LAST UPDATED ON: 21/09/2025
In the middle of Kullu Valley there is a very important place of faith and history: “The Sri Raghunath Temple“. It is the heart and soul of Kullu, holding many old stories in it.
The temple sits on a small hill, giving you amazing views of the town and the big mountains all around. The peaceful feeling here is a great way to get away from busy city life. It’s a quiet place to think and relax. The temple is for Bhagwan Raghunath (or Bhagwan Rama).
This temple is important for more than just religion. Bhagwan Raghunath is seen as the true king of the Kullu Valley. This special belief shapes the local culture and the big festivals. When you visit this temple, you take a trip into the history of Himachal Pradesh. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about Sri Raghunath Temple.
The Story of Sri Raghunath Temple: King’s Mistake and the Brahmin’s Curse
The story starts in the 1600s with a king named Raja Jagat Singh, who ruled the Kullu Valley at that time. The king heard that a poor man named Durga Dutt, who was a Brahmin, had some very beautiful and special pearls. The king became greedy and told his soldiers to take the pearls. The Brahmin told the king he didn’t have any pearls, but the king did not believe him.
The king’s men kept hurting the poor Brahmin. To prove that he was telling the truth in the saddest way, Durga Dutt locked himself and his family in their house and set it on fire. As they were dying, the Brahmin put a curse on the king, saying he would be punished for being so cruel.
Soon, the curse started to work. The king got a terrible sickness that couldn’t be cured and whenever he tried to eat, he would see bugs in his food. Any water he tried to drink looked like blood. The king felt very guilty and scared, so he looked for help.
He was told to visit a wise holy man named Krishnadas Payahari. The holy man told the king that the only way to be forgiven was to show great love for God. He advised the king to bring the holy statue of “Bhagwan Raghunath from a temple in Ayodhya, the city where Bhagwan Rama was born, and place it in Kullu.”
The king sent Damodardas, a brahmin to Ayodhya to get the statue. Damodardas knew he couldn’t just take it, so he stayed at the temple for a whole year, watching everything. When he found the right moment, he carefully took the statue and started his long trip back to the kullu valley.
The king started to pray to Bhagwan Raghunath with all his heart. As a way to say sorry for his mistake, he drank the holy water that was used to wash the statue’s feet every day. Like a miracle, he got better over time.
Full of thanks, Raja Jagat Singh made a very special announcement. He gave his whole kingdom to Bhagwan Raghunath and said that the god would now be the true king of Kullu. He would only be the god’s helper. This is why Bhagwan Raghunath is the main god of the valley. In 1660, the king built the beautiful Raghunath Temple for the holy statue.
This story also started the famous Kullu Dussehra festival. Every year, more than 300 other gods from nearby villages travel to Kullu to show respect to their king, Bhagwan Raghunath, in a big, colorful festival that lasts for a week.
Where is the Sri Raghunath Temple?
It is very easy to get to the Sri Raghunath Temple because it is right in Kullu town.
- Full Address: Sri Raghunath Temple, Sultanpur, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, 175101, India.
- The temple is in the Sultanpur part of Kullu. If you come by bus, it is very easy to find. It is only about a 10 to 15-minute walk from the main Kullu bus station. It is also near the famous Dhalpur ground, where the big Dussehra festival happens.
For easy directions on your phone, you can use Google Maps.
Entry fee to Sri Raghunath Temple
First, the good news: there is no entry fee to visit the Sri Raghunath Temple. It is open for everyone.
How to Reach Sri Raghunath Temple
By Air
- Nearest Airport: The closest airport is Bhuntar Airport (KUU), which is just 10 to 12 km from Kullu town. You can find flights to Bhuntar from big cities like Delhi and Chandigarh. Sometimes, bad weather can cause flights to be delayed.
- From Airport to Temple: From the airport, it’s a short 20 to 30-minute drive. You can easily get a taxi at the airport. Local buses also go from the airport to the Kullu bus stand, which is a short walk from the Sri Raghunath Temple.
