The Julfa Mata Temple is located in Punjab, a northwestern state of India. More specifically, this temple is situated near the town of Nangal in Rupnagar district. This is a Hindu temple and is dedicated to goddess Parvati. Lord Shiva is another deity of this temple. This temple is considered to be one of the 51 Sakthi Peethas in India. This temple is managed by priests who are appointed by the shrine"s authorities.

History of Julfa Mata Temple
An incident pertinent to Julfa Mata Temple is known to exist in history. On the Himalayan Mountains, it is believed that gods were being harassed by demons. This harassment compelled the Gods to teach them a lesson. Under the leadership of Lord Vishnu, the Gods had decided to destroy them. In a huge flame which rose from the earth, all the Gods had concentrated their strengths. Consequently, a young girl regarded as Adishakti was born from the fire. Adishakti means first shakti. This Adishakti was later brought up in the house of Prajapati Daksha and was known by the name of Sati. Later in her life she was married to Lord Shiva, thus becoming His consort. When Lord Shiva was once insulted by Prajapati Daksha, she was so affected by this that she killed herself. Lord Shiva became extremely furious post His consort"s death. It is believed that His extreme rage knew no limit. Consequently, holding Sati"s body He began stalking the three worlds. The extremity of Lord Shiva"s anger compelled other gods to request Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu then used His Chakra, which had cut Sati"s body into fifty one pieces. It is believed that the places where these pieces fell, the fifty one sacred Shakti Peethas were thus established there. As far as the place where Julfa Mata temple is situated, it is believed that Sati"s hair fell there. Thus, the temple derived its name from the hair of Sati called "julfa", which is a Hindi word.

Architectural Design of Julfa Mata Temple
The Julfa Mata Temple is architecturally designed as other ancient Hindu temples of north India. This temple is a fine representation of the skills and talent of the artisans of the golden period of the primeval era. Large rock structures form the base or foundation of this temple, which have made it so strong that it can firmly stand against natural occurrences and calamities. The steps of the temple are known to be beautifully carved. This temple has many prayer halls, which are supported on many pillars. Images of Hindu Gods and Goddesses would be evident to the visitors in the prayer halls. These images would be evident as illustrating certain mythological stories. The idol of goddess Parvati is installed inside the temple in a sitting posture.

Significance of Julfa Mata Temple
Devotees are known to visit the Julfa Mata Temple on a daily basis and offer prayers to the deity of the temple. Apart from offering prayers to the Devi, they also worship by means of sweets (Suji halwa, laddu, barfi), kheel (sugar-coated puffed rice), narial (coconut) and flowers. This is because it is strongly believed that the Devi would solve domestic problems and help them experience prosperity. Other desires of the devotees may also be fulfilled, provided the deity is worshipped with dedication and commitment.

Surrounding of Julfa Mata Temple
A temple dedicated to Shiva is located close to the entrance of the temple, on the right hand side. A Peepal (Bo or Sacred Ficus) tree is also located within the temple complex. Devotees also worship this tree by tying sacred threads to it. This sacred thread is known by the name, moli. There is a belief that the deity fulfills all the wishes of the devotees.

Festivals Celebrated in Julfa Mata Temple
Julfa Mata Temple is bedecked with flowers and lights, during the navaratri festival and saawan months. The minor and major festivals are celebrated in the temple in a religious manner. Special pujas, yagnas and homans are arranged for and held in the temple following the Vedic rituals.

Visiting Information
Julfa Mata Temple is located on the hills of Nangal - Hambewal road. This temple is about 5 kilometers away from the Nangal Township. Earlier the road to this temple was not motorable by vehicles. People used to visit this temple on foot. Presently, the road leading to the temple is motorable by vehicles.

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