History, Importance, Timings, Festivals, Architecture, Activities, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Raghunathji Temple, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India
Raghunath is a synonym used for Lord Rama and in the same queue, the Raghunathji Temple is one of the oldest and most popular temples of Kullu lying in the heart of the state of Himachal Pradesh, built in a blend of Pyramidal and Pahari style, the temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. It is believed that Lord Shri ram is the safe guarder of the entire valley. This place is famous in name as the “Valley of Gods” because it consists of a lot of temples. These temples reflect the rich cultural background of state of Himachal Pradesh. The Raghunath Ji Temple is a visible tribute to Lord Rama. He is also famous as the “Chief Deity” of Pahadis.
Historical Folklore related to Raghunath Temple, Kullu
The history of Raghunath Temple Kullu dates back to 1637 AD during the reign of Raja Jagat Singh, the ruler of Kullu Valley. The king was given the information that a Brahmin named Durga Dutt resides in the nearby village of Tipri, who has a rich collection of beautiful pearls. The king wanted to have those pearls but when he asked for it from the Brahmin, Durga Dutt told him that he does not have any pearl with him. But the king could not get convinced. Durga Dutt tried his best to make the kind believe his truth. An infuriated Raja, gave him a last warning and eventually set his whole family and house on fire. Agonised by the trauma given by the king, Durga Dutt cursed the king stating that he would be severely punished for his cruelty. In the coming years, the king was diagnosed with leprosy. He then realised his mistake and and felt guilty of killing the Brahmin’s family. In order to repent, he then took shelter of a Fuhri Baba, Kissan Das Ji. The Baba advised him to bring the idol of Lord Rama from Tretnath Temple, Ayodhyaya. The idol was installed in the temple built for Raghunath ji. Raja Jagat Singh then drank Charanamrit for many days to get rid of the curse and get cured of his disease.
Popular legend of Raghunath Temple, Kullu
Since the day Raja was revived, he offered his life and the entire kingdom in the devotion of Lord Raghunathji. Dussehra celebration in the temple is therefore organized every year. During the first fortnight of Ashwin month, 365 Gods and Goddesses residing in the valley get invitation from the local king to come to Dhalpur and organize a yajna to honour Raghunathji.
Major attractions nearby the Raghunath Temple, Kullu
The temple is gorgeous with ancient architecture style which is a mixture of pyramidal and pahadi architecture. The location of this temple is on a hill which gives a mesmerizing view to the tourist. Along with the ancient architectural beauty, Raghunath Ji Temple gives an amazing natural and scenic view to the visitors. The temple gives the visitors a peace which seems impossible in the cacophony of the cities
Festivals celebrated and Timing of Raghunath Temple, Kullu
The temple is known for the grand Dussera festival. Thousands of visitors come from all over the world to attend the celebration that is held for ten cosnecutive days. On the first day the family deity (Kuldevi) of the Kullu rulers, Goddess Hadimba is brought to the temple, escorted by the royal family, where she is welcomed and graciously brought into the temple of Raghunathji. Then the idol of Raghunathji is placed besides the Goddess on her chariot and they are taken to another place for six days. Nearly all the Gods and Goddesses are brought here in a procession believing that they are participating in the celebration. On the sixth day a grand celebration with music, dance and hymns is held with all the Gods known as Mohalla. On the tenth day the chariot takes on the bank of holy River Beas where a pile of bushes is burnt assuming it to be the Lanka (abode of Ravana) burning. Animals are sacrificed and the visitors have a feast. Then idols are placed back in their respective temples and the celebration is ended in a delightful way.
The temple remains opened from 5 AM - 9PM.
Best time to Visit Raghunath Temple is between October to March
How to Reach Raghunathji Temple, Kullu, Major Tourist Center of Himachal Pradesh, India
Kullu being one of the major tourist center along with important district and city of Himachal Pradesh, it is very well connected with all major cities of India via road, rail and air network. Millions of tourist across the world visits here throughout the year which makes Kullu more convenient in terms of travel, accommodation and other services. The nearest airport to Kullu is Bhuntar airport which is located just at a distance of around 10 km from the city. Jogindernagar railway station is the nearest major rail junction which is at around 110 km from city. Kullu is located at 40 km from Manali, 252 km from Chandigarh, 200 km from Shimla, 510 km from Delhi, 415 km from Vaishnodevi, 145 km from Palampur, 86 km from Mandi and 108 km from Joginder nagar.
