Jawala near Latti, at Ramnagar , Jammu and Kashmir, India

Beautiful View of Jawala Latti, Ramanagar

Beautiful Latti

Ancient Places of Ramnagar

Ramnagar Palace

Ancient Palace,  Ramnagar

The Palace complex at Ramnagar comprises of Shish Mahal , Purana Mahal and Nawa Mahal which are close to each other . These Mahals are located on the slopes of the Ramnagar Hill presenting a vista of the valley. The access to the palace is obtained by stairway with retaining walls on its sites.

Purana Mahal (Old Palace), Ramnagar, District Udhampur

Built by Raja Suchet Singh, the Purana Mahal consists of a complex of rooms rising to three storeys having high walls with watchtowers at regular intervals. The walls of the rooms are decorated with stucco work and painted with floral designs. The wooden members of the ceiling are also profusely decorated. The corners of the roofs have projections in the shape of lotus flowers. 

Nawa Mahal, Ramnagar, District Udhampur:

It was built by Raja Ram Singh, son of Raja Ranbir Singh. The complex has open courtyards surrounded by rooms with two entrances facing each other in opposite wings. The outer walls are high and are duly supported by buttresses. The rooms has false wooden ceiling and the interior walls are decorated with floral designs. 

Sheesh Mahal, Ramnagar, Distt. Udhampur:

Built during the resign of Raja Ram Singh, it comprises two forecourts having burjis at the corners. Behind these are halls and rooms flanked on either side of the central passage. To the right of the entrance is Dewan-e-aam with rooms at its back. To the left of entrance are Darbar Hall, Sheesh Mahal and Rang Mahal respectively. All the rooms have paintings and Darbar Hall has murals showing influence of Pahari School. Themes from Ramayana, Bhagawata and other Puranas, court and battle scenes connected with Raja Suchet Singh are also depicted in the paintings besides some lithographs of later period. The walls of Sheesh Mahal are decorated with mirrors and mural paintings of Nayikas, Raginis, Adjoining the Sheesh Mahal walls of Rang Mahal panels depicting hunting and court scenes, Krishna-Lila scenes etc. 

Ancient Fort, Ramnagar, Dist. Udhampur:

The ancient fort is square on plan with polygonal bastions to support its four corners. The fortifications wall and the bastions are high and rise to three storeys crowned with battlements and merinos. Around the central courtyard inside, there are cells and vaulted chambers where cannon balls are stored. There are images of Ganesa, Durga and Hanuman in the gateway. The fort is surmounted by a moat externally and the access to it is gained through a narrow bridge across the moat on the southeastern side. 

 Samadhi of Queen of Raja Suchet Singh, Ramnagar, District Udhampur:The Samadhi was built by Raja Ranbir Singh on the spot where Rani performed sati after the death of Raja Suchet Singh in 1844 A.D. The structure is erected on a raised platform enclosed with ambulatory passage, the roof of which is domical in shape. The inner walls of the Samadhi are decorated with paintings. On either side of the entrance there are rooms. The façade is decorated with ornamental plaster whereas the interior of the walls of the rooms are plain.

Group of Temples, Kirmachi, District Udhampur

Situated on a small hillock between two rivulets Birhama and Kirmachi at a distance of 12 km north of Udhampur-Lander road, the group of temples are locally known as the Pandava temples. The complex consists of five temples and two small shrines. All the temples are facing east except Temple3. Temple 1,2,3 and two small shrines are build on a common raised platform, whereas the Temple 4 is on a separate and higher platform. Temple 5 is built at a lower level as compared to other temples. 

The temples on plan consist of a garbhagriha with curvilinear shikhara and an elongated antarala with a sukanasika decorated with kuta-shikhara and kalasa motif. Some of the temples have a pillared mandapa in front of the antarala, which appears to have been added at a later date. Temple 2 has an intact mandapa, whereas all other temples are survived with the remnants of mandapa. The temples are built either on triratha or pancharatha plan externally and square internally. Inner walls of the antarala have trefoil niches and a pattern of an inverted lotus flower on the ceiling under a double tiered triangular roof.

