The sacred temple of
Sudh Mahadev is situated in the town of Chanhani, Northeast Off The Srinagar Road At Kud, in the western part of
Jammu around 120 kms from the
Jammu city. It was constructed by Chaudhari Ramdas of Chanhani and his son Chaudhari Parag Mahajan about 80 years ago and Shree Masu Shahane of Sudh Mahadev constructed the entrance door of the temple. This temple is near Patnitop and is at an altitude of 1225 m above sea level. A black natural marble piece or 'Lingam' is there in the temple along with another idol of Goddess Parvati mounted on Nandi. A sacred fire or Dhooni burns here constantly and it symbolizes the spiritual attainments of Baba Roop Nath who is said to have attained samadhi here. Baba Roop Nath is said to be constantly residing in the temple. The shrine inside the temple is considered to be around 2800 years old.
A popular legend about this temple says that Sudheet a devotee of Lord Shiva was killed by mistake by Lord Shiva through his trident in order to protect his spouse Uma(Goddess Parvati). It is said that Lord Shiva was in samadhi when he heard Goddess Uma's loud cry and shot his 'trishul'(trident). But it was Shiva's devotee, Sudheet who approached Goddess Uma to pay his respectful homage and frightened her with his demonic look. The trident killed Sudheet and Shiva on realizing his mistake offered to revive him but Sudheet preferred death given by Lord Shiva Himself instead of life. Lord Shiva was very touched by his devotion and thus He named the place on Sudheet's name forever and the broken trident in three pieces, is still installed in the temple.
Pilgrims visit the shrine on the full moon night of the rainy season or Shravan to worship the famous Trident and a mace, which is said to belong to Lord Shiva. They take holy bath in the sacred Devika River, which originates at this place and disappears magically among the rocks a few kilometers down stream. Gauri Kund Spring, a legendary spring close to the temple, and Mantalai, about 8 km away, add to the beauty of the place. During July - August on the occasion of Jestha Purnima, a fair is held here with 3 days of music, singing and dancing.
For reaching
Sudh Mahadev a regular bus service connects it to
Jammu. From
Jammu go to Chenani on the Jammu Kashmir National Highway. Then from Chenani take the road towards east and travel for 30 kilometers to reach the temple. You can also come to this place from Patnitop by hiring a Jeep. There is good staying option for devotees coming to this place. This is offered by JKTDC’s Tourist Complex. You can get double rooms, 4-bedded room along with dormitories.
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