A small but extremely beautiful and holy Jwalaji Temple, dedicated to Goddess Durga, is located at the top Benog Hill in Mussoorie. Benog hill (2104 meters) is a small trek and one can have a beautiful view of Aglar River valley from here. The temple is around 9 km west of Mussoorie town.
There is no eternal flame in the temple. The temple is only named after the Jwalaji form of Goddess Durga. There is only a small but beautiful stone murti of Goddess Durga in the small temple.
Goddess Durga is worshipped as Jwalaji – the eternal flame – in Hinduism. Symbolically, it represents the infinite energy that is responsible for the universe. When Mother Goddess withdraws the energy, darkness envelops in the universe. The limited human mind has tried to capture the unlimited in the form of eternal flame.
Maa Durga worshipped here is a wish fulfilling deity. Devotees in large number visit the shrine offer prayers for their wishes to be fulfilled.
It is believed that walking to temple on foot will help in sin redemption and Goddess will bless the devotee with peace and prosperity. Walking to temple of foot is performed as a sort of penance by devotees.
The path to the temple is through dense forest and one can have view of snow-clad Himalayan peaks, Doon valley, and Yamuna valley.
The dense forest on the northern side of the hill is home to the Himalayan goral – mountain goat.
The most important festival in the temple is the Chaitra Navratri (March – April) and the Sharad Navratri (September – October). The eighth day (Ashtami) during the Navratri is of great significance at the shrine.
Benog Hill Jwalaji Temple Timings
7 AM to 6 PM – There is no priest in the temple. Priests are available only during festivals and important occasions.
The timing will be cut short during the winter months.