Rajasthan man dies after self-immolation at Jwalamukhi Temple in Kangra
Synopsis
A 40-year-old man from Jhalawar, Rajasthan, allegedly set himself ablaze outside the sanctum sanctorum of the Maa Jwalamukhi Temple in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, on Thursday evening. He died after sustaining burns over 70 per cent of his body. His family had been searching for him for 15 months after he left home following a dispute.
Key Takeaways
Ramdas , a 40-year-old from Jhalawar, Rajasthan , died after allegedly setting himself ablaze at Maa Jwalamukhi Temple, Kangra on 18 September .
He suffered burns over nearly 70 per cent of his body and succumbed at Tanda Medical College .
Ramdas had reportedly left home 15 months ago after a dispute; his family had been unable to trace him.
SP Dehra Sandeep Dhaval confirmed a police investigation and forensic examination of the site is under way.
He is survived by his wife Saloni and 12-year-old son Rudra ; family members departed for Himachal Pradesh after being notified.
A 40-year-old man from Jhalawar, Rajasthan, died after allegedly setting himself ablaze at the Maa Jwalamukhi Temple, a revered Shaktipeeth in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, on Thursday evening, 18 September. The deceased, identified as Ramdas, son of Gajanand, reportedly succumbed to burn injuries sustained over nearly 70 per cent of his body.
How the Incident Unfolded
According to police and temple staff, Ramdas allegedly poured petrol on himself and set himself on fire outside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple at around 7 pm. Temple staff and devotees present at the scene quickly doused the flames with water. He was initially rushed to Jwalamukhi Hospital before being referred to Tanda Medical College, where he died during the course of treatment.
Notably, ambulance staff from the 108 emergency service said Ramdas remained conscious during the journey and was able to identify himself. Though he struggled to speak clearly, he communicated that he had come alone to offer prayers at the temple.
Police Investigation Under Way
SP Dehra, Sandeep Dhaval, confirmed that police reached the site after receiving information and launched an investigation. A forensic team also visited the temple premises and collected evidence. Authorities are examining all aspects of the case, including the circumstances and the possible reasons behind Ramdas's act, according to officials.
Background: A Family Separated for 15 Months
Family members revealed that Ramdas had left his home in Jhalawar approximately 15 months ago following a dispute. His uncle, Prahlad Chandel, said the family had searched for him at multiple locations without success, and attempts to reach him on his mobile phone also failed.
Ramdas's father, Gajanand, had died about 10 years ago. Ramdas had previously run a scrap business and later operated a clothing store on Jail Road in Jhalawar. He is survived by his wife, Saloni, a sanitation worker with the Jhalawar Municipal Council, and their 12-year-old son, Rudra. The couple's daughter had died earlier.
Family Notified, Travels to Himachal Pradesh
Kotwali police informed Ramdas's family of the incident on Thursday night, following which family members departed for Himachal Pradesh. The investigation into the exact circumstances of the incident remains ongoing.
Point of View
Where such safety nets remain thin. The fact that he chose a prominent Shaktipeeth as the site adds a layer of public visibility to what appears to be a deeply private despair. Investigators will need to establish intent and circumstance carefully before drawing any wider conclusions.
NationPress
18 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Ramdas and where was he from?
Ramdas was a 40-year-old resident of Jhalawar, Rajasthan, and the son of the late Gajanand. He had previously run a scrap business and a clothing store on Jail Road in Jhalawar, and is survived by his wife Saloni and their 12-year-old son Rudra.
What happened at Maa Jwalamukhi Temple on 18 September?
Ramdas allegedly poured petrol on himself and set himself on fire outside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple at around 7 pm on 18 September. Temple staff and devotees extinguished the flames, but he died later at Tanda Medical College from burns covering nearly 70 per cent of his body.
Where is Maa Jwalamukhi Temple located?
Maa Jwalamukhi Temple is a revered Shaktipeeth situated in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths and a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site.
What is the status of the police investigation?
SP Dehra Sandeep Dhaval confirmed that police reached the temple after receiving information and launched an investigation. A forensic team has collected evidence from the site, and authorities are examining the circumstances and possible reasons behind the act.
Why had Ramdas been missing for 15 months?
According to his family, Ramdas had left home approximately 15 months before the incident following a domestic dispute. His uncle Prahlad Chandel said the family searched for him at multiple places and tried to reach him by phone, but were unsuccessful until police contacted them on Thursday night.
