Mahamaya Temple: Where pilgrimage meets heroism
Jammu, May 28: Mahamaya Temple is one of the most visited temples of Jammu city as this place is a confluence of religious cum adventure cum historic destination surrounded by thick jungles making it a perfect pilgrimage cum picnic spot for the local population as well as other tourists.
The place is visible from Jammu city even though it is located on the other side of the main city of Jammu on the hills of Mahamaya jungles at the banks of river Tawi.
The place is frequented by tourists, morning walkers, pilgrims and students round the year and also has the potential to become a tourist destination of national level due to its unique location, thick jungles, steep hill, adjoin park, commanding view of Jammu city and Tawi besides the historic value.
There was a proposal to link this place with Bahu Fort through cable car and one can only hope that proposal becomes a reality as it would be a major attraction for the hundreds of tourists visiting Bahu Fort daily even as it can make a complete circuit with Bahu Fort, and old fort Gondola project.
The place is approachable and has a well developed road while the circular road adds colour to its popularity with the only shortcoming that it has not been promoted on a big scale as it deserves.
The tourist circuit within Jammu can be developed only with sincerity and will power of the leaders of Jammu to make the city an independent tourist destination for which there is abundance of natural, historical and adventure destinations.
J&K Tourism department has tried to highlight this destination through its literature and website and has provided a little bit of history also but it needs more work.
“Mahamaya Temple is an important site dedicated to a local female freedom fighter, Mahamaya, belonging to the Dogra community. According to historians, about 14 centuries ago, Mahamaya sacrificed her life to save the region from the clutches of foreign invaders. This site is situated on the banks of the Tawi River, where from, tourists can easily sight the Bahu Fort.
According to popular legend, about fourteen centuries ago, she opposed the foreign attackers and valiantly confronted them.
People honor her sacrifice and eulogize her to this day. Her courageous resistance is now a part of the glorious myth of Jammu. And hence not surprisingly an entire temple is dedicated in her honor. Mahamaya Temple in Jammu is one such temple which is flocked by devotees who come to offer their prayers. However the Mahamaya Temple is not merely a place of worship, it is one of the foremost tourist attractions of Jammu. The Mahamaya Temple is focused on the 2nd-3rd century idols of the goddess Mahamaya. Setting eyes on these fabulous, one of a kind constructions, tourists are sure to feel the presence of Jammu’s great history.
Jammu is rightly called “City of Temples” as it consists of a large number of temples that are thronged by a huge number of pilgrims at different times of the year. Temple towers dominate its skyline. Mahamaya Temple in Jammu is one such temple which is flocked by devotees who come to offer their prayers.
One of the distinctive characteristic of the Mahamaya Temple is that its presiding deity is not any famous God of the Hindu Pantheon but Mahamaya, a Dogra heroine.
The Mahamaya Temple therefore epitomizes the power and strength of Indian women folk which is often underestimated. It is located just opposite the Bahu Fort, yet another important tourist attraction of Jammu. So when tourists are on a sightseeing trip, it will be no problem whatsoever to visit the Mahamaya Temple.
Yet another added attraction of the Mahamaya Temple is that it commands a lovely view of the Tawi River. The setting is also quite impressive. It is surrounded by the city forests. All in all, tourists will surely like visiting this ancient temple which narrates stories of yore and offers a great view of the river.
Situated on the Bypass Road behind the Bahu Fort, a visit to this temple is sure to leave the tourists overwhelmed with feelings of appreciation for the heroic deeds of the gallant lady.
At a distance of about 3 km (by road) the temple is quite visible from the Jammu city and many people
having faith on the “Goddess Mahamaya” go to the Mahamaya temple for paying obeisance after worshipping “Kali” or “Bawe Wali Mata”. From Mahamaya temple one can fully enjoy the glamour and beauty of Jammu city. The climate of the place is pleasant. The basin of the river Tawi is attractive. The place is surrounded by fascinating trees and bushes like Dalbergia Sisso, Acacia Nilotica, Acacia catechu, Acacia modesta, Cassia fistula, and Carissa spinarum, Dodonea Viscosa.
A small garden surrounded by acres of woods provides the best view of the city.
Mahamaya Temple is counted as one of the many famous tourist spots in Jammu. This place sees pleasant climate for most parts of the year and one can enjoy great scenic beauty and city views.”(With inputs from various sources)