Navratri, the nine divine nights dedicated to Goddess Durga, is one of the most significant festivals in Jammu. During this auspicious time, temples across the region are beautifully decorated and filled with devotees seeking blessings. If you’re planning to experience the divine energy of Navratri in Jammu, here are five must-visit temples that are adorned for the festival along with Dogra Navratri Rituals:
1. Bawe Wali Mata Temple – A Sacred Shrine with Grand Festivities
Bawe Wali Mata Temple is a revered temple where devotees gather throughout the year. However, visiting during Navratri holds special significance. The temple complex is adorned with stunning floral arrangements and vibrant lights, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. Special prayers and religious ceremonies take place, adding to the spiritual aura of the temple.
Read also: KNOW THE HISTORY OF THE OLDEST TEMPLE – BAWE VALI MATA
2. Chichi Mata Temple – The Gateway to Vaishno Devi Yatra
Chichi Mata Temple, located in the Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir, is an important religious site. It is considered the “pehla darshan” or first stop for devotees on their way to Vaishno Devi. Many believe that the pilgrimage to Mata Vaishno Devi is incomplete without visiting this shrine. During Navratri, thousands of devotees pay their respects at Chichi Mata, making it an essential part of the spiritual journey.
3. Kol Kandoli Mata Temple – A Divine Stop on the Old NH-1
Kol Kandoli Mata Temple, situated in Nagrota, just 18 km from Jammu, is an important religious destination. Nestled amidst the Trikuta hills, the temple provides breathtaking views, especially at night when the Vaishno Devi trek is illuminated. Though it sees a steady flow of visitors throughout the year, the temple is particularly vibrant during Navratri. Special pujas and rituals make the experience even more divine.
4. Mahamaya Mata Temple – A Tranquil Retreat with a Spiritual Essence
Located on the outskirts of Jammu, Mahamaya Mata Temple is another significant religious site to visit during Navratri. Dedicated to Goddess Mahamaya, the temple attracts many devotees, especially those who also worship Kali or Bawe Wali Mata. A visit here not only provides a spiritual retreat but also offers a picturesque setting with stunning views of Jammu city. Families often turn their visit into a weekend picnic, making it a perfect blend of devotion and relaxation.
5. Vaishno Devi Temple – The Ultimate Pilgrimage Destination
Vaishno Devi Temple in Katra is one of India’s holiest and most visited pilgrim sites. More than 10 million devotees visit this sacred shrine each year. To reach the temple, pilgrims embark on a 12 km trek from the Katra base camp. The temple enshrines naturally formed pindies, representing three divine forms—Maha Kali, Maha Saraswati, and Maha Lakshmi. Nestled in the Trikuta Mountains, the temple offers not only a deeply spiritual experience but also spectacular scenic beauty. Visiting during Navratri makes the journey even more fulfilling as the temple is adorned with magnificent decorations and special religious rituals.
Read also: During Navratri Vaishno Devi Yatra Registration and Guidelines
Traditional Navratri Rituals of the Dogras in Jammu
Khetri and Saankh – Symbolizing Creation and Fertility
In Jammu, the Dogra community celebrates Navratri with unique rituals. On the first day of Navratri, barley grains are sown in an earthen pot, a practice known as ‘Khetri.’ The sprouted barley, called ‘Saankh,’ symbolizes creation and fertility. Devotees observe fasts for eight days, consuming only specific foods, and break the fast on the ninth day.
Kanjak Pujan – Honoring the Divine Feminine
One of the most significant rituals of Navratri in Jammu is Kanjak Pujan, performed on the ninth day. In this tradition, young pre-pubescent girls, known as Kanjaks, are worshipped as embodiments of Goddess Durga. Devotees invite at least nine girls to their homes or temples, symbolizing the nine forms of Devi Durga.
The ritual involves washing the feet of these young girls as a mark of respect. They are then offered bhog prasad, consisting of puri, channa, and halwa. Along with the prasad, devotees gift bangles, red dupattas, and a token amount of money as a form of blessing and appreciation.
Navratri especially in Jammu Division is not just a festival but a deeply enriching spiritual experience. The region’s sacred temples, each with its own historical and religious significance, provide an ideal setting for worship and devotion. Whether you seek blessings, immerse yourself in divine energy, or explore Jammu’s rich cultural heritage, visiting these revered temples during Navratri will surely enhance your festive celebrations.
Plan your journey, embrace the spiritual essence of Navratri, and deepen your connection with the divine in the holy land of Jammu.
