Raghunath Temple

Comprising of a cluster of seven shrines—dedicated to gods and goddesses from the Ramayana—the Raghunath Temple is the largest temple complex in north India. Each of the seven shrines has a tower of its own, and three walls of the main temple are covered with gold sheets, while the interiors feature gold plating. The main shrine here is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, in his eighth incarnation as Rama. The temple takes centre-stage in Jammu, located right at the heart of the city. Construction was started by Maharaja Gulab Singh (the founder of Jammu and Kashmir), in 1835, but the temple was only completed in 1860 under the reign of his son, Maharaja Ranbir Singh. The architecture—replete with high arches—speaks of Mughal influences, and the entrance is flanked by a sculpture of Hanuman. A Sanskrit library on the premises contains Hindu religious manuscripts, and aarti is conducted every morning and evening.