About Budha Amarnath Temple
Budha Amarnath Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Rajpura village in Mandi Tehsil of Poonch District, Jammu and Kashmir. Situated on the banks of the Pulastya River amid forested hills, it enshrines a natural white marble Shivlingam. Revered as one of the oldest Shiva shrines in the region, it is a major pilgrimage centre and the concluding point of the annual Budha Amarnath Yatra.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a small white temple complex set in a forested valley on the bank of the Pulastya River (Loran Nallah). The main shrine houses a natural Shivlingam made of white marble (Chakki) with three other Shivlingams nearby. The surroundings include hills, river views, and simple pilgrim facilities. The atmosphere is that of an active pilgrimage site with prayer halls and open courtyard areas for darshan.
Key highlights
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Ancient natural white marble Shivlingam enshrined in the main sanctum
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Location on the banks of the Pulastya River surrounded by forested hills
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One of the oldest Shiva temples in the Jammu region
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Concluding destination of the annual Budha Amarnath Yatra
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Four Shivlingams within the temple complex
History of Budha Amarnath Temple
The temple is considered one of the oldest Shiva temples in the region, believed to be thousands of years old. Local tradition associates the site with Pulastya Rishi, grandfather of Ravana, who is said to have performed penance here, and the nearby river is named Pulastya Nadi after him. The shrine houses a naturally formed Shivlingam and has long been a centre of Shaivite worship in the Poonch valley.
Culture & Context
The temple is a major Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Shiva and is highly revered in Jammu and Kashmir. It is the focal point of the annual Budha Amarnath Yatra held in July-August, which attracts pilgrims from across India. The yatra and daily worship reflect the living Shaivite traditions of the region.
Route
| By air |
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