Krimchi Temples

Tucked away in the picturesque Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir, Kiramchi is a small village boasting a rich cultural heritage. Located 12 kilometers north of Udhampur on the Udhampur-Lander road and 67 kilometers from Jammu, this hidden gem is nestled in a valley surrounded by lush green mountains at an elevation of 730 meters above sea level. The village is drained by two rivulets, Birunala and Kiramchi, which add to its natural beauty.
The Kiramchi temple complex, situated on an elevated terrace overlooking the Biru Nala, comprises five temples and two small shrines. According to local tradition, this ancient site was once a halting place on the Jammu-Kashmir route through Banihal, and its foundation is attributed to a contemporary of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata era.
Another legend suggests that Kiramchi was the capital of Bhuti, a principality of the Jammu region under the successors of Daya-Karan, a ruler of Kashmir. The descendants of King Daya-Karan, known as the Bhutials, ruled for many centuries until the last ruler, Himmat Singh, was defeated by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, and the region was eventually incorporated into the Jammu Kingdom in 1834.
Today, the Kiramchi temple complex stands as a testament to the region's rich history and cultural significance, inviting visitors to explore its ancient ruins and soak in the natural beauty of the surrounding Himalayas.