Believed to have protected Jammu during INDO-PAK war: Know 'Bawe Wali Mata temple' visited by Bhumi Pednekar

A Spiritual Start to Navratri for Bhumi Pednekar:

As the nine-day festival of Navratri began with devotion and celebration across India, Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar marked the occasion with a spiritual visit to Bawe Wali Mata Mandir in Jammu, a revered shrine dedicated to Goddess Mahakali. Though she wasn’t spotted publicly or by the local media during the visit, Bhumi offered fans a peek into her pilgrimage through a series of photos shared on her Instagram handle. Her post featured serene visuals from the temple complex, including the idol adorned with flowers, lit diyas, and a peaceful ambience that captured the essence of the occasion. She was seen dressed in traditional attire with her head covered, offering prayers at the shrine. In the caption, Bhumi extended warm wishes for Navratri and expressed gratitude for the divine experience.

History of Bawe Wali Mata:

The Bawe Wali Mata Mandir, also known as the Bahu Fort temple, is one of the oldest temples in the Jammu region. It is housed within the ancient Bahu Fort, which is believed to have been originally constructed by Raja Bahulochan, the brother of Raja Jambu Lochan, the legendary founder of Jammu. The fort stands on the left bank of the Tawi River and is a prominent historical site in the region.

The temple is dedicated to Maa Mahakali, worshipped here as Bawe Wali Mata: the protector goddess of Jammu. According to legend, the goddess has safeguarded the city through various crises, including natural disasters and wartime threats. She is deeply venerated by locals, who believe that her divine presence watches over the city at all times.

Rituals & Beliefs Associated With The Shrine:

Devotees visit the temple year-round, but the footfall increases significantly during Navratri, when prayers and offerings are made to seek strength, protection, and blessings for new beginnings. Sundays and Tuesdays are considered particularly auspicious, and it is common to see long queues of worshippers waiting for a glimpse of the deity. Rituals at the temple include offering chunnis, flowers, coconuts, and sweet prasad like halwa or boondi. Devotees often tie sacred threads around the temple premises while making wishes or vows. Once these wishes are fulfilled, they return to offer thanksgiving prayers. A notable ritual known as Shilly Charana — a symbolic form of animal sacrifice — is now carried out in a non-violent way, where animals are sanctified and then released unharmed.

Cultural Significance in the Region:

The temple is not just a place of worship but a key part of Jammu’s cultural identity. Locals believe that Bawe Wali Mata has intervened miraculously in times of war, especially during the 1965 and 1971 India-Pakistan conflicts, when legends say the goddess protected the city from aerial attacks. Stories of divine visions and unexplained protection have only deepened the faith of the people over generations.

Surrounding the temple is the lush Bagh-e-Bahu Garden, which adds to the serene setting of the shrine. The temple’s proximity to the river and the old fort makes it a significant tourist and spiritual attraction in the Jammu region. Despite being lesser known on the national circuit, it holds a powerful emotional and religious value for those who live in or hail from Jammu.

Preserved Traditions Amid Growing Popularity:

Managed traditionally by hereditary priests, the temple continues to uphold centuries-old customs. In recent years, the temple authorities have introduced guidelines such as a recommended dress code to preserve the sanctity of the shrine. Devotees are encouraged to dress modestly and cover their heads while inside the temple premises.

With celebrities like Bhumi Pednekar visiting the temple and sharing their experiences, there is renewed attention on spiritual destinations that lie beyond the mainstream pilgrimage routes. For those seeking a mix of history, devotion, and tranquility, Bawe Wali Mata Mandir remains a timeless site that continues to inspire faith and reverence.

As Navratri unfolds with its vibrant energy and spiritual significance, Bhumi Pednekar’s quiet visit to Bawe Wali Mata Mandir serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted traditions that continue to shape personal and collective journeys of faith. Whether through rituals passed down generations or the simple act of offering prayers in silence, places like this temple hold space for reflection, strength, and renewal, not just for celebrities, but for every devotee who walks through its ancient gates.