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The town of Chanhani, located in the western part of the Jammu
holds special significance as it houses a great piece of art - the
Sacred Temple of Sudh Mahadev. Chaudhari Ramdas of Chanhani and
his son Chaudhari Parag Mahajan constructed the temple about 80
years ago. Shri Masu Shahane of Sudh Mahadev did the construction
of the entrance door of the temple of Sudh Mahadev, an esteemed
place of worship for devotees of Lord Shiva.
This holy spot near Patnitop is situated at an altitude of 1225
mtrs, about 120 kms from Jammu, the city of ancient temples. The
shrine is visited by pilgrims on the full moon night of "Saawan"
(July-August) to worship the "Trishul" (trident) and a
mace which is said to belong to Lord Shiva. The Devak stream originates
at Sudh Mahadev and disappears among the rocks a few kilometres
down stream. During the month of July and August, a fair is held
here with 3 days of music, singing and dancing. This divine place
is situated at a distance of 8 kms from Kud or Patnitop.
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.
Infact 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.
Near Sudh Mahadev is the legendary spring where the Goddess Parvati
used to bath before commencing her daily prayers at Sudh Mahadev.
This spring came to be named after her as 'Gauri Kund'.
A few Kilometers further away from Sudh Mahadev, is Mantalai,
a place surrounded by lush deodar forests, at an altitude
of over 2000 metres. It is believed that Lord Shiva got married
to Goddess Parvati at this place.
Make a visit to these holy places to have a feel of Nirvana. | 
