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.
