Cave temple at GAURIKUND
Posted on 28/05/2017 by
Daily excelsior
Brief note on Holy Place GAURI KUND
While travelling by road
from Chenani to Sudhmahadev, a tiny village Gaurikund falls at a distance of 20
Kms. There are few shops on both sides of the road mainly dealing with
vegetable trade.
The residents of the
surrounding villages grow vegetables in huge quantity and supply to Udhampur
market for sale through these shops. One has to walk through steep slopes
stairs about one Km to reach the abode of Goddess Parvati. A holy stream
Charnavati having crystal clear water is flowing by the side of temple which is
called Gaurikund Devika by the locals The spot has captivating scenic view
blessed with natural bounties. The temple is located at the foothills of
Shivgarh mount which remains misty in monsoon and snowy in winters. The
spiritual surroundings and scenic charms of Gaurikund have irresistible
attraction. Scintillating beauty of two long Chinar trees planted by a local
late Padam Nabh increase dazzling beauty and charm of the place. After walking
over the steps, one feels the necessity to relax under the shadow of these big
trees but no platform around has been constructed which is a foremost
necessity. The natural water gushes out underneath a rock and get stored in a
tank called “Gaurikund”. The entire village has received this name based on
this kund. The embodiment of divine knowledge and mother of the world Parvati
is said to have bathed in this kund and carried out meditations in near by cave
which has a narrow entrance called as garbhjoon. One has to enter by crawling.
However other door has also been provided for. A temple was constructed over
this cave. The credit of constructing temple goes to Ch Ram Dass of Chenani who
gave it the present shape long back. The idols of Goddess Parvati are installed
in the temple.
There is a tube type passage
from within the temple cave which grows narrower as one proceeds further. Other
end destination remains untraceable. It is stated by the locals that a sadhu
entered this tunnel cave passage long back but did not return. This incident
compelled the locals to block the entrance of this passage so as to avoid
further recurrences of such incidents.
In fact there are many
natural caves in the surrounding area of Gaurikund. There is a pocket of uneven
land to the western side of Gaurikund known as “Khua phat” which means a place
of caves in Dogri language. There is also a natural cave at Budhi sudh to its
eastern direction. A big cave also exists at Madhalat (Bachhal) in the south
direction.
There are some other famous
spots named as Gaurikund at other places e.g. Gaurikund on the way to
Manimahesh (HP) where devotees going to Manimahesh receive holy bath at
Gaurikund. The other Gaurikund exists 8 miles before reaching
Kedarnath(Uttarakhand) where there are two tanks one of hot water and other of
cold water also known as Amritkund. These Gaurikunds are also intrinsically
related to Shiva-Parvati. According to scriptures and mythological beliefs
Goddess Parvati performed intense austerities for a long time at various places
in different spells. The Goddess is believed to have been born at Mantalai– a
recarnation of her previous life as Sati. Goddess Parvati was desirous of
becoming the spouse of lord Shiva. Maharishi Narda had also suggested Parvati
to perform meditations to persuade lord Shiva to accept her as spouse. Parvati
intended to leave her parental house for forests so that she could undergo
penance involving ascetic and yogic practices to win over the Shiva’s heart.
According to myths and legends, she carried out initial tapasya at Gaurikund
(Sudhmahadev). She usually bathed at Gaurikund and carried out meditations in a
cave and also offered water on self manifested Shiva lingum at Sudhmahadev.
There are more than hundred names available for Parvati in scriptures.
_________________________________
MANDIR DUSSALLA
A place of vedic learning
Posted on 23/04/2017 by
Daily excelsior
Brief note on Holy Place MANDIR DUSSALA
Chenani is one of the main
principalities among the erstwhile twenty two Duggar states. Chenani was
subordinated to Mughals, Lahore and afterwards to Jammu. The ruling clan came
from Chanderi(Bundel khand) during 9th century. The name of the town also seems
to be driven from the word ‘Chanderi’. The small town has a long history of its
glory and turbulence. Its ruling dynasty is said to be one of the oldest in India having ruled
uninterrupted for fifty two generations from about 850 AD to 1947 AD. The
ruling clan belonged to Chanderwanshi
lineage descended from famous king Shishupal.
