Jwalamukhi Temple
Jwalamukhi Temple is situated 30 km south of Kangra valley. Dedicated to
Goddess Jwalamukhi, there is a copper pipe in this temple through which
natural gas comes out and the priest of the temple lights this. This flame
is worshiped as a manifestation of the goddess Jwalamukhi. The nine flames
have been named after Goddesses - Mahakali, Unpurna, Chandi, Hinglaj,
Bindhya Basni, Maha Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ambika and Anji Devi. These flames
burn continuously without any fuel or assistance and may be seen erupting
from a rock-side.
Ancient legends speak of a time when demons lorded over the Himalaya
mountains and harassed the gods. Led by Lord Vishnu, the gods decided to
destroy them. They focused their strengths and huge flames rose from the
ground. From that fire, a young girl took birth. She is regarded as
Adishakti-the first 'shakti'.
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