History and Geography
Jammu, the winter capital of the state, is also known as the city of temples. It is believed that the city was originally founded by Raja Jamboo Lochan who lived in 14th century B.C. The Raja had gone out one day for hunting when he happened to witness a tiger and a goat drinking water from one and the same pond. This extraordinary phenomenon set him thinking and he decided to build a city at this site so that the strong and weak could live together in peace and mutual tolerance. Eventually, he founded the city which came to be known as "Jamboo" after his own name. With the passage of time and due to its frequent use the pronunciation of the name got slightly distorted and the city, came to be known as 'Jammu' as it is called now. Jammu is situated on a hillock, on the bank of river Tawi and is bound by Udhampur district in the north and northeast , Kathua district in the east and southeast, Pakistan (Sialkote) in west and Rajauri district and POK (Bhimber) in the northwest. Its skyline was once dotted with glittering spires of temples. These spikes are no longer visible as most of these are hidden behind multi storyed buildings. The city has numerous shrines for Muslims, Sikhs & Christians also. Jammu also serves as base camp for the holy shrine of Vaishno Devi. Jammu is also the Railhead of the state. Jammu is located 74 degree 24' and 75 degree 18', East longitude and 32 degree 50' and 33 degree 30' North latitude. It is approximately 600 Kms away from National Capital, New Delhi and is linked with a National Highway. The temperature varies from cold in winter with minimum temperature touching even 0.9 degree Centigrade to heat wave in summers when the temperature shoots upto 46 degree centigrade. Jammu District is spread over an area of 3097 Sq Kms and has a population of about 15.88 lakhs as per the estimates of 2001. It is largest populated District of the state and second largest in terms of population density and falls under the category 'B'. The literacy percentage of the District is 77% in as per 2001 census which was highest in the state. This District is having a National Airport situated at Satwari. This District serves as the Winter Capital of J & K state from November to April when all the offices move from Srinagar to Jammu.Jammu. the Duggar land where the past still has a living presence. A land of grand ancient temples, and beatiful palaces. All nestling in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is said that, on becoming King, the Suryavanshi Jambu Lochan went on a hunt and, crossing the Tawi, found a deer and a tiger drinking water from the same tank. His ministers explained that this meant that the soil of the place was so virtuous that no living creature bore enmity against another. Raja Jambu Lochan, who lived in the later vedic period, decided to found his capital , Jambupura, on his soil, on the right bank of the Tawi, overlooking his brother king Bahu's fort. Today the temple of Maha Kali ( better known a
Location
The District is bounded in the north and north east by the Tehsils of Reasi in Udhampur district in the east and south east partly by tehsil Ramnagar of Udhampur district and partly by tehsil Billawar of Kathua district,in the south and south west by Kathua district and Sialkote district of Rawalpindi (Pak) and in the north west by Tehsil Nowshara of district Rajouri and parts of the district Bhimber now under the occupation of Pakistan.District Jammu falls in sub-mountaineous region at the foothills of the Himalayas.Shivalik range rises gradually in the north part of the district and merges with the Indo-Gangetic plains in the south. Jammu city is at an elevation of 1030 feet above the sea level. The District comprises five tehsils i.e. Jammu, Samba, R.S.Pura, Akhnoor and Bishnah.The entire district can be divided into two distinct portions.The area forming north of Jammu-Chhamb road and Jammu-Pathankot road which is known as Kandi area is comparatively under-developed and is mostly rainfed. The area south of these roads is largely fed by canal and tubewells for irrigation purposes and is relatively more prosperous. As per the census of 1981,Jammu district consists of 1192 villages out of which 1054 villages are inhabited. Latest, as per DISNIC SURVEY conducted during 1994, the number of inhabited villages in the District reported are 1170. In the district,there are 11 NES Blocks.Out of these,the administrative control of two blocks namely Vijaypur and Samba is with the directorate of Command Area Development who is charged with the responsibility of looking after the developmental activities in the sectors of Agriculture and Horticulture, Cooperation and Rural Development.
Climate
Jammu district has a sub tropical climate with hot and dry climate in summer and cold climate in winter. Being in the foothills of the mountains, nights are generally cooler than what they are in the neighbouring areas of Punjab. Minimum and Maximum temperature is around 4 Degree Celsius and 47 Degree Celsius respectively.Rainy season usually starts from the end of June or the beginning of July. Average rainfall in the district is about 1246 mm.
