Shri Raghunath Temple: History, Heritage, and Tourism Potential

The foundation of Shri Raghunath Temple was laid in 1835 by Maharaja Gulab Singh, the first ruler of the Dogra dynasty.

- RATAN KESHRI

His son, Maharaja Ranbir Singh, completed its construction in 1860. This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, who is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu in Hinduism. The temple reflects the deep devotion of the Dogra dynasty towards Vaishnav traditions. Shri Raghunath Temple holds immense historical significance, and several other temples dedicated to various deities associated with the epic Ramayana surround its main shrine.

This famous temple in Jammu is renowned for its magnificent paintings, which depict beautiful scenes from Ram Leela and Krishna Leela. It is believed that the primary idol of Lord Rama enshrined here was brought from Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, according to the Ramayana.

Architectural Uniqueness and Religious Significance

Shri Raghunath Temple is unique in terms of temple architecture, as it houses statues and paintings of almost all Hindu deities. Special prayers (Aarti) are conducted here every morning and evening, attracting a large number of devotees. The temple's architectural style exhibits influences from Mughal design, with intricate carvings and attractive arches that captivate visitors.

The temple complex also features a library where rare Sanskrit manuscripts and scriptures are preserved. Devotees visit in large numbers to offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Rama.

During the reign of Maharaja Ranbir Singh, a school was established within the temple complex, where students from all castes and communities received education. The temple once housed a vast library containing nearly 6,000 rare manuscripts, many of which were not available for sale. Several of these manuscripts were originally written in the Sharada script and were later transcribed into Devanagari in the 19th century.