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Jammu, the Duggar land where the past still has a living presence. A land of grand ancient temples, and beautiful palaces, all nestling in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is said that, on becoming King, the Suryavanshi Jambu Lochan went on a hunt and, crossing the Tawi, found a deer and a tiger drinking water from the same tank. His ministers explained that this meant that the soil of the place was so virtuous that no living creature bore enmity against another.
Raja Jambu Lochan, who lived in the later Vedic period, decided to found his capital , Jambupura, on his soil, on the right bank of the Tawi, overlooking his brother king Bahu's fort. Today the temple of Maha Kali, better known as "Bahu" or "Bawey Wali Mata", located in the Bahu Fort, is considered second only to Mata Vaishno Devi in terms of mystical power. The present temple was built shortly after the coronation of Maharaja Gulab Singh, in 1822. The existing fort, as well as the Manasabdar's palace inside it, was constructed in 1820.
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The Raghunath Mandir
Amongst the temples in the city, the Raghunath Mandir takes pride of the place, being situated right in the heart of Jammu. It consists of a cluster of temples, which makes it the largest temple complex in northern India. The inner sanctums of the temples contain gigantic statues of Gods and Goddesses and numerous 'lingams' (also spelt as Linga). It contains representatives of almost the entire Hindu pantheon, which makes it a rare sight to see.
Bawey Wali Mata Or Mahamaya Temple
The famous temple of 'Bawey Wali Mata' is inside the Bahu fort, where every Tuesday and Sunday, pilgrims throng and jostle one another to worship the goddess. A little further away, on a hilltop opposite the Bahu fort, is a lovely spot overlooking the river Tawi, where a temple dedicated to Mahamaya has been constructed. It is said that if Bawey Wali Mata is the presiding deity of Jammu.
Dargah Of Peer Budhan Ali Shah
The Dargah of Peer Budhan Ali Shah is the other shrine that protects its people from mishaps and evil spirits. A friend of Guru Gobind Singh, Peer Baba lived all his life on milk alone and was 500 years old when he died. On Thursdays, one can find Hindu and Sikh devotees vastly out numbering their Muslim brethren at this shrine; such is the faith that people have in the Peer Baba. Most VIPs make it a point to visit this Dargah when they come to Jammu.
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