Features Raghunath Temple

a view of shikhara of raghunath temple, jammu, india (1988)

the hindu temple complex, 1 of largest in north india, has 7 shrines, built on raised platform of 5 feet (1.5 m) height in octagonal shape. front fascia 40 feet (12 m) in width while main shrine set 50 feet (15 m) away entrance. within enclosed space of yard there residential buildings , open cattle yards on eastern , northern directions. front fascia of temple has 3 entry doors. main shrine 20 feet (6.1 m)x20 feet (6.1 m) in size, surrounded circumambulatory passage (pradakshina path) of 10 feet (3.0 m) width. entrance door, set on 1 side of octagonal chamber of shrine, faces east. interior of inner chamber gold plated. main walls of outer chamber have 15 panels, each of 9 feet (2.7 m) height. these interior panels have surfeit of paintings of jammu school of painting consisting of images hindu epics ramayana, mahabharata, , bhagavad gita, represented gods such ganesha, krishna, sheshashayi vishnu (reclining vishnu) , large painting depicting sita swayamvara scene (sita choosing husband elite gathering of princesses). apart mythology related themes, paintings relate secular aspects, kabir, saint, engaged in weaving , army personnel of dogra , sikh communities. paintings reveal type of attire , weaponry prevalent during period of temple building. in main shrine, idol of lord rama, family deity of king , dogra people, deified in garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). shrine has dome instead of normal shikara in pyramidal shape, in sikh architectural style. 7 shrines have gold plated spires. gods , goddesses enshrined in 7 shrines related epic ramayana. in 1 of shrines there shiva linga, carved out of black stone , measures 7.5 feet (2.3 m). shrines enshrined large number of saligramas (fossil ammonite stones specially obtained gandaki river, in nepal – vaishnava (hindu) aniconic representation of vishnu). architectural features of shrines stated largely influenced mughal architecture.

a distinct feature noted in entire temple complex stucco style embellishments built brick masonry , finished plaster. motifs crafted of floral (lotuses) , geometric designs, on walls, in niches , on arches. apart paintings on walls, niches in interior parts of shrines have 300 crafted images of deities. profusion of paintings , images on internal , external faces of temple considered auspicious feature, instead of leaving wall surfaces blank. however, images , murals on outer walls of temple have since been demolished.