Situated in the town of Chanhani
in the western part of the Jammu, the Sacred Temple of Sudhmahadev
was constructed by Chaudhari Ramdas of Chanhani and his son
Chaudhari Parag Mahajan about 80 years ago. Shri Masu Shahane
of Sudhmahadev is said to have constructed the entrance door
of the temple of Sudhmahadev. The holy spot near Patnitop,
it is situated at an altitude of 1225 m above sea level. Pilgrims
visit the shrine on the full moon night of the rainy season
to worship the famous Trident and a mace, which is said to
belong to Lord Shiva. The Devak stream originating at this
place disappears magically among the rocks a few kilometers
down stream. The temple has a natural black marble 'lingam'
and Goddess Parvati mounted on Nandi. The 'Dhooni' (sacred
fire) commemorates the spiritual attainments of Baba Roop
Nath who is said to have attained Samadhi there. It is said
to have been burning constantly ever since Baba Roop Nath
is said to be residing in the temple.
According to a popular legend, it is believed that Lord Shiva
who was in his Samadhi (deep meditation) shot his big Trishul
(trident) to protect his consort Uma startled suddenly by
her loud cry. However, it was Shiva's devotee, Sudheet who
approached Uma to pay his respectful obeisance and since he
was a demon in his previous birth, his demoniac looks frightened
her and she made a loud shriek. The trident however killed
Sudheet. Shiva realized his mistake and offered to resuscitate
him but Sudheet preferred the death given by Lord Shiva Himself.
Touched by his devotion, Lord Shiva prefixed his name to the
place forever and the broken trident in three pieces, is still
installed in the temple. |
