In Shaktinagar, Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh, near the Rihand River, the Jwala Devi Temple is a sacred place where people come to pray to Goddess Jwala Ji, a form of Goddess Durga. Himachal Pradesh is home to five revered Shakti Pithas: Chintpurni, Jwalamukhi Temple, Bajreshwari Mata Temple, Shri Chamunda Devi Mandir, and Naina Devi Temple.
History of Jwala Devi Temple
The Jwala Devi Temple, located in Sonbhadra, is believed to have been established around a thousand years ago by Raja Udit Narayan Singh of Gaharwal village in Singrauli. This region, steeped in ancient Hindu tradition, is regarded as sacred land. According to local belief, the temple marks the spot where the tongue of Goddess Sati fell, making it a recognized Shakti Peetha. References to the temple are found in old scriptures such as the Devi Mahatmya, affirming its place among the 51 Shakti Peethas of India.
Originally constructed from black stone, the temple structure was later rebuilt, though the original idol of Jwala Ji remains in place. Situated on level ground, the temple is approached by fifteen stone steps. The Jwalamukhi Temple is counted among the most sacred Shakti Peethas in India, known especially for the natural flames that rise endlessly from cracks in the rock within its sanctum. Devotees hold that the tongue of Goddess Sati fell at this very spot, and the flames that rise naturally from the rock are worshipped as the living presence of Goddess Jwala—eternal, sacred, and divine.
The Jwalamukhi Temple is not only one of the 51 Shakti Peethas but also figures among the 18 Astadasha Maha Shakti Peethas, which are counted as the most revered shrines of the Divine Mother.According to local tradition, Emperor Akbar once visited the temple and tried to extinguish the sacred flames. When his efforts failed, he is said to have been deeply affected by the divine power present at the site. In a gesture of repentance and respect, he offered a golden canopy to the goddess.
Despite the difficult conditions during the Mughal period, when temple priests had to perform rituals quietly to avoid unwanted attention, the flames were kept burning with care.
Legends of Jwala Devi Temple
The temple is surrounded by many traditional stories and beliefs tied to Jwala Ji. One of the most well-known tells how Sati, the consort of Lord Shiva, gave up her life at her father Daksha’s sacrificial ritual to break his pride. Overcome with sorrow, Shiva carried Sati’s body across the land, and it is said that her tongue fell at this very place, making it sacred with divine power. From that time, the site has been respected as a Shakti Peetha. Devotees believe that Jwala Ji’s spirit watches over the land, and those who pray here with a true heart receive strength and freedom from their troubles.
Another story tells of a sage who, around a thousand years ago, had a dream in which Jwala Ji appeared. Guided by the vision, he found her idol in a nearby cave. The idol was brought to this site, and a temple was built in her honor. Over the years, people have passed down accounts of healing, peace, and divine help received after praying at the temple, adding to its sacred reputation. It is also said that about a kilometer from the temple lies the Jwalamukhi Cave, believed to hold a hidden source of Jwala Ji’s divine energy. Among the local customs, one says that offering a silver tongue at the temple can help fulfill heartfelt wishes.
Architecture of Jwala Devi Temple
The Jwala Devi Temple occupies one acre in Shaktinagar and is built in a modest North Indian architectural style. The main shrine has a low stone roof decorated with black stone carvings of Goddess Durga’s lion, sacred flames, and a trident. At the heart of the temple is the idol of Jwala Ji which is a four-foot figure made of black stone, coated in red sindoor. The goddess is depicted with her tongue extended and holding a sword in her right hand. Beside her is a two-foot idol of Parvati, believed to be another form of Jwala Ji, constantly illuminated by burning oil lamps.
A small prayer hall supported by four carved stone pillars displays symbols associated with Shakti, such as lotuses and flames. Inside the temple complex, there are smaller shrines dedicated to Shiva, Hanuman, and Kali. The Shiva shrine contains a stone lingam, worshipped as Lingeshwor. The Hanuman shrine, said to be more than a thousand years old, shows him holding a mace and is visited by devotees seeking strength and protection. The Kali shrine depicts the goddess with a skull, symbolizing her fierce power, and she is also worshipped for protection by her devotees.
Rituals and Festivals
The temple comes alive for festivals. Navratri, in April and October, is big, with nine-day songs and milk offerings. Durga Ashtami, in October, honors Jwala Ji with lamps. Shivratri, in February, sees daily prayers with bhajans.
Navratri’s songs fill the yard with faith. The Rihand ghat, said to wash sins, pulls crowds nearby. Folks offer silver tongues, coconut, red cloth, and marigold flowers. Some chant the Durga Saptashati seven times, taking 3 hours, for special wishes. Free meals feed 5,000–10,000 during festivals.
Final Words
Jwala Devi Temple in Sonbhadra stands as a devoted place of worship to the power of Goddess Jwala Ji allowing visitors to connect with India’s deep spiritual heritage. A visit here brings one close to the divine energy(shakti) of Jwala Devi and the sacred history of Sonbhadra, leaving a lasting sense of peace and upsurge of energy.
