Sudh Mahadev, Patnitop, Jammu & Kashmir India

Believed to be 2800 years old, the temple of Sudh Mahadev houses a natural black marble Lingam, the Trident (Trishul) 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 kms from Jammu.

Sudhmahadev has a spring by the name Pap Nashni Bowli. It is believed that taking bath in it relieves a devotee of all sins. After bath one proceeds towards the holy temple of Lord Shiva.

Pilgrims visit the shrine on Historic Sudhmahadev 3 day Festival (Mela) on the full moon night of 'Sawan' (June -July) to worship the Trident (Trishul) and a mace.

During this 3 day festival, arrangements are made by the state government administration to provide facilities to the visitors. Adequate transport is also provided by the government agencies from various destinations. The government also ensures security arrangements. Good health facilities are also made available. Cultural programs are organized during the 3 day festival; in which the local performers entertain the visitors by showcasing various local dances and singing folk songs.

One can have stay in the temporary tented accommodations provided by J&K Tourism Development Department or even a Sarai maintained by the Dharamarth Trust, beside a few guest houses are also there.

Sudh Mahadev Temple is situated in the town of Chanhani in the western part of Jammu; 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 Sudhmahadev is said to have constructed the entrance door to the temple. The holy spot near Patnitop, it is situated at an elevation of 1225m above sea level. Pilgrims visit the shrine on full moon night of the monsoon period to worship the famous Trident (trishul) and a mace, which is believed to belong to Lord Shiva.

The Devak stream originating at this place disappears enchantingly among the rocks a few kilometers downstream. The temple has a natural block marble `lingam` and goddess Parvati mounted on Nandi, the bull. The `Dhooni` (sacred fire) 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 speak of Lord Shiva engrossed in deep meditation, when he suddenly heard the shriek of Parvati (Uma), his consort. Shiva instantaneously charged his trident (trishul) in Uma`s direction to protect her from any misfortunes. However, in reality it was Sudheet, Shiva`s disciple who had approached Uma to pay his deferential obeisance, and since he was a demon in his previous birth, his fiendish looks frightened her and she screamed out loud. The trident though, killed Sudheet. Shiva realised his gross mistake and offered to revivify him, but Sudheet preferred to lay down his life in the hands of Lord Shiva himself. Affected by his devotion, Shiva prefixed his name to the place forever and the broken trident in three pieces can still be seen installed in the Sudh Mahadev temple.