Airwan Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Jammu Airport is the nearest airport to the temple.

• By train

  Kathua Railway Station is the nearest railway station to the temple.

• By road

  Kathua is the gateway to Jammu and Kashmir on NH44A. Airwan is about 15 km from Kathua town.

Why devotees come here

Airwan Temple is a famous Shiva temple in the village of Airwan, near Parole, about 15 km from Kathua town, in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir. Its holy water, Gupt Ganga, is where people who cannot afford the trip to Haridwar immerse the ashes of their dead.

Airwan Temple is a famous Shiva temple in the village of Airwan, near Parole. The village is said to take its name from the River Ravi, and the temple stands in the village.

The temple is about 4th century old, and it is believed to have been built by King Vikramditya. Many bowlies, or step wells, sit near the temple, and pilgrims bathe in them before they worship. Bathing before worship is a custom here. The holy water known as Gupt Ganga is linked with the temple.

The temple is in Kathua district, in the Jammu division of Jammu and Kashmir. Kathua town is the district headquarters, and Airwan lies about 15 km from it. Fairs are held here on Shivratri and Baisakhi.

Festivals

• Shivratri and BaisakhiShivratri and Baisakhi fairs

  Fairs are held at the temple on both occasions.

Tips for your visit

• Pilgrims bathe in the bowlies near the temple before they worship.
• Gupt Ganga, the holy water linked with the temple, is where people who cannot afford Haridwar immerse ashes of the dead.
• Visit on Shivratri or Baisakhi if you want to see the fairs at the temple.

Questions people ask