By Train
- Kullu does not have a train station, so you cannot travel directly by train.
- Nearest Stations: The closest small train station is in Joginder Nagar, about 125 km away. The train ride is pretty but very slow.
- Best Way: The easiest way for train travelers is to go to a big train station like Chandigarh (about 250 km away) or Pathankot (about 285 km away). From there, you can take a bus or a taxi to Kullu. The road trip takes about 6 to 8 hours.
By Road (The Most Popular Way)
- Bus: This is the most popular and cheapest way to get to Kullu. The roads are very good. You can take comfortable overnight buses from cities like Delhi, Chandigarh, and Shimla. If you drive yourself, the trip is very beautiful with amazing mountain views. The road from Delhi goes through Chandigarh and Mandi to reach Kullu.
How Far is Kullu?
- From Delhi: It is about 480-500 km away and takes 10-12 hours by road.
- From Chandigarh: It is about 250 km away and takes 6-7 hours by road.
- From Shimla: It is about 217 km away and takes 6-7 hours by road.
- From Manali: It is about 40 km away and takes about 1-1.5 hours by road.
Timings of Sri Raghunath Temple
The temple is open at different times in summer and winter. It also closes for a few hours in the afternoon. Here are the timings to help you plan.
Summer Timings
- Morning Opening: 5:00 AM
- Morning Prayer (Aarti): 7:00 AM
- Afternoon Break: The temple is closed from 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
- Evening Opening: 5:30 PM
- Evening Prayer (Aarti): 8:30 PM
- Final Closing: 9:00 PM
Winter Timings
- Morning Opening: 6:00 AM
- Morning Prayer (Aarti): 8:00 AM
- Afternoon Break: The temple is closed from 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM.
- Evening Opening: 4:00 PM
- Evening Prayer (Aarti): 7:00 PM
- Final Closing: 8:00 PM
Note: These times are usually correct, but it’s always a good idea to check with a local person if you want to be there for a specific prayer.
ALSO READ: A Complete Guide (2025): Jagannathi Temple, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh
Best Time to Visit Sri Raghunath Temple
The weather in Kullu changes a lot during the year, so it’s good to know what clothes to bring.
Summer (March to June)
This is the most popular time to visit. The weather is very nice, with sunny days and cool temperatures. It’s perfect for walking around.
- Temperature: It is usually between 10°C and 25°C.
- What to Pack: You can wear light cotton clothes during the day. It’s a good idea to bring a light sweater or jacket for the cool mornings and evenings.
Monsoon (July to September)
During this time, it rains a lot, and the valley becomes very green and beautiful.
- Temperature: It is usually between 15°C and 25°C.
- What to Pack: You must bring a raincoat or an umbrella. Also, wear shoes that won’t slip on wet ground. Be careful, as heavy rain can sometimes cause landslides, which might block the roads.
Autumn (October to November)
This is another great time to visit. The air is fresh and clean, and you can see the mountains very clearly. The big Kullu Dussehra festival also happens during this time.
- Temperature: It starts to get colder, usually between 5°C and 20°C.
- What to Pack: You will need warmer clothes, like sweaters and light jackets.
Winter (December to February)
Winters in Kullu are cold but beautiful, especially when it snows. It’s a very peaceful time to visit if you like the cold.
- Temperature: It can get very cold, from -5°C to 10°C.
- What to Pack: You must bring heavy winter clothes. Pack warm inner clothes, a thick jacket, gloves, a hat, and warm socks to stay warm.
Important Tips related to Sri Raghunath Temple
Here are a few simple tips to make sure your visit to the Sri Raghunath Temple is nice and respectful.
- Wear the Right Clothes: The temple is a holy place, so it’s best to wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. This shows respect for the local culture.
- Comfortable Shoes: You will have to take off your shoes before you go into the main temple area. It’s a good idea to wear shoes that are easy to take off and put on.
