Believed to be 2800 years old, the temple of Sudh Mahadev houses a natural black marble Lingam, the Trident of Lord Shiva and mace believed to be that of Bheema, one of the five legendary Pandava brothers. This holy temple near Patnitop is situated at an altitude of 1225 m and is about 120 km from Jammu.
Shrine’s History
Believed to be 2800 years old, the temple of Sudh Mahadev houses a natural black marble Lingam, the Trident of Lord Shiva and a Mace which is believed to be that of Bhima, one of the five legendary Pandava brothers.
The blessed temple of Sudh Mahadev was built by Chaudhauri Ramdas of Chanhani and his son Chaudhauri Parag Mahajan about 80 years ago. Sri Masu Shahane of Sudh Mahadev is said to have constructed the entrance door to the temple. Sudh Mahadev has a spring by the name “Pap Nashni Bowli”. It is believed that taking bath in it relieves a devotee of all sins. After a bath, one proceeds towards the holy temple of Lord Shiva. The Devak stream originating at this place disappears enchantingly among the rocks a few kilometres downstream. The Dhooni immortalises the spiritual accomplishments of Baba Roop Nath who is said to have attained Samadhi here. People are of the faith that the fire is burning since time immemorial, ever since Baba Roop Nath resided here.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
The trident housed within the temple belonged to the asctic God who killed a demon there.The temple has a black marble self-made ‘lingam’ and Goddess Parvati mounted on Nandi. It has a ‘Dhooni’ to commemorate the spiritual attainments of Baba Roop Nath who is said to have attained Samadhi there. It is said that the Dhooni has been kept burning constantly ever since Baba Roop Nath is said to be residing in the temple. Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple especially during 3-day fair held on the occasion of Jestha Purnima. Before entering the temple the pilgrims take bath in the holy Devika which flows nearby.
A popular legend is associated with the Shrine. It is believed that Lord Shiva who was in his samadhi shot his big Trishul to protect his consort Uma whose loud cry shook Shiva out of his meditation. In fact Shiva’s devotee, Sudheet approached Uma to pay his respectful obeisance. Since he was a demon in his previous birth according to the legend, his demonic looks frightened her and she made a loud shriek. The trident which Lord Shiva had flung hit Sudheet. Shiva realised his mistake and he offered to resuscitate him. But Sudheet felt that there could be no better life than death given by Lord Shiva Himself. Lord Shiva then gave his command that Sudheet’s name will be prefixed to his name at that place. Since then it is called Sudh Mahadev. The broken trident in three pieces is installed in the temple.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
Sudh Mahadev is connected with Jammu by a regular bus service. From Jammu go to Chenani on the Jammu Kashmir National Highway
By Rail
The nearest railway station is Jammu.
By Air
The nearest airport is Jammu.
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Asad Purnima Festival,Shivratri
