Purnagiri Temple

One of the 108 Siddha Peeths, Maa Purnagiri Devi Temple(Mandir) is 21 kms away from Tanakpur, Tunyas is 17 kms and from there 3 km trek leads to Purnagiri Mandir. Tanakpur is linked by direct bus service with all major cities and other Districts.
Purnagiri Shakti Peeth is one of the ancient Shakti Peeths of India. The navel part of Mata Sati fell at this place. This Shakti Peeth is situated on top of the Annapurna hills which is around 20 kms from the Tanakpur town in Champawat district. This place is situated on Nepal border. Here the entry of unholy men or menstruating women are prohibited. It is said that if any one comes here in this state then that person becomes blind.
According to an olden legend, in the time of Satya Yuga Daksha Prajapati prepared a sacrificial ceremonial, for which he invited everybody except Lord Shiva because Daksha was angry for her daughter Sati wedded the 'yogi' God Shiva against his wishes. Parvati on discover that it was her father's deception to disgrace her husband immolated herself in the bonfire. While her husband carried her dead body, the places where the parts of her body knock down were recognized as Shakti Peeth. The Shakti Peeth holds the prime position among Malikagiri, Kalikagiri, and Himlagiri Peeths.
During time of Navratras, in the Chaitra month of the Indian calendar, devotees in large number come here to have their wishes fulfilled. After worshipping in Mata Purnagiri Temple, people also pay their tributes to her dedicated follower Bada Sidth Nath at Brahmadev and Mahendra Nagar in Nepal because it necessary for all devotee.
As per a common belief, every person who comes here with sincere faith and devotion has his prayers answered. During Navratras, in the Chaitra month of the Indian calendar, devotees in large number come here to have their wishes fulfilled. After worshiping in Mata Purnagiri Temple, people also pay their tributes to her loyal devotee Bada Sidth Nath at Brahmadev and Mahendra Nagar in Nepal.
On one side of the Shaktipeeth is the beautiful view of Sharada river and on the other is heart winning view of hills. To reach here a person can use road transport or railway from Baresli or Pilibhit and reach Tanakpur. From here a person will have to use bus or taxi for 19 kms to Bhairav temple and then 3 kms on foot through the hilly areas and reach the temple of Mata.

Maa Durga

Goddess Durga is the mother of the universe and believed to be the power behind the work of creation, preservation, and destruction of the world. Since time immemorial she has been worshipped as the supreme power of the Supreme Being and has been mentioned in many scriptures - Yajur Veda, Vajasaneyi Samhita and Taittareya Brahman.

The Meaning of "Durga"
The word "Durga" in Sanskrit means a fort, or a place which is difficult to overrun. Another meaning of "Durga" is "Durgatinashini," which literally translates into "the one who eliminates sufferings." Thus, Hindus believe that goddess Durga protects her devotees from the evils of the world and at the same time removes their miseries.

The Many Forms of Durga

There are many incarnations of Durga: Kali, Bhagvati, Bhavani, Ambika, Lalita, Gauri, Kandalini, Java, Rajeswari, et al. Durga incarnated as the united power of all divine beings, who offered her the required physical attributes and weapons to kill the demon "Mahishasur". Her Nine appellations are Skondamata, Kusumanda, Shailaputri, Kaalratri, Brahmacharini, Maha Gauri, Katyayani, Chandraghanta and Siddhidatri.

Tourist Places Near Jammu

Kud

Kud, a place of extraordinary scenic beauty is situated 103 Kms away from Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India. This popular resort is situated on the Jammu-Srinagar highway at an altitude of 1738 metres. This place is an ideal picnic spot as it has a bracing climate to uplift your life and give it a new meaning. This serene locale is a perfect place to unwind with your near and dear ones.
Regular transport is available from Jammu. Buses are available from General Bus stand Jammu. JKTDC also makes available chartered luxury coaches and buses. Taxis can also be hired from scores of Tour/Travel operators from across the city of Jammu , Jammu and Kashmir, India. Similar services towards Kud are available from Railway Station. Fares are pre determined by the Govt. and are subject to change.

