Rajinder Chand Anthal
Towards east of Sudhmahadev Town, there is a fresh water Bowli called Papnashni. The name Papnashni is self-explanatory of its religious importance. In the public faith it is held that a Holy Bath in Papnashni Bowli is believed to absolve people of their sins.
As per tradition going on from centuries the devotees of Lord Shiva first take Holy Bath in Papnashni Bowli and then perform Pooja in Shri Shool Panishwar Shiv Ji Maharaj Temple Sudhmahadev to seek blessings of Supreme God of the universe. Papnashni Bowli is one of the important Tiraths for Holy Bath during the performance of Panjtirthi rituals by individuals seeking ‘Atonement’ against the ill effects of ‘Hatya’ if some domestic animal dies in tied position or likewise. People of the area say that Raja Karan of Mahabharata period had also visited Sudhmahadev in connection with Panjtirthi ritual and took Holy Bath in Papnashni Bowli. Bhagat Praladh is also said to have visited Sudhmahadev via Benisang for Holy Bath in Devika and Papnashni Bowli during his pilgrimage to the land of Lord Shiva. The Pandavas have also visited Sudhmahadev during the period of ‘Agayatvas’ and stayed in agriculture land near Papnashni Bowli. This piece of land is considered sacred till now under the name ‘Pandav Ser’. Great Kashyap Rishi worshipped in this area for thousands of years to bring Holy Devika Rivulet in Duggar land area of Sudhmahadev to wash the sins of inhabitants of this area. In this way goddess Parvati took avtar under the name of ‘Devika’ and Lord Shiva promised her that wherever Holy Devika will flow on earth, there will be a temple of Lord Shiva.
Another Maharishi Ved Vyasa also worshipped in upper reaches of Sudhmahadev at an isolated and enchanting place called Budhi-Sudhi and wrote many religious books there. All these great saints of the past were the regular visitors of Sudhmahadev for Holy Bath in Devika and Papnashni Bowli. This Bowli is also linked with another socio-cultural tradition of Mitri. The people of Duggar land visiting Sudhmahadev during Mela, especially newlyweds perform Mitri with other unknown fellow pilgrims by exchanging sweets after Holy Bath in Papnashni Bowli. The people of all walks of life follow this practice and maintain the relation of Mitri like real brothers and sisters during their life time. They note down address of each other and remain emotionally connected with each other. This practice continues till date. Lastly Papnashni Bowli is the source of fresh drinking water to entire population of Sudhmahadev and nearby areas.
Papnashni Bowli is said to be existing in Sudhmahadev from the ancient times. It was renovated many times. Elders say that earlier this bowli was made of long and heavy slabs of stones. With the passage of time the slabs had developed cracks in the walls with leakage of water everywhere. So a local rich man named Mannu Shah Paroach of Sudhmahadev got this Bowli constructed in its present form some hundreds years ago.
It is South faced Bowli. The source of water is natural. On the backside of Bowli there are rice fields extending upto base of Dhar Shivgarh mountain. In front of the Bowli there is a Chinar tree enclosed in a high and spacious platform. The construction of Bowli is unique. In this connection it is pertinent to mention that this type of bowli architecture is rare and unique in entire Duggar land. The bowli is the outcome of a well thought of plan which has been executed by very skilled hands with due aesthetic considerations. The ‘Nadda’ is lion mouth shaped installed on a long pillar with Lotus base. Three walls of the bowli on the East, North and West side are high enough whereas wall towards South side is low in height. There is water outlet on the right side of this wall. All the walls are made of local chiseled stones. The top end of all the walls are wide enough for sitting purpose comfortably. Locals say that two artisans from Purmandal were specially called for the construction of Papnashni Bowli. Their names were Prema and Nathu. They were expert in the art of stone carving. They were assisted by a local artisan named Ram Chander who was Rajput by caste belonging to Chorat area of Sudhmahadev. One gets wonderstruck to see the stone carved idols of gods on the walls of this Bowli. It seems the stone carving work has been done with great dedication taking care of even minute aspects of images of Gods as after decades of construction and rough handling these idols appear live as if they want to speak. In the main front wall from where water comes out, there are stone carved images of Ram Darbar, Ganesh, Matsaya Avtar, Vishnu, Parshu Ram and Dharam Raj. The left wall contains the images of Varaha Avtar, Kashyap Avtar and Shiv Parvati, whereas on the right side wall there are images of Narsing Avtar, Kalki Avtar, and Jagan Nath Swami.
This description of images of gods is subject to further verification by experts.
The size of the Bowli is wide and spacious. The central point of the Bowli has a deep ‘Kund’. All the stairs are well planned having entry from both the sides for a comfortable bath. During the Sudhmahadev Mela there is great rush of pilgrims to this Bowli where the Holy Bath starts in very early hours of the day. Some government departments have done unnecessary tampering on the Bowli which should be avoided on these heritage sites. With the passage of time and due to rough handling by the locals using soaps and detergents for daily washing of clothes as well as due to harsh climatic condition and natural upheavals etc., this most important heritage site needs immediate repair and renovation. By keeping its unique architecture, historical and religious importance in view, J&K Government should declare this Bowli as protected monument and skilled repair and renovation be initiated to safeguard further destruction of this bowli.
(The author is former Zonal Education Officer, Chenani)
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