The kings of Chenani have
constructed many temples at various places. Shiva temple of Mandir Dushalla is
one of the famous temples so constructed by them. There was a Pathshalla
(school) and a Gaushalla (cowshed) and thus, being two shallas, the place was
named as Dushalla. The Vedic education was imparted at this place during
ancient times. The contention has the support of revenue records and some old
books. The other myth prevailing among the locals is that when wedding
procession of Lord Shiva passed through this place on the way to Mantalai,
incidentally Dushalla (shawl) of Lord Shiva fell down so the place acquired the name Dushalla and
after the construction of temple became
Mandir Dushalla.
A track from Chenani leads
to Mandir Dushalla along the Tawi river
side.Mandir Dushalla is an
intermediate spot and track passes
through villages Khandiri, Bain and leads to Sudhmahadev. Presently, the road
links are also available for Mandir Dushalla.
Sudhmahadev mela probably
falls during the month of June each year. People from North West villages of
Chenani and also from faraway places walk over the track. People move in groups
during night enjoying the coolness of full moon. The track is the only shortcut
walking route to Sudhmahadev.
The distance by road is
twenty five kilometers from Chenani. Many people used to halt for rest or
cooking food at Mandir Dushalla. Some arrangements were also made by Chenani
king long back. The singing of Dogri folk songs by the groups of men, women and
children had its own charm. It left an indelible impression on the minds of the
listeners.
When one group sang a song,
the group following would listen to it, as and when the former completed the
song the latter would start in response and so on the continuity never broke
throughout the night.
The poetic greatness was
abundance in the folk songs. The songs lived up to the height of lyricism in
Dogri language. Of course, no rhymed meters had been followed but each line
ended with the words “Lachhiye” or “Goiriye” thus producing a natural rhythm.
The melodious songs were not only in the praise of woman but also reflected spirit
of Dogra Culture. The frequent use of similes and metaphors was assimilated in
the rhyming couplets. Bhajans in praise of Lord Shiva were also sung by the
groups, the clapping would supplement
the impact.
When one turns left from the main track, a few yards away, after
walking over a paved path, the temple of Lord Shiva is seen amidst the big trees. The temple, facing
south, is constructed over a plinth of three feet height from ground level. On
the left side of temple, there is an accommodation for pujari. On north west
side of main temple an old covered Bauli exists. Some murals can also be seen along the walls of Bauli. There
is one small temple existing behind the Bauli. Two pindis are placed inside the
small temple. On the rear wall, a stone
made dog head has been fixed on the outer surface. A legend popular among
locals in this connection states that
once when the queen of Chenani king was pregnant, the king got attracted to
some other lady and married with her. The pregnant queen started living
separately.
__________________________________
Heritage village Mantalai
Posted on 4/08/2013 by
Daily excelsior
Brief note on Holy Place
MANTALAI.
Mantalai is located at a
distance of 128 km from Jammu and 8 km east of famous Sudhmahadev Shiva shrine
on Chenani-Dudu road Lat 33.04 long 75.27 elev 1620 M. It is a small heritage
village of sheer scenic beauty, blessed with the natural bounties, dwelt on a
panoramic location. The village is bound by young fold Shivgarh mountain ranges
to its North East and river Tawi down below in the South. The tops of mountains
remain snow capped in winters and misty in monsoons. The Sudhmahadev shrine is
barely visible in the West.
There exists a Shiva-Parvati
temple popularly known as Aparneshwar Mahadev. There are two stone engraved
images in the temple, Parvati alone and other Parvati-Mahadev (combine).
Dharamarth Trust has also installed two more black stone idols of Shiva-Parvati
few years back. There is big holy pond full of water provided with cement
flooring tiles and designed protective fencing located at the western part of
the temple. The devotees visit the temple through out the year but heavy rush
is noticed during Malmas Sundays. The devotees receive holy bath in pond. A big
hall with roofing of Corrugated Galvanized Iron sheets have been recently
constructed by the locals for stay of devotees and organizing Bhandaras.
