use as a living temple.
The complex has seven shrines, each topped by a tall spire, with the inner surfaces of the main sanctum covered in gold sheets. The principal shrine holds images of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. Other shrines are dedicated to forms of Vishnu, Shiva, Surya and other deities, with images of characters from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The temple is especially known for its large collection of saligrams and Shiva lingas, often said to number in the lakhs. Arched gateways and courtyards reflect the Dogra style of the 19th century.
Raghunath Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning (about 6:00 AM) to around noon and again from about 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Around 6:00 AM (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Raghunath Temple
By air
Jammu Airport is about 6 km away.
By train
Jammu Tawi Railway Station is about 5 km away.
By road
The temple is in central Jammu, reached easily by auto or taxi. Jammu is on the national highway to Srinagar and Pathankot, and Katra, the base for Vaishno Devi, is about 50 km away.
Festivals at Raghunath Temple
- Ram NavamiMar/Apr
- DussehraSep/Oct
- DiwaliOct/Nov
- JanmashtamiAug/Sep
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing is recommended. Remove footwear before entering.
- Entry
- Free entry.
- Security checks are strict; bags, mobile phones and cameras may have to be deposited before entry.
- Photography is not allowed inside the complex.
- Visit on the way to or from Vaishno Devi, as Jammu is the main transit city.
- Explore Raghunath Bazaar outside the temple for local dry fruits and crafts.
- Allow at least an hour to see all seven shrines.
Places to visit near Raghunath Temple
- Ranbireshwar Temple19th-century Shiva temple with crystal lingas, about 1 km away
- Mubarak Mandi PalaceFormer Dogra royal palace complex, about 1 km away
- Peer Kho Cave TempleCave shrine of Shiva on the Tawi river, about 4 km away
- Bahu Fort and Bawe Wali Mata TempleOld fort with a popular Kali temple, about 5 km away
Frequently asked questions
Who built Raghunath Temple in Jammu?
It was begun by Maharaja Gulab Singh in 1835 and completed by his son Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1860.
What are the Raghunath Temple timings?
It is usually open in the morning and again from late afternoon to night. Check locally for current times.
Are mobile phones allowed in Raghunath Temple?
Usually not; phones, cameras and bags may have to be deposited at the counter before entering.
Which deity is worshipped at Raghunath Temple?
Lord Rama is the main deity, with Sita and Lakshmana, and the complex has shrines for many other gods and goddesses.
What is the aarti time at Raghunath Temple?
Morning aarti: Around 6:00 AM (approx.); Evening aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Raghunath Temple?
Modest clothing is recommended. Remove footwear before entering.
How to reach Raghunath Temple?
By air: Jammu Airport is about 6 km away. By train: Jammu Tawi Railway Station is about 5 km away. By road: The temple is in central Jammu, reached easily by auto or taxi. Jammu is on the national highway to Srinagar and Pathankot, and Katra, the base for Vaishno Devi, is about 50 km away.
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