Sri Ranbireshwar Temple- Jammu-Kashmir

Address

Sri Ranbireshwar Temple- Shalimar road, Jammu-Kashmir civil secretariat Jammu city- 180001

Deity

Ranbireshwar (Shiva) Amman: Mahakali (Parvati)

Introduction

• Location: Shalimar Road, Jammu, in front of the Jammu-Kashmir civil secretariat.
• Significance: One of Jammu’s oldest and largest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, constructed by Maharaja Ranbir Singh in 1883. It is a prominent attraction in Jammu city.

Puranic Significance:

• Architecture and Design:
  • Elevation: The temple is located on the first floor and is elevated from the road surface, requiring devotees to ascend stairs to reach it.
  • Main Attraction: The central feature is an 8-foot-tall Shiva Lingam made of single black marble, considered unique and significant. It was installed by the rulers of the Dogra dynasty.
  • Additional Lingams: The temple houses 12 additional crystal-carved lingams, each measuring 18 inches high and 12 inches wide.
  • Idol of Nandi: A brass idol of Nandi weighing around 1000 kg is also present in the temple.
  • Construction: The temple’s construction took two years, partly due to Maharaja Ranbir Singh’s illness. Despite his condition, he actively participated in the temple’s completion and worship.

Special Features:

• Central Lingam: An 8-foot-long Shiva Lingam made from a single piece of black marble.
• Crystal Lingams: Twelve crystal Shiva Lingams, each ranging from 15 cm to 38 cm in height.
• Nandi Idol: A significant brass Nandi idol weighing approximately 1000 kg.

Festivals:

• Mahashivratri: Celebrated with grandeur, honoring Lord Shiva with special prayers and rituals.

Century/Period/Age

1883

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Shalimar road

Nearest Railway Station

Jammu Tawi

Nearest Airport

Jammu

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