Jammu. the Duggar land where the past still has a living presence. A land of grand ancient temples, and beatiful 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 Bahufort, 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. Jammu is justly famous for its temples. Infact it is known as the city of temples and the every fame of its tends to overshadow its palaces, forts, forests and powerful ziarats.

If Bahu Mata is the presiding deity of Jammu, the dargah of Peer Budhan Ali Shah is the other shrine that protects Jammuites. The other major tourist attraction is the Ragunath Temple Complex. Maharaja Gulab Singh began the construction of the Raghunath Mandir Complex in the crowded downtown Bazaar named after it, in 1851. It was left to his son, Ranbir Singh, to inagurate it six years later perhaps the most popular temple north of Benares, it contains representations of almost entire Hindu pantheon, though the emphassis falls on the various incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The complex houses a rich collection of ancient texts and manuscripts.

Tucked away in the foothills of the Himalayas, with the picturesque river Tawi flowing alongside, stands the land that Raja Jambu Lochan discovered one day while he was hunting. Legend has it that he suddenly came upon a clearing where he saw a sight that left him speechless.

A tiger and a goat stood side by side drinking water from the same place in the Tawi river. He was so struck by this unsual sight that he decided to build a city on this soil where no-living creature seemed to bear enmity towards each other.

Today, as if in testimony, the city of Jammu is popularly known as the "City of Temeples". Innumerable temples and shrines with glittering "Shikhars" soar into the sky, like caretakers of the city, creating the ambience of a truly holy city.

Places to See

Peer Khoh
A cave shrine located on the Circular Road,3.5 Kms. from the heart of the town. There is a Shiva Lingam formed naturally in the cave; neither its antiquity nor its cause is known. And legend has it that the cave leads underground to many other cave shrines and even out of the country.

Ranbireshwar Temple
Located on the Shalimar Road near the New Secretariat, and built by Maharaj Ranbir Singh in 1883 AD,Ranbireshear Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has one central'Lingam'measuring seven and half feet in the hight(7.5 ft.)and twelve Shiva 'Lingam' of crystal measuring from 15 cms. and galleries with thousands of Shiva 'Lingams'fixed on stone slabs.

Raghunath Temple
Situated in the heart of the city and surrounded by a group of other temples, this temple dedicated to lord rama is outstanding and unique in northern India. Work on the temple was started by Maharaja Gulab Singh, founder of the kingdom of J&K in 1853 AD and was completed by his son,Maharaja Ranbir Singh,in 1860 AD. The inner walls of the main temple are covered with gold sheet on three sides. There are many galleries with lakhs of 'Saligrams'. The surrounding temples are dedicated to various Gods and Goddesses connected with the epic Ramayana.

Ranbir Canal
A small garden along the Ranbir Canal,2 Kms. from the heart of the town, provides a cool picnic spot during the summer. The Canal branches off from the River Chenab at Akhnoor,32 Kms. away. Its water remains ice cold throughout the year. Its banks serve as good viewpoints and walkways.

Bahu Fort
5 Kms.situated on a rock face on the left bank of the river Tawi, this is perhaps the oldest fort ad edifice in the city. Constructed originally by raja Bahulochan over 3,000years ago, the existing fort was more recently improved and built by the Dogra rulers. There is a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali inside the fort.

Bagh-e-Bahu
Theseextensive gardans, laid around the Bahu Fort provide a pleasant view of the city. Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Peer Baba
On the back side of the Civil Airport is famous Dargah of the Muslim Saint,Peer Budhan Ali Shah. on Thursdays, Hindu and Sikh devotees vastly outnumber,their muslim brethren at the shrine.

Mahamaya Temple and City Forest
On the By-pass Road,behind Bahu Fort. The city forest surrounds the ancient Mahamaya Temple overlooking the river Tawi.A small garden surrounded by acres of woods provides best view of the city.

Mubarak Mandi Palace
The oldest building in this palace complex date to 1824. The architecture is a blend of Rajasthani,Mughal and even Baroque European influences. The most stunning segment is the Sheesh Mahal. The Pink Hall now houses the Dogra Art MUseum which has miniature painting of the various Hill Schools.