JAMMU: Jammu is also known as the `City of Temples’ but its burgeoning population and changing skyline have hidden most temples. At one time, 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.
Acutely aware of this, some concerned citizens develop new initiatives to preserve the cultural heritage, and traditions and spread awareness among the younger generations. One such pleasant 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 organised on Sunday, 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 began 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 (Bombay then).
Convenor Suresh Kumar Sharma said this heritage walk was the first of many planned, along with cultural and musical events. “Our primary goal is to engage the youth with the region’s rich traditions, ensuring they remain connected to their cultural roots,” he said.
Deepak Kumar, another organiser, shared valuable insights with the participants. He elaborated on the history of the temples, their architectural significance, and the cultural traditions associated with them. His engaging explanations deepened the participants’ understanding of the region’s heritage, linking the present with the rich legacy of the past.
Mukul Magotra, Curator of the Dogra Art Museum, and Ajay Khajuria, Professor of Practice at MIET, also contributed to the walk by offering additional context on the art, architecture, and cultural symbolism embedded in the region’s temples. Their insights further enriched the experience for all attendees.
At the culmination of the event at Panjvaktra Mahadev Mandir, renowned classical singer Pankaj Pradhan performed a soulful bhajan, leaving participants in a spiritually uplifting atmosphere. His melodious rendition added a divine touch to the conclusion of the heritage walk.
Students expressed deep appreciation after visiting the temples and vowed to uphold and cherish their cultural heritage. The organisers said that in the coming weeks and months, heritage walks like this will be made a regular feature of the city’s social calendar.
