About Kol Kandoli Temple
Kol Kandoli Temple is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Durga located at Kol Kandoli in Nagrota, about 14 km from Jammu city on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. It is regarded as the first darshan of the Vaishno Devi pilgrimage. The temple is set on a hillock overlooking the Tawi River valley and is notable for its religious association with Mata Vaishno Devi, who is believed to have meditated here.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a small hilltop temple complex with a sanctum housing the idol of Goddess Durga, decorated with traditional adornments. The temple is accessed by a short flight of steps from the highway. The surroundings offer views of the Nagrota valley and the highway. Visitors can observe daily prayers, aarti, and pilgrim activity, especially during Navratri. Small shops selling offerings, prasad and religious items are located near the entrance.
Key highlights
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Hilltop Shakti temple dedicated to Goddess Durga
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Considered the first darshan before Shri Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimage
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Located on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway at Nagrota
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Scenic views of the surrounding valley and Tawi River area
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High pilgrim footfall during Navratri festivals
History of Kol Kandoli Temple
According to local belief and temple tradition, Goddess Vaishno Devi is said to have stayed and meditated at Kol Kandoli on her way to the Trikuta Hills. The temple marks this halt and is therefore traditionally visited before proceeding to the Vaishno Devi shrine at Katra. The site has long been a place of worship for pilgrims travelling along the historic Jammu-Srinagar route.
Culture & Context
The temple is an important Shakti shrine for devotees of Goddess Durga and Mata Vaishno Devi. It holds special significance during Navratri when devotees gather for prayers and darshan. It is culturally regarded as the gateway to the Vaishno Devi yatra and is deeply associated with local religious practices and pilgrimage traditions in the Jammu region.
Route
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