Sudh Mahadev

The town of Chanhani, located in the western part of the Jammu holds special significance as it houses a great piece of art - the Sacred Temple of Sudh Mahadev. Chaudhari Ramdas of Chanhani and his son Chaudhari Parag Mahajan constructed the temple about 80 years ago. Shri Masu Shahane of Sudh Mahadev did the construction of the entrance door of the temple of Sudh Mahadev, an esteemed place of worship for devotees of Lord Shiva.
This holy spot near Patnitop is situated at an altitude of 1225 mtrs, about 120 kms from Jammu, the city of ancient temples. The shrine is visited by pilgrims on the full moon night of "Saawan" (July-August) to worship the "Trishul" (trident) and a mace which is said to belong to Lord Shiva. The Devak stream originates at Sudh Mahadev and disappears among the rocks a few kilometres down stream. During the month of July and August, a fair is held here with 3 days of music, singing and dancing. This divine place is situated at a distance of 8 kms from Kud or Patnitop.

Mansar Lake

It's a beautiful lake fringed by forest-covered hills situated 62 Kms away from Jammu. Apart from being a picnic spot, Mansar Lake has the religious importance too. On the Eastern Bank of the Lake there is a shrine of Sheshnaag, a mythological snake with six heads. The shrine comprises a big boulder on which are placed a number of iron chains perhaps representing the small serpents waiting on the tutelary deity of the Sheshnaag.

Akhnoor

Akhnoor is a beautiful town situated at a distance of 32 kms from Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India. The Chenab river meets the plain in Akhnoor, just north-west of Jammu, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. This was originally the route to Srinagar in the Moghul era of Jehangir, who died on the way to Kashmir and was temporarily buried at Chingas.
Akhnoor is also related with the legend of Sohni-Mahiwal, the eternal love story. This is a historic town where one can visit the ruins of the great Indus-valley civilization spread along the river Chenab. The whole area commands a panoramic view of Akhnoor to enthrall your life.

Shiv Khori

This holy cave situated 100 Kms away from Jammu and 70 Kms from Katra, is nearly a kilometre long with a 4-feet high naturally formed Shivling. It's considered second only to the shrine of Vaishnodeviji according to religious importance.
The Holy Cave abode of Lord Shiva is a real wonder to be seen. The cave is in the shape of Lord Shiva's Damroo i.e. wide at the two ends while very congested at the center. The width of the cave is so less at certain place that a person can barely crawl through whereas at other places it's over a hundred feet wide and quite high too. There are lots of features which can be observed in the cave, however the best of them is the natural milky water dripping from the top to the Shivling symbolizing the eternity of the holy river Ganga. The place hosts a major fair on the eve of Shivratri.

Baba Dhansar

This Temple of Lord Shiva is located at a distance of about 15 Kms from Katra on way to Salal Dam. Here, a huge spring emerges from the rocks in a thick grove of trees and forms a number of small cascading waterfalls before ultimately flowing into the Holy rivulet that merges with the Chenab River.
There is a naturally formed Shivling on which droplets of water fall at a constant pace all the year round. A big fair is held here during Shivratri. For the facility of the yatris visiting the place, the Shrine Board has carried out some developments including the construction of a Dharamshala.

Shahdra Sharief

The shrine of Shahdra Sharief in Rajouri district, 177 kms from Jammu is one of the most popular Muslim shrines of Jammu region, visited by thousand of devotees every day.Shahdra Sharief is well connected with Rajouri town by a 30 kilometre-long road. Regular bus service operates from Rajouri and even Jammu to Shahdra Sharief. Taxis of all kinds are available from Jammu as well as Rajouri for visiting this very popular holy shrine.

Kishtawar

Kishtawar, the upland valley in the north-east corner of Jammu region lies ensconced among the picturesque folds of the Pir Panjal and the Great Himalayan Ranges. The area is drained by the Chenab river system which, flowing in from neighbouring Himachal Pradesh enters the area through Paddar, home of the famous sapphire mines.

