Paras Ram Temple

The Paras Ram temple at Jamu (tahsil Rainka) in Himachal Pradesh has a special importance and is revered by many devotees who visit the temple from far off places. There are nine priests, also called Pujaris, who are Bhats of Hiyon village and have the duty of worship for a month each in turn. The Pujari of the temple live in the temple during this time and they are not allowed to visit their houses or family members. It is believed that the God gets blame if anyone goes hungry. Thus the musicians have to ascertain if there is any hungry person in the village before the flute is played to awake the God. The story is the first incarnation in the form of boar while the second incarnation was human. His father was Kanwal Rishi and mother Udhma Wati.

In the Paras Ram temple at Jamu there are about seventy images. The image of Paras Ram is made of brass and occupies the principal seat with a gold canopy. The image is adorned with a necklace of silver with a gold mohar in which is set a diamond, a silver palanquin and a mace. The God is worshipped as a guardian against disease in men or cattle.

There are other principal Paras Ram temples at villages Dugana, Masu and Jamdagan Hill, which are worshipped by the devotees. The temple located at Dugana has three stone and two brass images, one of which was broken by the "Jhalla" meaning a mad person. It is said that the God at times possesses a man who behaves in an abnormal manner and communicates with the devotees. Since the "Jhalla" broke an image, a third stone image was brought from Rainka and installed.

It is said that God Paras Ram is temperamental in nature. When angry He is capable of bring about poverty, sickness and cattle epidemic. If there is an unfulfilled vow to Him, he gets angry. When pleased he showers off springs, prosperity and success. For worshipping Paras Ram, a pitcher has to be filled with water but according to tradition no shadow must fall on it while it is being filled. The Puja is done with the blowing of conches, lighting of lamps and offering of Bel leaves, rice and flowers. The Paras Ram temple at Jamdagan Hill though dismal in appearance commands a superb view all around. From the top many streams look like silver streaks and the distant Dun valley and the Dharthi range appear most attractive.