Temple 3 marks the beginning of the architectural activity at kirmachi. It is the oldest and smallest structure consisting of a square sanctum with a pyramidal roof and an antarala provide with a wagon vaulted roof. It is followed by Temple 2, more elaborate on plan and higher in elevation. Its mandapa is entered through three trifoliate arches. It is presumed that it had only plinths. Temple 4 marks the beginning of developed temple architecture at Kiramachi. A chance discovery has revealed, that it stands on earlier brick structure datable to the post Gupta period. It is followed by Temple 5, its pillars shows remnants of sculptures most probably of river goddesses. Temple 1 is most developed and elaborately ornamented. It depicts large size mouldings, niches for astadikpalas and saptamatrikas in addition to parsvadevtas.

During execution of conservation work a large number of terracotta pestles, querns coins, iron arrowheads, beads of semi-precious stone, pestles, querns and earthen pots were found. Besides, a hearth, brick-platform and mud-platform belonging to the late-Gupta period also exposed.

 Kala Dera Temple – I, Manwal, Dist. Udhampur

It is also built on a high platform and preceded by a mandapa. The entrance is through a flight of steps on the east. The superstructure is missing. The temple is on the high platform, two jambs of the sanctum, the entrance way to the Mandapa and the bases of four columns. The jambs of the entrance to the sanctum have two niches each with arched tops. Between the sanctum and the mandapa is a porch which also contains two smaller pillar bases. The four massive fluted columns have recently been fixed on their bases. Externally the sanctum has both plain moulding and geometrical designs. The walls of the basement have recently been concerned. The noteworthy architectural members, lying at the site are fluted, shafts, carved ceiling with inverted lotus flowers, pedestal of images and pillar bases, besides two sculptures of dancing Siva, now exhibited in the sculpture shed. The temple is assignable to circa 10th century A.D. 

Kala Dera Temple – II, Manwal, Dist. Udhampur

The temple is Saptratha on plan externally and built on a raised platform approached by a flight of steps on the east. The sikhara is intact on the western side and externally the temple is adorned with plain projecting niches and offsets bearing carving. On the west side there is makaramukha pranala through which the water used to flow into a small rectangular cistern is carved out of a single block. The roof of the mandapa was supported on four fluted columns surmounted by capitals. 

Besides the principal entrance, facing the central aisles, it has two smaller entrances at the rear. The figures on the jambs of the door and the porch are now defaced. Basements of the other two shrines are on the south-east corner. The temple is assignable to crica 10th-11th century A.D.

Nand Babour Temple, Manwal, Dist. Udhampur

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is built on a high platform. It has three sanctums each preceded by an antarala attached to a common mandapa. The jambs of the antarala and sanctum are carved with figures of Ganga, Yamuna, Shiva & Parvati and that of lintel with an image of Ganesa, flanked by Lakshmi and Parvati. 

The ceiling of the mandapa is rested on small fluted columns decorated with pot and foliage, motifs. Externally the temple is decorated with mouldings, ornate pedimented niches and triangles. At the northern corner a small subsidiary shrine containing an image of Ganesa has been exposed. Several loose architectural members like amalka, fluted shafts etc. are lying at the site. The temple is assignable to circa 10th-11th century A.D.

Dera Temple, Thalora, District Udhampur:

Built on a high rectangular platform, it is approached by a flight of steps on the west side. It has two principal square sanctuaries divided from each other by an ornate cell. Each of the sanctums is preceded by a porch having two fluted pillars surmounted by a very ornamental vase and floral capitals. The ceiling is of interlacing squares with expanded louts on top. The lintel and door jambs of the doorway are profusely decorated with figures. The main sanctum has makaramukha pranala. The frieze over the architrave above the columns of the porch of the sanctuary on the northern side of the mandapa contains ornamented Navagraha panel. In front of sanctum is a large pillared mandapa. The lower half of the super-structure is intact and is decorated with mouldings, pedimented niches and triangles with lotus flowers but the upper portion is missing. The temple is assignable to circa 10th century A.D. 

