Sukrala Mata Mandir is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Sukrala Mata, a form of Goddess Sharada Devi[1] worshipped in the Duggar region. The temple is located on a hillock[2] at Sukral village[3] near Billawar town of Kathua district in Jammu division. The revered shrine dedicated to Goddess was built by rulers of Jammu and Chamba princely states.[4] Myriads of devotees flock to pay obeisance to Goddess during Navratri festival.[5]
| Sukrala Mata Mandir | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| District | Kathua |
| Deity | Goddess Sukrala Devi |
| Festivals | Navaratri |
| Location | |
| Location | Billawar |
| State | Jammu and Kashmir |
| Country | India |
| Website | |
| shrimalmatasukraladevidharmiktrust | |
Location
editTucked away in the picturesque Sukral village[3] nearby the town of Billawar of Jammu division, lies the Sukrala Mata Mandir, a temple of immense religious significance and natural beauty. This ancient shrine is dedicated to Goddess Sukrala Mata, a revered deity in the region, and attracts devotees from far and wide.[6] The temple is located at height of 3500 feet[2] and its surroundings are a treat for nature lovers, with lush green forests, rolling hills, and a serene atmosphere.[7]
Local tradition and history
editAccording to local legend, Goddess Sukrala Mata is a manifestation of either Goddess Sharada of Kashmir or combined form of Tridevi. The Goddess manifested at this spot on request of local devotee named Trilochan.[8] Pandit Suraj Narayan, the Guru of celebrated Dogra court poet Devi Dutt (also known as Dattu), established a Shri-yantra at Sukrala Mata Mandir.[9] A temple on the site was rebuilt by Raja Madho Singh, the banished Prince of Chamba state.[1] The temple was later on renovated and expanded by installation of a Vigraha of Goddess Mahishasuramardini in 1755 AD by Dogra ruler Raja Brajrajdev,[4] who was son of Raja Ranjitdev of Jammu.[10]
Temple architecture
editThe Sukrala Mata Mandir is an exemplary example of Dogra architecture, blending traditional and medieval styles of Krimachi temples.[11] The temple's facade is adorned with intricate carvings and ornate decorations, while its interior features a beautifully crafted Vigraha of the Goddess.[4]
Festivals and celebrations
editThe temple celebrates various festivals throughout the year, including Chaitra Navaratri and Aashwin Navratri.[12] During these times, the temple is adorned with vibrant decorations, and devotees throng to offer prayers and seek the Goddess's blessings.[5]
Culture and influences
editGoddess Sukrala Devi is highly revered in the Dogra society. In 18th century, the notable Dogri poet and priest Shiva Ram composed an eight-line poem titled "Jai Ho Bar Daat" (Hail O Boon-Giver) in reverence to Goddess Sukrala Devi. The language of this poem is mix of Sanskrit, Dogri and Braj Bhasha.[13]
In Dogra tradition, Goddess Sukrala Devi is regarded as elder sister of Goddess Vaishno Devi.[14]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b Excelsior, Daily (2013-07-19). "Sukrala Mata shrine awaits development as Board takes control of offerings only". Daily Excelsior. Retrieved 2024-08-15.
It was constructed by a banished prince of Chamba, Madho Singh. This temple is also believed to be the holy abode of Goddess Mal Devi, who is considered as the reincarnation of another Hindu Goddess Sharda Devi.
- ^ a b "Sukrala Mata | District Kathua, Government of Jammu & Kashmir | India". Retrieved 2024-08-15.
The Shrine is located at a height of 3500 ft on a hillock amidst sylevan surroundings
- ^ a b Ganhar, J. N. (1975). Jammu, Shrines and Pilgrimages. Ganhar Publications. pp. 17–20.
Sukral is a small village located in the side of a pine-covered hill. Situated at a height of 3500 feet it commands an idyllic view of the mountains around and the fields spread out at its feet
- ^ a b c Charak, Sukh Dev Singh (1983). Jammu Kingdom. Light & Life Publishers.
Sukrala temple , which was pro- bably built , and the idol ' Sukrala ' was set up by Brajraj Dev of Jammu in 1755 A.D
- ^ a b District Census Handbook. Series 8, Jammu & Kashmir, Kathua District. Jammu and Kashmir Government. 1987.
Sukrala (Temple of Bhagwati) in Billawar block is very famous and during "Navaratras" a large number of pilgrims
- ^ "Directorate of Tourism Jammu, J&K". jammutourism.gov.in. Retrieved 2024-08-15.
The Most famous shrine dedicated to mother goddess is Sukrala Devi Shrine located at a distance of 9.60 Kms from Billawar and about 75 Kms from Kathua.
- ^ "Mal Mata Sukrala Devi". Statetimes. Retrieved 2024-08-15.
The spot is located amidst dense chir pines forest intermingled with other borad – leaved trees, bushes, shrubs and herbs. The village is located aside river Naaj where a big slab of rock of historic time
- ^ Sharma, Shiv Chander (1997). Antiquities, History, Culture, and Shrines of Jammu. Vinod Publishers & Distributors. pp. 62–64. ISBN 978-81-85599-46-5.
Saint Trilochan requested the mother Goddess to appear in his birth place Sukrala to get rid the people of their sins. On his request the mother Goddess promised...
- ^ Jeratha, Aśoka (1998). Dogra Legends of Art & Culture. Indus Publishing. ISBN 978-81-7387-082-8.
Suraj Naryan, who was a great Tantrik who established Shri yantra at both the holy places of Sukrala...
- ^ "Sacred shrine of Maa Sukrala Devi". Statetimes. Retrieved 2024-08-15.
The temple was as such constructed and an image of Mahishasur-Mardini was installed in the spacious temple Chamber in later stages a temple was constructed by Raja Brajraj Singh, son of Ranjit Singh Dev around 1755 AD
- ^ Sharma, Shiv Chander (2023-02-10). Jammu Then and Now. BFC Publications. ISBN 978-93-5632-854-9.
The Hari-Hara Temple of Balawar (Billawar) and Shuddh-Mahadev (now Sudh Maha Dev) and Sukrala Mata temples belong to the Krimachi style.
- ^ "Chaitra Navratri Festival: Devotees throng Sukrala Mata, Bala Sundri Shrines". www.thepublish.in. Retrieved 2024-08-15.
Chaitra Navratri Festival: Devotees throng Sukrala Mata, Bala Sundri Shrines
- ^ George, K. M. (1992). Modern Indian Literature, an Anthology: Surveys and poems. Sahitya Akademi. ISBN 978-81-7201-324-0.
Sukrala Devi. Its language is a mix of Dogri , Brajabhasha and Sanskrit adapted to Dogri phonetics, following Dogri syntax.
- ^ Chauhan, Abha (2021-06-26). Understanding Culture and Society in India: A Study of Sufis, Saints and Deities in Jammu Region. Springer Nature. ISBN 978-981-16-1598-6.
Sukrala Mata (elder sister of Mata Vaishno Devi) at a hilltop in the Kathua district (125 kms from Jammu)