Bahu-fort
The famous Bawey wali mata temple is built inside the bahu fort, which is also known as maha kali temple and is second only to Mata vaishno devi shrine in Jammu. <p/> The fort also boasts of beautiful garden overlooking the majestic River Tawi.
Raghunath Temple
Raghunath Temple is one of the famous temple of Jammu dedicated to Lord Rama. It is located in the heart of city. It was constructed in 1860. <p/> Raghunath Temple has seven shrines, with gold-plated interior. Morning and evening aartis are ritually attended and there is also a stone lingam here. This is also a center for Shakti worship. <p/> A portrait of Ranbir Singh, the temple patron and a sculpture of Hanuman are at the entrance. The other shrines have images of Vishnu in various incarnations, Siva and Surya. The Sanskrit Library here contains numerous rare manuscripts.
Peer Baba
Peer Baba is one of the famous shrine of saint Peer Budhan Ali Shah. The saint is assumed to be lived up to the age of 500 years by supporting his life completely on Milk. Irrespective of caste and religion, whether Hindus, Muslims or Sikhs, believers throng this place on Thursdays to offer prayers and respect to the legendary saint.
Mubarak Mandi Palace
Mubarak Mandi Palace was constructed in 1824. It was the royal residence of the Dogra Kings. Most beautiful architecture, blended with Baroque, Mugal, Rajasthani and European styles, attracts the tourists invariantly to this spot. The most striking section is the Sheesh Mahal. The pink hall in this palace houses the Dogra art museum displaying many valued paintings. Presently Mubarak Mandi Palace, with an imposing view of Tawi River, is a archeologically and historically valuable monument and hosts many government offices.
Amar Mahal Museum
Amar Mahal, constructed by Raja Amar Singh in 1890s. This beautiful architectural monument, served as the Royal family residence for many years. It is made out of red sand stone. Now the palace was turned to be museum with rich collections of paintings, books, inscriptions and sculptures. The hall of the museum is very attractive and is adorned with family portraits of rulers of Jammu and Kashmir and Pahari paintings. Amar Mahal Museum has a big library which contains more than twenty thousands books comprising of some exceptional volumes from the library of Raja Amar Singh. A must see for all tourists visiting Jammu.
Mahamaya Temple
Mahamaya temple is a monument for the local heroine, who fought against the foreign invaders and sacrificing her life for the cause nearly 14 centuries ago, of Dogra community. The temple is placed in a place such that it overlooks the River Tawi and is opposite the Bahu Fort. The temple is located in a scenic place and the surroundings are picturesque, attracting many tourists.
Peer Kho Cave Temple
Peer Kho Cave Temple is situated on the bank of Tawi River. This Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are no specific reasons behind the construction of the temple. It is widely accepted that a Shiva Lingam was formed naturally in the cave and the people of Jammu started worshipping it ardently with a lot of reverence. Peer Kho Temple is now divided into two caves. Both these caves are at a depth of about 20 to 30 feet from the ground level of the temple complex.
Dogra Art Museum
Dorga Art Museum is located in the Pink Hall of Mubarak Mandi. It has about 800 rare and exquisite pieces from different schools of paintings. This museum has hand written manuscripts of Sikendernama and Shahnama, both in Persian. There is a stone plate on which Takri script has been inscribed.
Mansar Lake
Mansar Lake is about 62 km from Jammu. It is a very beautiful lake covered by hills. Being a popular tourist point there is also a shrine of Sheshnag, a mythological snake with six heads. Tourism Department provides adequate facilities. With all religions belief and heritage behind the Mansar Lake is also picking up its fame among the tourists with all its flora & fauna. The lake has cemented path all around with required illumination, with projected view decks to enjoy flickering of seasonal birds, tortoise and fishes of different species. There is a wild life Sanctuary housing jungle life like Spotted Deer, Neelgai etc. besides other water birds such as cranes, ducks etc.
Dudhadhari Temple
Dudhadhari Temple is situated in Shastrinagar, Jammu. This temple is named after a very popular saint Dudhadhari Baba, as he lived only on milk. This temple is one of the tallest temple in Jammu.
Panjbakhtar Temple
This temple is one of the oldest temple in Jammu. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple of Lord Shiva is popularly known as rupaiye waala mandir as the walls and floors has covered with silver coins.
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