Dera Temple, Thalora, District Udhampur:

Built on a high rectangular platform, it is approached by a flight of steps on the west side. It has two principal square sanctuaries divided from each other by an ornate cell. Each of the sanctums is preceded by a porch having two fluted pillars surmounted by a very ornamental vase and floral capitals. The ceiling is of interlacing squares with expanded louts on top. The lintel and door jambs of the doorway are profusely decorated with figures. The main sanctum has makaramukha pranala. The frieze over the architrave above the columns of the porch of the sanctuary on the northern side of the mandapa contains ornamented Navagraha panel. In front of sanctum is a large pillared mandapa. The lower half of the super-structure is intact and is decorated with mouldings, pedimented niches and triangles with lotus flowers but the upper portion is missing. The temple is assignable to circa 10th century A.D. 

Mata Pingla Yatra

Mata Pingla Devi

Jammu and kashmir abound not only in splendid natural beauty but also in religious places which attract thousands of devotees. We get spirtual bliss at these centres.These places are also located in small towns,sleepy villages and hemlets all over the state. Ramnagar,38 Kms from Udhampur is out of such small town which have several popular sacred places. Besides the locals, the people from other parts of the other state visit these shrines and temples to seek spirtual bliss and divine blessing.
The important religious places of Ramnagar includes temple of Lord Shiva at Dalsar village about 4 Kms from Ramnagar town. Lord Narsing Ji Maharaj in Ramnagar Town Near Sheesh Mahal and the Pilgrimage of "Mata Chountra Devi" is Yet another place near Ramnagar which is becomming popular in recent years.
The cave Shrine of "Mata Pingla Devi" is situated on a hillock at village Pinger on Udhampur Ramnagar road, about 16 Kms from Ramnagar and 22 Kms from Udhampur City. The Distance of 6 Kms from Village Kaghote (Kougha) to the cave is covered by foot. Though it is very hazardous trek yet it doesnot deter the devootes from going for the Yatra with religious fervor and high spirits.On way to the shrine,one observes the scenic beauty and the natural fauna. It is these beautiful surroundings,scenic beauty and peaceful atmosphere amidst the green pine trees makes one to walk on with high spirits on this difficult trek. In the beginning there is a bridge on a Nallah from where steep ascend starts.
There are many legends associated with this shrine . According to one of the most popular legends, shepherds of Pinger village used to go in a jungle for grazing their cattles. A girl used to provide them food daily. She had warned them not to disclosethis to anybody. The parents of These sheephards one day followed them and found a girl serving them food. On disclousre of this secret, the girl disappeared in the cave. According to another legend some hunters saw a lion entering in to the cave. They burnt wood one the mouth of the cave. The lion came out from the cave after piercing the big rodk and the hunter were astonished to see all this. They Entered the cave and saw mata there. Light comes in the cave from the hole. There is a natural made small stone pot with cooking spoon on it. It is believed that this is the same pot in which Mata used to cook food daily for the shepherds. In this pot, water fall from the rock which is given "Charnamet" to devotees. It is believe if one enters the cave empty stomach and tries to push the pot with one finger he will feel a slight movement of the pot.

 The Cave is very wide and about people can be accommodated at a time but the entry in the cave is very narrow .Some years ago, Only a few peoples know abot the exixtence of this place but 4-5 years ago several of devotes of Mata decided to start a yatrawith “Akhand Jyoti” for world peace and national Integration. This Pilgrimage has now become popular. A committee of people under the Chairmanship of DC Udhampur wa set up for this purpose. Mr. O.P Jandial Organised this Yatra in the year 1986. Then The D.C took keen interest. Several arrangements were made for this yatra. The first time when this yatra started. Justice Mr. K.K Gupta judge of the Higher court of Jammu and Kashmir lit the Akhand Jyoti at Durga Bhawan Ramnagar. Now this Yatra has become an annual feature during Navratras. This Yatra continues for ten days and several devotees from different part of the state took part in this yatra. One of the significant part of the pilgrimage is that people of all communities took part in this yatra and give their full co-operation to make it is a success. The Hindu, Muslim and Sikhs have also been made members of the committee. It has come to be a strive of national integration and communal harmony. The Yatra is ceremounously taken from Ramnagar with “Akhand Jyoti” and was kept for public for Darshan. Shoba Yatra of this jyoti is also taken throughout Ramnagar. Whole the Town is well decorated on that day. Next day the jyoti is carried to Pingla Devi in the form of colourful procession. The devotees accompanied this yatra chainting bhajans and Kirtan on their way. Free Langar arranged by the committee at Bhawan and nearly 20 to 30 thosands people visited to holy cave on first navratra and abot 40 or 50 thousand people visit during ten days yatra. Every year Yatra start from the first week of October.
No doubt, this shrine is located amidst splendid natural beauty but inspite of this natural wealth and beauty, the state govt. has nothing for the development of this beautiful religious tourism destination of Ramnagar area. Nearly 50 Thousand yatris visits during Navratras only but no medical facilities available. No public latrines, No sheds and even no benches are available throughout the track at the top . A Sarai has been constructed at the Shrine by devotees. Mata Vaishno devi Shrine Board can contribute a lot in improving the condition of this Shrine.