During the early years of
8th century AD, Chandervanshi king Harihar Chand of Chanderi (MP) belonging to
Shishupal dynasty, along with his four sons and some soldiers visited
Jwalamukhi to pay obeisance to Jawalamata. He had to face a coupe with Kangra
king. Harihar Chand and Kangra king were killed in action. His four sons
captured Bilaspur, Nalagarh, Sarhind and surroundings. Gambhir Chand known for
bravery and fighting skills became the ruler of Bilaspur. Mantalai was then the
capital of a small principality ruled by a Megh king who was attacked and
tortured frequently by Ranas. Brave acts and justice delivered by Prince
Gambhir Chand was gaining fame in the region. Mantalai king sought his help
against Ranas. Gambhir Chand defeated the Ranas and forced them to leave the
area. He established his capital at Mantalai and later on shifted to Chenani
when his territory was expanded.
A legend having Puranic
support states that Goddess Parvati in her previous life was the daughter of
Dakshaprajapati and was married with lord Shiva. She was immensely annoyed for
not inviting lord Shiva in a Yajna performed by her father. Goddess entered the
spot where the Yajna was being held (Accordimg to scriptures the place of yajna
is believed to be at Namisharnya in Sitapur District of Uttar Pardesh). She
committed Sati by jumping into the burning fire of Havankund. Sati’s
recarnation commenced by taking birth as a daughter of Mountain king and queen
Maina at Mantalai. Goddess is also known by the names Parvati, Gouri, Uma,
Aparna etc. They were three sisters namely Aparna(eldest), Ekaparna, and
Ekapatala (Lingum Mahapuran 101/6-7). Parvati worshipped Lord Shiva so as to
receive the blessings of Lord to fulfill her desire to marry with Shiva. Her
marriage with Lord Shiva was solemnized at Mantalai. The Havankund at a later
stage turned to be a small pond named after her mother Maina. It is believed
that long back when there was no rain for a long time, locals gathered to start
cleaning of small pond (Talai), they found ashes also alongwith mud. The spring
water came out and took the shape of a big pond. Thus, the Maina Talai happened
to be called Mantalai in later days. The unique thing about Mantalai of
archeological interest is that there existed a hillock of red earthenware and
terra cotta. There were numerous layers of earthen pots. If any pot found by
the locals at site, was preserved in houses assuming it a symbol of prosperity.
Presently only broken pots are found since the site was excavated with
machinery for land leveling.
__________________________________
Venisangam, the Prayag of
Duggar
Posted on 22/01/2017 by
Dailyexcelsior
Brief Note on Holy Place
VENISANGAM
Confluence of holy rivers is
treated sacred according to Puranic literature. It is believed that a holy dip at sangams eradicates the sins
committed during life time. Allahabad (Prayag) is not only confluence of Ganga
and Yamuna but of Saraswati, a sacred river as well which has since disappeared. The devotees all over the country and abroad
throng to have a bath at the Sangam. Heavy rush is noticed during kumbh melas.
According to Neelmat puran,
Dharamotra Puran, Ashtadhya and Mahabhashya the rivers flowing through Madra
Desh are very holy. These rivers are mentioned as Devika, Iravati Taushi,
Chanderbhaga, Vipasha, Bhidya, Udya etc. The region between Ravi and Chenab
rivers was known as Poorav Madra. Madras in fact was a Khatriya clan who also
participated in Mahabharata battle and on their name the region was called as
Madrdesh. Devika originates from Shivgarh mount in the back drop of Sudhmahadev
with small streams Mahishwari, Sahasrdhara
and Charnavati joining it.. Flowing through Hardwar it joins Tawi at Venisangh. Tawi also known as
Tau, Tawishi, Toshi originates from Kalikund. According to Neelmat Pruan and
other legends ‘Toshi Toshit Bhaskara’ Tawi is also known as Suryaputri. One
more stream known as Bharathari originates from the top of Kolasar hill. They
all join together at Venisang.
To its north east side is located the village Sara with few residential houses and
fertile fields. The village is located
in the vicinity of Venisang. Venisang
village is nested smugly at the foot of a hill amidst the incredible beautiful
fields. There are only three residential houses and a shop at Venisang but
existence of eight conventional water mills are much fascinating. They are
arranged in such a sequence that water utilized by one can be passed on to
other and so on. The flour ground by watermills is very favorite to local
residents. Despite availability of electricity operated Chakki in each village,
they prefer to carry grain bags on shoulders and come to flour mill on foot.
