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Himachal
Pradesh ( Jawala Ji )
Our
next stop on this circuit is Jwalamukhi, 35 Km.
from Chintpurni, where lies the famous temple of
Jwalamata (the goddess of the flaming mouth) built
picturesquely against a rocky cliff. The interior
of the temple consists of a square pit about three
feed deep with a pathway all round. In the middle
the rock is slightly hollowed out, and flames
constantly burn, bringing solace to millions of
visitors. There is no idol of any kind; the flaming
mouth is believed to be manifestation of the
goddess.
Jwalamukhi
is considered one the fifty one Mahashakti Pithas
(holy place of Shakti) where the limbs of the burnt
dead body of Sati, Consort of Lord Shiva, fell
after being cut out by Vishnu, who did so to save
the earth from the wrath of Shiva. It is believed
that the gongue of Sati fell at Jwalamukhi; the
flames coming out are regarded as the manifestation
of the fallen tongue, and are worshipped as
Jwalamukhi Devi.
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