Today Chountra mata Mela was held at Village Chountra (Un-explored destination of Jammu)

Ramnagar tehsil of Udhampur district in Jammu and Kashmir has numerous shrines and places of worship where people professing different faiths and religions come. Among the numerous shrines in the tehsil prominent are Chountra Mata, Pingla Devi, Merhada Mata, Chamunda Mata, Sheetla Mata Temple, Jallandhra Mata, and many others The Pingla Mata and Chountra Mata in Ramnagar despite having local legendary significance attract a large number of visitors particularly during auspicious Navratras in summers and winters every year due to the strong faith and atypical spiritual ambiance surrounding the holy shrines.  These pilgrimages are traditionally performed on foot though a motorable road is now under construction to Chountra Mata. The said yatra is organized under the banner of Mata Chountra Prabandhak committee starting from Narsingh temple every navratras while district administration alongwith the guidance of local MLAs too coordinates to make elaborate arrangements and security for the smooth conduct of the Yatra. As the name suggests Chountra Mata is the abode of incarnation of Goddess Durga the Shakti. The Goddess has manifested herself here in an artistically carved idol of stone, as per local legends. "The holy Shrine of Chountra Mata in-between village Rang Bulandh and village Thail in tehsil Ramnagar around 2000m above sea level is nestled in dense pine meadows and steep mountain slopes," said Comittee Member Omkar Singh  from Village Rang Ramnagar. He said that nearest main bus road is Tyari while devotees of Goddess also opt an alternative route from Sunetar of Ramnagar Tehsil of Udhampur District. "The Akhand Jyoti is lit on the first Navratra at Narsinghji temple in Ramnagar which is then carried to Chountra Mata darbar in a procession of devotees, Prabandhak Comittee further said adding, "various social and voluntary organizations hold free langars at the holy dabar during the Navratras." Ramnagar tehsil of Udhampur district in Jammu and Kashmir has numerous shrines and places of worship where people professing different faiths and religions come. Among the numerous shrines in the tehsil prominent are Chountra Mata, Pingla Devi, Merhada Mata, Chamunda Mata, Sheetla Mata Temple, Jallandhra Mata, and many others  The Pingla Mata and Chountra Mata in Ramnagar despite having local legendary significance attract a large number of visitors particularly during auspicious Navratras in summers and winters every year due to the strong faith and atypical spiritual ambiance surrounding the holy shrines.  These pilgrimages are traditionally performed on foot though a motorable road is now under construction to Chountra Mata. The said yatra is organized under the banner of Mata Chountra Prabandhak committee starting from Narsingh temple every navratras while district administration alongwith the guidance of local MLAs too coordinates to make elaborate arrangements and security for the smooth conduct of the Yatra. As the name suggests Chountra Mata is the abode of incarnation of Goddess Durga the Shakti. The Goddess has manifested herself here in an artistically carved idol of stone, as per local legends. "The holy Shrine of Chountra Mata in-between village Rang Bulandh and village Thail in tehsil Ramnagar around 2000m above sea level is nestled in dense pine meadows and steep mountain slopes," said Vinay Jandial from Ramnagar. He said that nearest bus road is Tyari while devotees of Goddess also opt an alternative route from Sunetar of Ramnagar Tehsil of Udhampur District.

           "The Akhand Jyoti is lit on the first Navratra at Narsinghji temple in Ramnagar which is then carried to Chountra Mata darbar in a procession of devotees, Cocerned Prabandhak Committee, "various social and voluntary organizations hold free langars from the last 25 years at the holy Dabar during the Navratras.

Awesome Image of Pingla Mata

Shri Mata Pingla Devi Ji