Kullu Raghunathji Temple- Himachal Pradesh

Address

Kullu Raghunathji Temple- Sultanpur, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh 175101

Diety

Raghunath

Introduction

Raghunath is the chief deity of Kullu and the Raghunath Temple is one of the most famous places in Kullu. Raghunath is another name of Lord Rama and the temple is dedicated to him. It is one of the oldest temples present in Himachal Pradesh. One of the most popular temples of Kullu Valley, Raghunath Temple is situated on magnificent hillock overlooking the entire valley. The idol of Raghunathji installed in this temple is believed to safeguard the entire valley from any kind of evil. The temple is the epitome of faith and devotion of people who keep coming here especially during the grand celebration of Dussehra Festival.. The temple was built in the year 1651 by the then king of the Kullu Valley, Raja Jagat Singh. The temple architecture has the blending of Pahari and Pyramid style. The temple is situated at a height of 2050 m above mean sea level. Temple is constructed with white marble. Above the main prayer hall, a “Vimana(aircraft)” is installed. The white pillars of this temple have been beautifully carved.

Puranic Significance

The history of Raghunath Temple Kullu dates back to 1637 AD during the reign of Raja Jagat Singh, the ruler of Kullu Valley. Raja was given information that a Brahmin named Durga Dutt residing in the nearby village Tipri has a collection of beautiful pearls. Raja wanted to have the pearls but when he asked for it, Durga Dutt told him that he does not have any pearl with him. Raja did not get convinced though Durga Dutt tried to convince him in all possible ways. Raja gave him the last warning and scared by Raja’s warning Durga Dutt set him whole family and the house on fire. He cursed Raja stating that he would be punished for his cruelty. In later years, Raja had leprosy and he felt guilty of killing the brahmin’s family. He then took shelter of Fuhri Baba otherwise known as Kissan Das Ji. Baba advised the king to bring the idol of Lord Rama from Tretnath Temple, Ayodhyaya. As per Baba’s instruction, the idol of Trethnath Temple was stolen by Damodar Dass and brought to Kullu in the year 1651 AD. The idol was installed in the temple built for Raghunathji and Raja Jagat Singh drank Charanamrit for many days to get rid of the curse and get cured of his disease. Since then he offered his life and the entire kingdom at the feet of Raghunathji and Dussehra celebration is organized every year since 1651. Every year, during the first fortnight of Ashwin month, 365 Gods and Goddesses residing in the valley get invitation from the king to come to Dhalpur and organize a yagna to honor Raghunathji.

Beliefs

According to the mythology, it has been believed that the idol of Raghunath in this temple was used by Lord Rama in the Ashwemedha Yaga. The idol was brought from Ayodhya and has been established here.

Special Features

Dussehra Festival in Kullu is celebrated unlike it is done in other parts of India. In most parts of India, effigies of demon King Ravana, his son Meghnath and Ravana’s younger brother Kumbhakarna are burnt. In Kully Valley the celebration of Dussehra festival starts the day it ends in rest of the country. It starts on the day of Vijayadashmi, the day when Lord Rama defeated Ravanas. Fairs are held on this occasion and during this time International Folk Festival is organized.