Jwalaji (flame) or Jwala Mukhi (flame
mouth) is probably the most ancient temple discussed here besides Vaishno
Devi. It is mentioned in the Mahabharata and other scriptures.
There is a natural cave where eternal flames continue to burn. Some
say there are seven or nine flames for the seven divine sisters or the nine
Durgas. It is here that Sati's tongue fell which can now be seen in
the form of the flame.
A cowherd found that one of his cows was always without milk. He followed
the cow to find out the cause. He saw a girl come out of the forest,
drink the cows milk, and then disappear in a flash of light. The cowherd
went to the king and told him the story. The king was aware of the
legend that Sati's tongue had fallen in this area. The king tried, without
success, to find that sacred spot. Again, some years later, the cowherd
went to the king to report that he had seen a flame burning in the
moutains. The king found the spot and had darshan (vision) of the holy
flame. He built a temple there and arranged for priests to enguage
in regular worship. It is believed that the Pandavas came later and
renovated the temple.
It was Dhyanu Bhagat who spread Devi Mata's name. He lived at the time
of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Dhyanu Bhagat was passing through Delhi
with a group of pilgrams on their way to Jwalaji. Akbar summoned him
to his court to inquire into the nature of their Goddess. Dhyanu Bhagat
told him She is all powerful and answers the prayers of Her devotees.
To test Her power Akbar cut off the head of Dhyanu's horse ordering him to
have the Goddess put it back. Dhyanu went to Jwalaji and prayed day
and night to no avail. Out of desperation he cut of his own head and
offered it to Devi Ma. She then appeared to him riding a lion.
She reconnected both his head and that of the horse. Devi Ma also offered
Dhyanu Bhagat a boon. He requested that it should not be so difficult
for pigrams to show their devotion. Mata said that in the future if
someone offered a coconut she would accept it as if they had offered their
own head. To this day people continue to offer coconuts to the Goddess
in Her temples all over the world.
Entrance to the temple.
Full view of the temple.
Dhyanu bhagat offering his head to Devi Mata.