Akhnoor - The historical town of Jammu and Kashmir

Akhnoor is a historic town with strong traditional associations. It is located about 20 kilometres from Jammu city in Jammu and Kashmir. This picturesque town stands on the banks of the Chenab River and has several places of interest for travellers.

Akhnoor is a small town, but the Chenab gives it a special charm. The river flows along the town, and because it is fed by the Himalayan glaciers, it carries water throughout the year. One of the first attractions here is the Gurudwara on the riverbank. Built in white marble, it looks graceful against the backdrop of the Chenab.

Another important place in the town is the temple dedicated to Lord Parashurama, an incarnation of Vishnu. Unlike the temples of Rama and Krishna, temples dedicated to Parashurama are comparatively rare. Apart from the Parashurama shrine, this temple also has shrines for Vaishno Devi and Shiva-Parvati-Ganesha.

Akhnoor is traditionally believed to be associated with Virata Nagara of the Mahabharata. It is said to be the place where the Pandavas lived in concealment during the final year of their exile. On the banks of the Chenab, there is a cave shrine known as Pandav Gufa. At the entrance of the cave, the figures of Hanuman and Bhairava can be seen. Inside the cave, there is a Shiva Linga, believed to have been installed by the Pandavas. The cave also has bas-relief images of the five Pandavas, Draupadi, and Krishna with Arjuna. A footprint believed to be that of Lord Krishna is also found inside the shrine. Near this footprint are the icons of Dharmaraja and Chitragupta. The small cave shrine also has other shrines for Kali, Radha-Krishna and Shiva-Parvati-Ganesha.

Near the Pandav Gufa stands the Akhnoor Fort. It was built in the 18th century CE by Raja Tegh Singh. Excavations in and around the fort have revealed remains connected with Harappan and pre-Harappan cultures, indicating the antiquity of this region.

The Durga Temple, built in recent times, is another important site in Akhnoor. The main shrine is dedicated to Goddess Durga. There is also a large icon of the river goddess Ganga seated on a Makara. The temple has several other icons and shrines, including Navagrahas, Ganesha, Dharmaraja, Chitragupta, Kali, Rama-Lakshmana-Sita-Hanuman, Radha-Krishna, Shiva and Shiva Linga.

Kameshwar Temple, located slightly away from the river on the main road, is traditionally believed to be connected with the Pandavas. However, the present structure does not appear to be very old. The main shrine has three irregularly shaped Shiva Lingas along with three icons of Ganesha. The prakara has shrines and icons of Hanuman, Rama-Lakshmana-Sita-Hanuman, Nataraja, Kali with Shiva beneath her feet, Indra, Shiva-Parvati-Ganesha and Panchamukha Hanuman. At the entrance, two large Shiva Lingas and two Nandis are found. Near the entrance, the icons of Chitragupta, Shaneeswara and Dharmaraja can also be seen.

Near Akhnoor, on the way back to Jammu, there is a small site called Ambaran. It contains the remains of a Buddhist monastery that existed between the 1st century CE and the 7th century CE.

Akhnoor combines traditional associations, historical importance and natural beauty. Located close to Jammu city, it is a place worth visiting for anyone interested in heritage, faith and riverside landscapes.

Happy travelling.

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