Jwalamukhi, about 56 kilometres from Dharamsala, is one of the most unusual Hindu pilgrimage sites in northern India. The temple contains no idol: instead, nine natural gas flames burn from fissures in the rock — blue, steady, and apparently inexhaustible — and these flames are the goddess herself. The phenomenon is caused by natural hydrocarbon seepage from the earth below the temple; the theological interpretation is that it is the tongues of the goddess Sati.
The golden dome over the main shrine was donated by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The temple complex is large and active, with pilgrims arriving from across the Punjab and Himachal Pradesh especially during the Navratri festivals in April and October, when fairs are held and crowds can be enormous. At other times the temple is accessible and not overwhelming. Remove shoes before entering.