Jammu, often celebrated today as the City of Temples, holds an ancient past steeped in myth, history, and royal legacy. The story behind the old name of Jammu reveals not just the foundation of a city but also the spirit of peace and coexistence that inspired its creation. Let’s dive into the captivating tale of how Jammu got its name and its connection with India’s oldest civilizations.
The Legend of Raja Jambulochan and the Birth of Jambupura
According to one of the most cherished legends, the origin of Jammu’s name traces back to Raja Jambulochan, a noble ruler believed to have founded the city. This legend dates as far back as the 14th century BC. While on a hunting expedition, Raja Jambulochan arrived near the banks of the River Tawi. There, he witnessed an extraordinary and symbolic scene—a lion and a goat drinking water side by side without fear or conflict.
Amazed by this rare sight, the Raja saw it as a divine sign. The peaceful coexistence of predator and prey struck a deep chord within him. He immediately abandoned the hunt and returned to his companions, inspired by the tranquillity of the place. Declaring it a land of peace and harmony, he chose the site to establish a city. He built a palace on the right bank of the Tawi River and named the city Jambupura, after himself. Over time, the name evolved from Jambupura to Jambu Nagar and finally to Jammu.
Jammu’s Name in the Epic Ramayana and Mahabharata
Some historians state that the name ‘Jammu’ originates from ‘Jambudvipa’, as mentioned in the Vedas. In the Ramayana, Valmiki also refers to the Jambu river. Over time, ‘Jambudvipa’ is believed to have evolved into ‘Jammu’.
The name Jammu is not only confined to local legends; it also appears in the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata. This connection lends historical and cultural depth to the region, suggesting its significance during the epic age. While myths form the heart of its origin, archaeological discoveries further strengthen its ancient roots.
Archaeological Insights: Tracing Jammu’s Ancient Past
Recent excavations near Akhnoor, a town in Jammu district, have revealed artefacts from the Harappan civilization as well as remnants from the Mauryan, Kushan, and Gupta periods. These findings point to Jammu’s role as a continuously inhabited region with a rich and diverse cultural history.
These discoveries add weight to the belief that Jammu’s origins extend far beyond the documented Dogra rule and well into the prehistoric and Vedic times. The traces of early civilization indicate that the area was not only culturally rich but also strategically significant.
Jammu Under Dogra Rule: A New Chapter Begins
Despite its ancient origins, Jammu’s recorded history remains vague up until the 18th century. It wasn’t until 1730 AD that Jammu entered a clearer historical timeline, when Raja Dhruv Deva, a Dogra ruler, brought the region under structured administration. This marked the beginning of the Dogra dynasty’s influence, which later extended across Jammu and Kashmir, shaping the region’s political and cultural framework.
Read also: 5 Qualities You Will Find only In Dogras according to 100 years Old Book
Why Jammu Is Called the “City of Temples” Today
Over the centuries, Jammu transformed into a spiritual hub, home to hundreds of temples that reflect the region’s deep-rooted religious devotion. From the Raghunath Temple to the Bahu Fort Temple, Panchvaktar Temple, Peer Kho Temple, Mahamaya Temple, Kol Kandoli Temple and Ranbireshwar Temple, the city is dotted with architectural marvels that attract pilgrims and tourists from across the globe.
This spiritual legacy, paired with its mythological and archaeological significance, has rightly earned Jammu the title “City of Temples.”
The evolution of Jammu—from the peaceful vision of Raja Jambulochan to its modern identity as a temple town—reflects a journey grounded in values of peace, culture, and coexistence. Whether through myth, epic, or archaeological discovery, the history of Jammu offers a captivating narrative of India’s ancient and enduring heritage.