According to the local residents, the
flour of water mills is tasty and easily
digestible. Venisang is also connected by road with Chenani. The distance is
nine kilometers and some portion of road has not been black topped.
There has been a tremendous
change in the status of Venisang during past forty years. There existed a
Narsingh temple and a Shiva temple at that time but there has been lot of
change and improvement in infrastructure facilities. The construction of road,
Sarai, bridge and many temples have changed the position.
In the western portion of
Venisang, the temples are situated in the order from left to right. That first
in the order comes Shiv-Parvati temple. The temple is old and idols of
Shiv-Parvati carved on stone slab are in
the temple. The temple is east faced. A shiv lingum is also inside small temple. Two stone carved bulls are also out side the door of temple on a concrete
basement. The next is a covered space provided with a Havan Kund. In the
sequence comes old temple of Narsingh in which idol of God Narsingh is shown as
catching the Hirankashyap on his
thighs. The idol is carved on a stone
slab with a fine art of carving. Below the idol of Narsingh, shaligrams are
arranged in three rows. The puja articles such as bell, water pot , dhoop,
flowers, etc. are systematically kept in
a copper plate so as to perform puja ritually. Next to Narsingh temple exists a big hall provided with two doors
called Sarai. Some cooking utensils and ration is stored in this Sarai so as to
arrange Bhandara at intervals. Sarai is south faced and adjacent to it is a hall that
has been constructed by a devotee to facilitate the devotees. Next to
Sarai is a small temple of God
Satnarayana; the idol of God Satnarayana exist inside the temple.
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Spotlight on Sudhmahadev
Posted on 5/03/2017 by Daily
excelsior
The 136-pages book on
Sudhmahadev.
“Sudhmahadev: Ek Parchey” in
Hindi authored by Ayodhya Nath Kerni is an interesting and informative work on
the famous spiritual spot in Chenani area of Udhampur district. This place with
an old temple of Lord Shiva known as Sudhmahadev attracts many devotees
throughout the year but there is a big gathering on the occasion of three-day annual Sudhmahadev Fair Thousands of people gather from the area around and far away places to
celebrate the festival. Suitable arrangements for transport, accommodation are made and special religious and cultural
functions held.
This book gives an elaborate
and authentic account of the spiritual significance of this holy abode of Lord
Shiva and his consort Parvati, situated in the sublime scenic splendour with
salubrious climate in the green forest hills. Adjoining is the famous Mantalai
resort which was developed by Yogguru
late Dharendra Swami, which added to the attraction of this place. The
main Shiva temple with Gaurikund and many other attractions of religious
importance are the major sites for the visitors. This place is being maintained
and managed by the Dharmarth Trust Council headed by Dr Karan Singh.
Scenic Spot
There are 23 chapters
devoted to different aspects of this famous holy place giving details of
important features of the main Shiva temple, its spiritual significance and
many other surrounding sites. The social and cultural life of the people in
this area has also been highlighted by the writer in this book. Each chapter
gives specific information about its religious, social and historical
importance. A prayer to Lord Shiva is one with which the book begins and also a
background note by the author pens the context and motivation for writing the
accurate account of this prestigious
pilgrim-cum-tourist place in Jammu region of J&K State.
Spiritual Significance
The writer of this book has
certainly undertaken an uphill task by consulting old records, going through
the voluminous religious works, numerous visits to the sites, studying the
major features of art and architecture of this spiritual temple and also the-
adjoining places of religious importance. The writer, it amply appears to me,
is a devotee who has put in a lot of
hard work to gather information and old traditions as also prayers to Lord Shiva. The writer has
devoted one chapter on drawing meaning of the “Takari, Sharda and other
scripts” which have not been deciphered so far. It is worthwhile
to mention that Mr Kerni has contributed a lot in highlighting this religious
place which has also full potential for tourism development. If fully tapped
this spiritual place with immense natural charm holds key for socio-economic
transformation of this part of the State.
Valuable Book
It is worthwhile to mention
that some colour photographs of the main temple, surrounding places of
religious importance, works of art and architect add to the value of this book.
