The Bahu Fort is located in Jammu city in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. The fort, originally built by Raja Bahulochan some 3,000 years ago, was refurbished by the Dogra rulers in the 19th century. The fort is a religious place, and within its precincts has a temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, the presiding deity of Jammu. The temple is known locally as the “Bave Wali Mata temple”.
About Bahu Fort in Jammu :
Bahu Fort Temple Jammu located 5 kms from Jammu city. Situated on a rock face on the left bank of the river Tawi, This is perhaps the oldest fort and edifice in the city. Constructed originally by Raja Bahulochan over 3,000 years ago, the existing Fort was more recently improved and built by Dogra rulers. There is a temple dedicated to Goddess Kali inside the fort popularly known as Bave wali Mata. The fort overlooks river placidly down the Jammu city. every Tuesday and Sunday pilgrims throng this templeand jostle for Tawi flowing worship. Bave Wali Mata is the presiding deity of Jammu. One can really imagine; on looking at the fort; the wars fought, the invasions prevented and even the grandeur of the Royal families. Today the fort is surrounded with beautiful terraced garden which is favourite picnic spot of the city folk. It has waterfalls, flowers and big trees.
Attractions Bahu Fort in Jammu :
The Bahu Fort is impressive and grand in its demeanour, as well as in its great story behind its existence. It is the oldest fort found in Jammu, and was constructed three hundred years ago by the rulers of the Dogra period.
Proud of their era, and feeling blessed by their good fortunes, the fort was made to give back to the community – and has been continuing to do so ever since. People from all around the world feel the great humbling presence take over them when visiting the Bahu Fort.
Inside of the fort, you’ll find the greatly renowned Bawey Wali Mata Temple, which is dedicated to the Goddess Kali and all her good will and patience. It is a calming and soothing temple, and will light up your mood while dazzling your eyes. Besides the wonderful architecture, the Bahu Fort gets its wide range of visitors in the evening to lounge on its relaxing lawns, filled with flowers, plants and a wide variety of people enjoying the cool calmness of the waterfalls.
Legend :
The building of the city of Jammu and the Bahu Fort are linked to a legend. Raja Jambu Lochan, brother of Bahu Lochan when on a hunting trip witnessed a curious scene of a tiger and a goat drinking water side by side at the same location in the Tawi River, without the tiger attacking. The Raja considered this a divine direction to establish the fort and his new capital here, as the scene he witnessed at this site represented peaceful coexistence. His brother, Bahu Lochan, is credited with building the fort.
Topography :
The fort is located on a high plateau land overlooking the Tawi River on its rocky left bank. The forest area that surrounds the fort has been developed into a well laid out park called the “Bhave-ki-Bahu”, developed on the lines of the Mughal gardens from where a commanding view of the city of Jammu could be seen. The garden attracts a large number of visitors.
The fort, the temple and the Bhave-ki-Bahu garden are located 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from the Jammu city centre. The city road to Surinsar was widened for providing approach to an Oil drilling exploration project. However, this project was shelved and consequently the widened new road provided better access to the fort and the temple, and the number of visitors to these places has since increased.
History :
The earliest historical recorded link to the fort is that of Raja Jambu Lochan and his brother Bahu Lochan, sons of a powerful ruler Agnigarbha II of the Jammu dynasty of Suryavanshi kings. Bahu, the eldest of Agnigarbha’s 18 sons, is credited with establishing the Jammu city and building the fort. The earlier fort structure was modified over the years to a stronger fortified structure. The present fort was rebuilt, probably at the same location as the ancient fort, by Autar Dev, the grandson of King Kapoor Dev in 1585. Over the years the fort underwent demolitions and reconstructions from time to time, until Maharaja Gulab Singh reconstructed the present fort in the 19th century, which was further refurbished during the rule of Maharaja Ranbir Singh. They first established temples for their tutelary deities; the image of Mahakali deified in the temple in the fort was brought from Ayodhya.
Structures :
The fort structure is located at an elevation of 325 metres (1,066 ft), opposite to the old town of Jammu. The fortified structure has thick walls made of sandstones built with lime and brick mortor. It has eight octagonal towers or turrets connected by thick walls. The towers have enclosures to house guards. The main entry is fit to allow passage of elephants into the fort. A water tank with access for pilgrims to take bath is located on the left entry into the fort. This tank or pond is 6.1×6.1 metres (20 ft) in size and has a water depth of 4.6 metres (15 ft). A pyramidal structure is on the right flank (with very thick walls to withstand any gun attack) of the fort was an ammunition store. An underground chamber here was used a prison. This chamber has a secret exit to escape from the fort in case of any emergencies. The first floor is lavishly built with arches and decorated with floral designs like a Baradarior a palace.
To the right of the temple there are a few halls which were used in the past as assembly halls and offices of the Quiledar (master of the fort). However they are not maintained at all. The royal stables were also located within this fort. Substantial renovation and additions to attract visitors have been added during recent years such as well turned up garden in Mughal style, a lake with facilities for boating and a cable car system.
Festivals:
A popular Hindu festival known as “Bahu Mela” is held during the Navaratras in the fort area, twice a year, during March-April and September-October. This attracts a very large number of pilgrims to the fort and the temple located within it. Every week, Tuesday and Sunday are special days of worship at the temple. During the main festival time, special stalls are opened near the fort area selling paraphernalia such as sweets, flowers, incense, coconuts, red cloth and so forth, to make special offerings to the deity in the temple.
Mahakali temple:
It is a renowned Shakti temple built within the fort during the 8th century. It has been built in white marble on a raised platform of 1.2 metres (3.9 ft) height. While it is claimed that it was built during 8th or 9th century, the temple as built looks modern. It is a small temple which can accommodate only a few worshippers at a time at the Mandapa, outside the sanctum sanctorum. In the past, animal sacrifice was practiced at this temple, which has since been discontinued. Today, a priest performs a few rites uttering some religious incantations and sprinkles holy water over the animal (usually a sheep or goat) and then lets it go free. Other food offering made by devotees is a sweet dish called Kadah (pudding), after their wishes placed before the deity are fulfilled.
Another special feature seen in the temple precincts is the presence of a large group of Rhesus monkeys, the largest such group in Jammu and Kashmir State. The monkeys are fed by devotees with sweets, gram etc.
Way to reach there:
This Bahu fort is well connected by Jammu city. There are number of buses and Auto rickshaws are available to go there. As this fort is at 5 kms away from the Jammu city you can reach there in nominal fare.
Fast Facts:
Site Name: Bahu Fort Kali Temple
Site Type: Temple, Fort
Location: Jammu city, Jammu and Kashmir state, India
Highlights: The most important temple in Jammu city
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu – well connected from the cities/towns all over India
Nearest Airport: Jammu