The Raghunath Temple is an ancient temple located in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is a place of significant religious importance and is dedicated to Lord Raghunath, a revered deity who is identified with Lord Rama from the Hindu epic Ramayana.
Raghunath Temple is situated in the town of Kullu, in Himachal Pradesh, a northern state of India. It lies on the banks of the Beas River, surrounded by the majestic Himalayas.
The Raghunath Temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh, the ruler of Kullu, in the 17th century. The king brought an idol of Lord Raghunath from Ayodhya to be installed as the principal deity. The temple holds immense historical and cultural significance for the people of Kullu.
The best time to visit Raghunath Temple is from September to November when the weather is pleasant and the Kullu Dussehra festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm. However, the temple welcomes visitors throughout the year.
Kullu Dussehra is a week-long festival celebrated with great pomp and show every year in October. It commences on Vijayadashami, the day when Dussehra is celebrated in the rest of the country. The festival honors Lord Raghunath, and a grand procession with the deity's idol is taken through the town, drawing thousands of devotees and visitors.
Visitors can reach Raghunath Temple by flying to the nearest airport in Bhuntar, which is about 10 km from Kullu. From there, taxis and local buses are available to Kullu. If traveling by road, Kullu is well-connected by a network of roads to major cities in North India. The nearest broad-gauge railhead is in Chandigarh, from where one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kullu.
There is no entry fee to visit the Raghunath Temple. It is open to visitors throughout the week. The temple timings are typically from sunrise to sunset, although it may vary during festivals and special occasions.
Basic facilities like drinking water, toilet facilities, and shoe storage are available at the Raghunath Temple. The town of Kullu, where the temple is located, has a range of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts, along with a variety of dining choices offering local cuisine.
Visitors should dress modestly as a sign of respect for the religious site. Photography within the temple premises might be restricted, so it is advisable to ask for permission beforehand. During festivals, the temple can be very crowded, so taking care of personal belongings is recommended.
Yes, there are several other attractions near Raghunath Temple including the Bijli Mahadev Temple, Manali, the Great Himalayan National Park, and the hot springs at Manikaran. Adventure sports like paragliding, trekking, and river rafting are also popular in the Kullu region.
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