Jammu is known as the ‘City of Temples’ but its population and changing skyline have hidden most temples. The spires of temples used to dominate the skyline and were visible from afar. Big and small, the temples devoted to Shri Ram, Shri Krishna and Mahadev dot the city’s streets. Over the decades, the city’s character has changed and some of its most famous temples are no longer easily approachable.
Some concerned citizens develop new initiatives to preserve the cultural heritage, and traditions and spread awareness among the younger generations. One such event was SPIC MACAY’s heritage walk titled ‘Purane Jammu Ke Mandiron Ki Kahani’ aimed at showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage through its historic temples.
The walk organized on October 6 provided participants with a unique opportunity to explore the centuries =-old traditions and architectural marvels of Jammu’s ancient temples, offering deep insights into the Dogra community’s heritage.
This initiative aligns perfectly with SPIC MACAY’s mission to connect the younger generation to their cultural roots and the world’s rich traditions. Over 200 participants took part in the event, which started at Sardaron Ka Mandir, Panjtirthi. Enthusiastic students from Panjvaktra Mahadev Ved Vidharthi Gurukul, Oriental Academy, GCW Parade College, University of Jammu, Cluster University of Jammu, Central Sanskrit University, volunteers of Scouts and Guides, along with scholars, teachers, historians, and individuals from all walks of life joined the walk.
The walk covered several ancient temples in Jammu city, including Radha Krishna Temple (Billu Mandir), Satyanarayan Temple, Gadadhar Mandir, Mahalaxmi Temple, Old Raja Maldev Mandir, Shri Ram Mandir, and Rani Bandralti Radha Krishan Mandir, before concluding at Jammu’s oldest temple, Panjvaktra Mahadev Mandir. Each temple has its own unique history and significance, shedding light on the rich cultural legacy of the city.
Billu Mandir is a very old temple where Ram Lila is performed these days and the tradition goes back several decades. Late Bollywood actor Om Prakash used to play the role of Sita during his younger days when he lived in Jammu. The temple was a favourite haunt of first superstar of Bollywood K L Saigal. For the uninitiated, Saigal was born and brought up in the Jammu city. He honed his singing and acting skills here in his younger days before moving to Mumbai.
Convenor Suresh Kumar Sharma said this heritage walk was the first of many planned, along with cultural and musical events. He said, ‘Our primary goal is to engage the youth with the region’s rich traditions, ensuring they remain connected to their cultural roots, he said.
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