Chamunda Devi Temple

Chamunda Devi Mandir is located in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh on the banks of Banganga (Baner) River. Temple dates back to the 16th century. The temple is dedicated to Chamunda Devi, who is a form of Durga Maa. Chamunda Devi is considered as the wrathful form of Durga, but at the same time, the Goddess is kind to her true devotees. The term 'Chamunda' has been derived from two words, 'Chanda' and 'Munda'. As per the mythological legends, Durga made a goddess with her power, to slay the demons, Chanda and Munda. With her immense power, the Goddess killed the demons. Goddess Durga became happy with the slaughter and blessed the goddess that she would be known and worshipped as Chamunda. The main shrine is adored by the images of Lord Bhairav and Lord Hanuman on its sides. Actually, these lords are considered as the guards of the Goddess. Temple is also known as 'Chamunda Nandikeshwar Dham'. The temple was originally located at some remote spot which was not easily accessible. Around 400 years ago the king and a Brahmin priest prayed to Devi for permission to move the temple to some easily accessible location. Devi appeared to the priest in a dream giving her consent. She directed him to dig in a certain spot and an ancient idol would be found and that idol should be installed in the temple and worshipped as her form. The king sent out men to bring the idol. Although they were able to locate it but were not able to lift it. Again Devi appeared to the priest in a dream. She explained that the men could not lift the holy relic because they considered it an ordinary stone. She instructed him to get up early in the morning, take a bath, wear fresh clothes and go to the place in a respectful manner. He did as he was told and found that he could easily lift what a large group of men could not. He told the people that it was the power of the Goddess that brought the idol to the temple. The Chamunda Devi Temple is said to be more than 700 years old. There is a Kund (tank) where devotees take a dip. The idol in the main temple is considered so sacred that even the eyes of devotees are not allowed to touch upon it; it is kept completely concealed beneath a red cloth. There are several brightly painted figures of gods and goddesses around the place.

Naina Devi Temple

"Jai Mata Di" Naina Devi Temple is one of the fifty-one Shakti Peeths in India. Situated 60 km from Bilaspur district in Himachal Pradesh, Naina Devi Temple is one of the highly venerated Shakti Temples in India.
Naina Devi Temple is a holy shrine that is dedicated to Shri Naina Devi, one of the forms of Goddess Shakti. Located on the top of a hill in Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh, Naina Devi Mandir is one amongst the fifty one Shakti Peeths. The Temple of Naina Devi is a famous temple, connected to the National Highway No. 21 for the facility of pilgrims. The hill can be reached through a road by vehicles and to reach the summit, one can opt for concrete steps or cable car.

Naina Devi Temple is a sacred place especially for the Hindus. Pilgrims come to visit this temple to pay their homage to the Goddess. According to the legends, the different body parts of Sati fell on the earth during the time of self-sacrifice. It is believed that Sati's eyes fell at this point and subsequently, a temple was built here to commemorate the goddess. The term 'Naina' suggests 'eyes', so the goddess came to be known as Naina Devi.

In the temple complex, there is huge Peepal tree that is acclaimed to be present from past many centuries. On the right side of the entrance to the main shrine, idols of Lord Hanuman and Lord Ganesha are placed. After crossing the main gate of the shrine, two striking statues of Lions are visible. The main shrine reveals the images of three deities. Goddess Kali can be traced on the extreme left. In the centre, image of Naina Devi is visible, while Lord Ganesha is on the right side.

The Temple is perched over a small yet scenic hill. From the suburbs of the temple, one can spot the picturesque Govind Sagar Lake. Close to the main shrine, there is a small cave, which is known as Shri Naina Devi Cave. In the earlier days, people used to trek the steep path of 1.25 kms to reach the temple at the hill-top. Now, the facility of cable car has been launched to make to journey easy and enjoyable. On Shravan Ashtami, a big fair is held annually at this temple. During the time of Navratras, the temple is visited by large number of people.

Tourist places near Jammu

Places in and around Jammu such as Katra, Srinagar and Ladakh are some of the prime tourist locales of India.

Katra:

Katra town, lying in the foot of Trikuta Mountains, 48 kms. from Jammu, serves as the base camp for visiting the famous shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, which is approachable on foot along a 13 kms long well laid footpath. Every year, more than 4.5 million pilgrims pass through Katra on their way to the holy shrine.

Located at an altitude of about 2500 feet above sea level, Katra is the last point uptill which any type of modern transport can go (except the recently started Helicopter service, which takes the pilgrims right till Sanjichhat, just a couple of kilometers from the Holy Shrine).

