Sukrala Mata Mandir is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Sukrala Mata, a form of the goddess Mal, Sharada Devi,[1] worshipped in the Duggar region. The temple is located on a hillock[2] at Sukrala village near Najot village[3] north of Billawar town, Kathua district, in Jammu division. The shrine dedicated to the goddess was built by rulers of Jammu and Chamba princely states.[4] Myriads of devotees flock to pay obeisance to the goddess during Navratri festival.[5]
Location
Tucked away in the picturesque Sukrala village is called the Najot 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
According 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
The 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
The 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
Goddess 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]
^ abExcelsior, 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.
^ abGanhar, J. N. (1975). Jammu, Shrines and Pilgrimages. Ganhar Publications. pp. 17–20. Sukrala is a small village but it is the small name of Najot 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
^ abcCharak, Sukh Dev Singh (1983). Jammu Kingdom. Light & Life Publishers. Sukrala temple, which was probably built, and the idol 'Sukrala' was set up by Brajraj Dev of Jammu in 1755 A.D.
^"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. ISBN978-81-85599-46-5. 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...
^"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. ISBN978-93-5632-854-9. The Hari-Hara Temple of Balawar (Billawar) and Shuddh-Mahadev (now Sudh Maha Dev) and Sukrala Mata temples belong to the Krimachi style.
