The Himachal Diaries - Jwalamukhi

Came to Himachal Pradesh to a place called Jwalamukhi. Now this is the first time I've been to Himachal and all I know of HP is Shimla, apples, Manali and snow. So NP and I decided to take some nice warm clothing. 

Himachal (snow laden mountains) is one of the 13 mountain states of India, also known as Dev Bhoomi or Veer Bhoomi. We flew in to Delhi early on the 31st, took an afternoon flight to Dharamshala, and then a cab to Jwalamukhi, a small temple town where we were to stay. 

That house is a temple - in the front and living quarters at the back

Jwalamukhi or Jawala ji is a shaktipeeth, one of the 51 shaktipeeths. The temple has no deity and people pray to the naturally burning fire that comes through the walls and crevices. The fire has been continuous and is believed to have been burning for 3000 years. Little else in the temple town otherwise which has many ashrams for pilgrims 

One of the many routes to the temple

A very cute temple we saw on our walk

Winding roads, chai joints, ashrams, a Queen Victoria wedding hall and such.