Srinagar:

Srinagar, the pride of Kashmir valley, is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Srinagar is famous for its lakes and the charming rows of houseboats floating on them. It is also known for traditional Kashmiri handicrafts and dry fruits. Srinagar is located in the western part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, in the northern region of India. It is located in the Kashmir valley. River Jhelum passes through Srinagar city. Srinagar is 876 km north of Delhi.

Ladakh:

Ladakh is a land of extraordinary beauty which is bounded by two of the world's mightiest mountain ranges, the Great Himalaya and the Karakoram. Ladakh lies at altitudes ranging from about 9,000 feet (2750m) at Kargil to 25,170 feet (7,672m) at Saser Kangri in the Karakoram. Thus summer temperatures rarely exceed about 27 degree Celsius in the shade, while in winter they may plummet to minus 20 degree Celsius even in Leah. This place offers wonderful option for adventure tourism and sight seeing.

How to reach Vaishno Devi

In order to visit the Holy Shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi Ji, one has to reach Katra, a small town situated around 50 kms. from Jammu, the winter capital of the state of Jammu & Kashmir. Katra serves as the base camp for the yatra. Katra is well connected to Jammu and Jammu, in turn, is well connected to the rest of the country by Air, Rail, and Road.

By Air : Jammu is well connected to the rest of India by air. Both Indian Airlines and Jet Airways operate daily flights to Jammu. The average flying time from New Delhi is about 80 minutes.

By Train : One can also reach Jammu by rail. Jammu is connected to other parts of country on broad gauge and numerous passenger trains ply from various parts of the country to Jammu. In the peak season of summer and other holidays, the Railways introduce special trains for Jammu for the comfort of the Yatris. Many superfast trains also ply on this route and one can reach Jammu overnight from New Delhi.

A list of trains, their schedules and booking status could be seen at the Indian Railways website. You can even book tickets online if you are planning to travel in the near future.

By Road : Jammu is well connected through road also to rest of India. National Highway No. 1A passes through Jammu towards Srinagar. Regular bus services from all major North Indian cities are available for Jammu as well as Katra. Many standard and deluxe buses of various State Road Transport Corporations as well as private operators connect Jammu with important cities and towns of North India.

Passengers using Air or Rail as a mode of travel have necessarily to break their journey at Jammu and from thereon select an alternative mode of transport. However for passengers traveling by road, either through public or own transport, there is an option of taking a by-pass from Kunjwani, nearly 10 kms. off Jammu and heading straight for the base camp i.e Katra. The option of a halt at Jammu is thus entirely with the yatri although many yatries would like to spend more time in Jammu and visit the temples and other landmarks there.

Some other beautiful places near Vaishno Devi

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 Jammu and Kashmir in 1835 AD and was completed by his son Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1860 AD.
Ranbireshwar temple

Located on the Shalimar Road near the New Secretariat, and built by Maharaja Ranbir Singh in1883 AD, Ranbireshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It has one central 'Lingam' measuring seven and a half feet height (7.5 ft.) and twelve Shiva 'Lingams' of crystal measuring from 15 cms. To 38 cms. and galleries with thousands of Shiva 'Lingams' fixed on stone slabs.
Amarmahal

This was once the residential palace of Raja Amar Singh. the palace has been converted to a museum and is looked after by Hari-Tara Charitable trust. The museum has a golden throne made of 120kg pure gold sofa and has golden lions embedded into it. The throne is placed in a hexagonal room. This is a beautiful palace of red sand stone which stands amidst the most picturesque environments of Jammu. There is beautiful view of the Shiwaliks at the north and the River Tawi flows down below. adding to the Grandeur.
Bahu Fort

Five kms from Jammu city situated on a rock face on the left bank of the river Tawi, this is perhaps the oldest fort and edifice in the city. Constructed originally by Raja Bahulochan over 3,000 years ago, the existing Fort was more recently improved and built by Dogra rulers.
Mansar Lake

Sixty kms. A beautiful lake fringed by forest-covered hills. Boating facilities are available on the spot. Every year around Baisakhi, a food and crafts festival is organised here by J&K Tourism.