Undoubtedly, the readers shall definitely go through this small book with pleasure
and profit. It is a must reading book for those interested about the Jammu and
Kashmir as part of the ancient and great spiritual heritage. Mr Kerni has
rendered a useful service to the society and opened many aspects of this
pilgrim centre and a tourist spot. When suitable infrastructural facilities are
provided and well-publicized and aptly-managed circuits built up there is very
vast scope of attracting thousands of pilgrims and tourists to charming
Sudhmahadev and other adjoining spots. This book is worth the price and time
spent on it and many readers should keep it as a prized possession.
______________________________________________
Hardwar in Duggar Land
Posted on 1/11/2015 by Daily
excelsior
Brief note on Holy place HARDWAR.
There is a magnificent and
tranquil spot of serene ambience with spiritual surroundings located between
Sudhmahadev and Benisangh in tehsil Chenani of District Udhampur called as
Hardwar. ‘Har’ means Lord Shiva and ‘Dwar’ denotes the door. Thus, Hardwar is a
gate way to the abode of lord Shiva at Sudhmahadev. Due to non existence of
road link from Chenani to Sudhmahadev in earlier days there was only bridle
track passing through Mandir Dushalla, Khandiri, Bain, Hardwar and Sudhmahadev.
The same track was used for ponies to shift the articles from Chenani to
Sudhmahadev and vice versa. There was an orchard of apples at village Bain
owned by Chenani king on the both sides of track but now a days there is no
orchard etc. The status of land has been changed to agriculture land and
presently it is under the possession of other cultivators.
Man becomes prey of
imperfection due to ignorance and comits sins. The sages of yore turned their
gaze inward and studied the inner universe that existed within every one of us.
In that quest they were successful in not only understanding the inner but also
the outer world. Hardwar is a point where our seers realized consciousness
through meditation in the ancient times. Our seers discerned clearly all causes
of disturbance of life. Serenity of intellect gave them knowledge of ultimate
truth. Prior to construction of Shiva temple at Hardwar seers used to carry out
penance at this point and lived merely
in thatched huts. They had the insatiable desire to attain ecstasy and bliss by
purifying the mind. They gained veritable knowledge with tapasya at this place.
This spot remained suitable for penance through the ages.
There are stone carved
statues of lord Hanuman and lord Bhairva on the
both sides of entrance door of the temple. An inscription also existed
on the door but due to continuous application of paint it is defaced in such a
way to be illegible. The temple is located among the groves of long trees and
place is quite secluded. The Holy Devika stream is flowing little below the
site of temple. There is quite a big Hanuman statue carved on a boulder on the
bank of Devika, The backdrop of Hardwar is connected with the Chenani kings.
Shamsher Chand was a brave
king of Chenani Principality. He was in possession of a triumph indicating
sword held with the family since times of king Ram Chand I who died in 1610 AD.
The sword was made of iron piece of the trident held at Sudhmahadev temple.
King Shamsher Chand supported Ram Dev son of Ranjit Dev and followed him while
launching an attack on king of Kangra. Prithvi Chand Nurpuria son-in-law of
Ranjit Dev also accompanied them. They won the Kangra aggression. Shamsher Chand
was on way back to Chenani and halted in a camp. He was busy in routine prayers
and Nurpuria stabbed him to death and ran away with the sword. Nurpuria being
his ally in aggression the forces of Shamsher Chand never doubted his
integrity. This incident took place in 1763 AD.
Shamsher Chand had four sons
out of his two queens namely Kishore Chand-Jhagar Chand, Bahadur Chand and Badan Chand. Kishore Chand
became the king of Chenani being the eldest son, after his death his son Teg
Chand became the king. He had only a daughter and no sons further. After his
death at an early age his widow queen wished to coronate her daughter on the
throne of Chenani. She was supported by Vasudev Chand son of Badan Chand but
Dayal Chand son of Jhagar Chand objected it. There was a bloody fight in the
family and Vasudev Chand was killed by Dayal Chand. Dayal Chand was coronated in 1798 AD and
ruled Chenani till his death in 1853 AD. His rule for a long period of 55 years
was mixture of glories and miseries for Chenani. Few important events are
mentioned here under.
Ahmed Shah Durani attacked
Punjab in 1762
POSTED BY :-
BRAHMAN SABHA J&K.
