Dr Pardeep Mahotra
Jammu, fondly known as the “City of Temples,” is rapidly transforming into a diverse and vibrant spiritual destination that offers a rich tapestry of religious devotion, cultural depth, and historical resonance. Traditionally seen as a gateway to the holy shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi, Jammu is now asserting itself as a standalone pilgrimage and faith tourism hub.
Spiritual tourism remains the backbone of Jammu’s identity. The revered Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, situated in the Trikuta Hills, attracts millions each year. However, the region’s spiritual offerings extend far beyond. The mystical Shiv Khori cave dedicated to Lord Shiva, the sacred Budha Amarnath Temple in Poonch, and the divine Sudh Mahadev, Gauri Kund associated with Goddess Parvati, and Mantalai in Udhampur together create a compelling spiritual circuit rooted in ancient Hindu beliefs.
Another hidden spiritual treasure is Purmandal, often referred to as ‘Chhota Kashi’ and thronged for centuries by the pilgrims from nearby states, nestled along the Devika River and dotted with ancient Shiva temples. Within Jammu city, the Mahakali Temple at Bawe, the deity worshipped by all,Mahamaya Mata Mandir, newly built Bala ji temple at Sidhra, Har Ki Paudi, Raghunath Temple, Ranbireshwar Temple, Panchbakhtar Temple, and Veer Jamwant Gufa known as Veer Kho Cave Temple form a powerful spiritual corridor. Not to forget, the Machail Mata Temple in Kishtwar, located in the scenic Padder Valley, draws thousands of devotees during the annual yatra.
The historic five temples at Panjtirthi, Jammu, including the temples of God Balram, Batmalu Mandir, Ram Mandir, Billu Mandir and Gadadhar Mandir is another revered site. This area, dotted with ancient temples, represents a quiet yet profound spiritual nucleus within the city. A grand Shiv temple at Canal Head, near Jewel Chowk, also adds to the sacred map of Jammu.
The historic Shree Raghunath Ji Temple at Suchetgarh border tells the spiritual tale from the history.
The shrine of Baba Jitto at Jhiri is a powerful symbol of agrarian faith and martyrdom. Drawing thousands during the annual Jhiri Mela, it reflects the spiritual-cultural fusion rooted in the soil. Another ancient temple dedicated to Baba Jitto in AgharJitto, Reasi, deserves integration into Jammu’s spiritual and heritage circuits.
Baba Dhansar is another revered site located near Reasi, associated with Lord Shiva and Baba Dhansar. Close by is the Nau Devi Temple, dedicated to nine forms of the Goddess Durga, a significant shrine near Katra. The Siarh Baba Waterfall in the same region, known for its ancient Pragan Nag temple, merges nature and spirituality seamlessly.
Jammu is equally home to revered Muslim shrines that echo its composite culture. The historic Shahdara Sharief in Rajouri, dedicated to Hazrat Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah, attracts devotees of all faiths. In Jammu city, the Peer Mitha Shrine and the Dargah of Peer Budhan Shah near the airport stand as spiritual landmarks. Other significant Sufi sites include the Baba Hara Peer shrine near R S Pura, Baba Lalan Wala Peer Ji in Sarore, and the Kothey Salehar Peer Baba Dargah and many others.
The historic Naag Devta temple at Patnitop also witnesses footfall of locals and tourists alike.
One shrine of special note is Baba Dalip Singh Manhas, widely known as Baba Chamliyal, located at Ramgarh along the Indo-Pak border. This site symbolizes Indo-Pak harmony and is renowned for its annual fair attended by devotees from both sides. Its sacred “Sharbat” and “Soil” are believed to possess healing properties.Chichi Mata Mandir at Samba,Baba Sidh Goria Swankha,Bala Sundari in Kathua, Sukrala Mata Mandi at Billawar, the water of Varun Dev Mandir in Billawar holds spiritual healing powers.
Kol Kandoli Temple, Baba Bhaid at Nagrota, Shiv Gufa at Panthyal Ramban,Vasuki Naag Mandir at Bhaderwah, Pandav Gufa and foot prints of Shree Krishna at Jio-Pota Ghat at Akhnoor are some out of many revered sites.Kameshwar Temple in Akhnoor is also said to be linked to the Pandavas.
For the Sikh community, Jammu region holds immense significance. The Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanak Dev Ji in Jammu city commemorates the Guru’s visit. The Gurudwara dedicated to Baba Banda Singh Bahadur at Reasi, Gurudwara Kalgidhar Sahib linked to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, are vital spiritual centers. Gurudwara Nangali Sahib in Poonch is among the oldest and holiest Sikh shrines in the region. Historical gurudwaras in Nowshera and Rajouri, Gurudwara ChattiPatshahi dedicated to Guru Hargobind Sahib Ji, and other significant sites such as Gurudwara related to Maharani Chand Kour, Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanak Dev Sahib, Gurudwara Sahib Rocha Singhpora, in Batote, centrally located Gurudwara Singh Sabha at Guru Nanak Nagar, and Tali Sahib, in Talab Tillo each playing a vital role in the preservation of Sikh heritage.
Christian spirituality also finds its quiet presence in Jammu. The most prominent Christian shrine is St. Mary’s Garrison Church in Gandhi Nagar, built during the colonial era, which remains a center for Christian worship and community activities.
A new spiritual landmark is spiritual Tawi Aarti along the emerging Tawi Riverfront, holds a potential central attraction to complement the city’s spiritual ambiance.
To enhance these experiences, the government must ensure hassle-free infrastructure. Clean lodging and boarding facilities, homestays, hygienic eateries, safe transport, well-maintained public toilets, potable water, multilingual signage, and spiritual literature will elevate pilgrim satisfaction. Shops along pilgrimage routes should offer curated spiritual merchandise.
Spiritual Fest Calendar should be made available compiling and publishing a yearly calendar of all fairs, yatras, and religious melas across Jammu (Jhiri Mela, Machail Yatra, etc.).
Meditation retreats with spiritual touch around Sudhmahadev, Mantalai, Bhaderwah and other places can be materialized.
Digital Spiritual Tourism Maps by providing QR-coded digital walking/driving maps for temple clusters like Panjtirthi, Old Jammu, or Sudhmahadev.
Audio-guided Heritage Tours should be planned by developing mobile-based spiritual guides with stories from epics, saint lives, and local legends, available in multiple languages.
Jammu, with its wide array of sacred destinations across faiths, stands poised to emerge as India’s most inclusive and spiritually vibrant region. The time is now to showcase this legacy to the world.
(The author is Media Incharge, J&K BJP)
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