- Taking Pictures: You may not be allowed to take pictures inside the main prayer room where the statue is. It’s always polite to ask before you take any photos.
- Parking: There is not much parking space right next to the temple. You might have to park your car nearby and walk a little bit.
- Be Quiet and Calm: The temple is a very peaceful place. Please talk softly and don’t make loud noises so that everyone can enjoy the calm feeling.
- Best Time for Your Visit: If you want to see the exciting culture of Kullu, visit during the Kullu Dussehra festival in October. The temple is the center of all the fun. If you want a more quiet and spiritual visit, a normal day in the summer (March to June) is the best time.
Food Places near Sri Raghunath Temple (Restaurant/Cafe)
After visiting the temple, you might be hungry. Kullu has many places to eat, from local Himachali food to other popular dishes. Here are a few good restaurants near the temple.
- Sapna Sweets & Bakers: This place is famous for real local food. You should try the special meal called Dham. A Dham is a big plate with many different local dishes, like dal, rajma, and red rice. It’s a simple place where local people eat. It will cost about ₹200 to ₹400 for two people.
- Valentino’s Cooking With Herbs: This is a nice little cafe with a great feeling and views of the Beas river. They are known for their tasty pizzas and pasta. It will cost about ₹550 to ₹700 for two people.
- Maitre Point: This cafe has great food and a beautiful terrace with amazing views of the valley. It’s a good place to relax with a coffee or a meal. It will cost about ₹500 to ₹800 for two people.
Places to Stay near Sri Raghunath Temple (Hotels/Homestays)
Kullu has many places to stay for all budgets. You can find simple guest houses or more comfortable hotels. Some hotels are very close to the temple, while others are a short drive away and offer beautiful river views.
- Hotel Shishamati: This is a budget hotel, meaning it’s not too expensive. It’s very close to the temple, only 1 km away. It has simple rooms, and you can see the valley from here. A night here costs between ₹1,500 and ₹3,000.
- Snow View Guest House: This is a very close and cheap option, only about 400 meters from the temple. It’s good for people who want to save money.
- Hotel Kullu Valley: This is a very popular hotel with beautiful rooms that face the river. People love the service and the food here. It is a short drive from the temple. A night here costs between ₹2,500 and ₹4,000.
- Shobla Royale: This is another good hotel in Kullu town with comfortable rooms and good service. A night here costs between ₹2,500 and ₹4,000.
Many people love staying at a hotel like Hotel Kullu Valley because waking up to the beautiful view of the Beas River is a special experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some common questions people ask about the Sri Raghunath Temple.
Why is the Sri Raghunath Temple so important?
The Sri Raghunath Temple is so important because the temple is dedicated to Lord Raghunath (Lord Rama), who is seen as the main god and the king of the valley. The temple is also the center of the famous Kullu Dussehra festival.
Who built the Sri Raghunath Temple and why?
Sri Raghunath Temple was built by a king named Raja Jagat Singh in the 1600s. He built it as a way to say sorry for a big mistake he made that caused a poor family to die.
Is the Sri Raghunath Temple a quiet place to visit?
Yes the Sri Raghunath Temple is very calm and quiet place. Because it’s on a small hill, away from the road noise, it has a peaceful feeling that is perfect for praying and thinking.
When is the best time to visit the Sri Raghunath Temple?
The best time to visit the Sri Raghunath Temple is during Kullu Dussehra Festival in October, and If you want a quiet visit with nice weather, the summer months from March to June are perfect.
Is it easy for families and older people to visit the Sri Raghunath Temple?
Yes, it is very easy for families and older people to visit Sri Raghunath Temple. It is near the main Kullu bus stand. The walk up the hill to the temple is short and not hard, so it is good for people of all ages.
What are the things to remember before visiting the Sri Raghunath Temple?
The main things to remember before visiting the Sri Raghunath Temple are to wear clothes that cover you well, take off your shoes before going inside, and ask for permission before taking pictures inside the main prayer room.