Jwalamukhi temple in history and mythology

The Jwalamukhi Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Jwalamukhi, also known as the Flaming Goddess. The history of the Jwalamukhi Temple dates back centuries, and it holds immense spiritual and cultural significance for devotees from all over the country and beyond.

According to Hindu scriptures, the origin of the Jwalamukhi Temple can be traced back to the ancient mythological tale of Goddess Sati. Goddess Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva, was the daughter of King Daksha. One day, King Daksha organized a grand yagna (sacrificial ceremony) and invited all the gods and goddesses except for Lord Shiva. Feeling deeply hurt and disrespected, Goddess Sati decided to attend the yagna against Lord Shiva’s wishes. As a result, Lord Shiva became furious and in his anger, he decapitated Goddess Sati’s body. Devastated by the loss of his beloved wife, Lord Shiva began a ferocious dance of destruction known as the Tandava. During the Tandava, different parts of Goddess Sati’s body fell at various places on Earth, which later became sacred sites known as Shakti Peeths. One of these Shakti Peeths is believed to be the Jwalamukhi Temple.

The Jwalamukhi Temple is said to be the place where the tongue of Goddess Sati fell. According to Hindu scriptures, the temple was originally just a natural opening in the ground from where flames would erupt spontaneously. The temple is mentioned in various Hindu scriptures, including the Devi Bhagavata Purana and the Mahabhagavata Purana, which describe the legend and significance of the Jwalamukhi Temple.