Raghunath Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Kullu-Manali Airport at Bhuntar has regular flights from Delhi and Chandigarh.

• By train

  Joginder Nagar and Pathankot are the nearest stations, and a road journey follows to Kullu.

• By road

  Kullu is reached by scenic mountain highways, about 12 to 14 hours from Delhi and 7 to 8 hours from Chandigarh.

Rules to know

• Some areas of the temple are restricted for the royal family.

Why devotees come here

Raghunath Temple stands in Sultanpur locality of Kullu town, Himachal Pradesh. It is dedicated to Rama, worshipped here as Raghunath, and is believed to be the primary deity of the Kullu valley.

Raghunath is worshipped here as Rama, the principal deity of Kullu district, and local residents hold him in high regard. Legend says the idol was brought from Ayodhya to Kullu in the reign of Raja Jagat Singh, to lift a curse that a Brahmin had placed on the king.

The temple was established in 1660, during the reign of King Jagat Singh of Kullu. It stands on a slightly raised platform. Deodar cedar wood is used extensively, in the beams, doors, pillars and roof framework.

Kullu Dussehra draws more than half a million people each year from across the world. Its highlight is the Rath Yatra, a grand chariot procession of Raghunath escorted by over 330 deities from nearby villages.

Festivals

• Held each year. Check the dates before you travel.Kullu Dussehra

  Called the International Festival of Kullu. It draws more than half a million people each year.

• During Kullu DussehraRath Yatra

  Chariot procession of Raghunath, escorted by over 330 deities from nearby villages. It is the main highlight of Kullu Dussehra.

Tips for your visit

• Kullu and Manali get completely sold out, so plan your stay early.
• Kullu Dussehra draws more than half a million people a year, so expect large crowds.

Questions people ask