Ayodhya Nath Kerni
Devaknagri is dedicated to Lord Shiva in view of flowing of sacred streams Devika and Doodhganga on its one side. The frequent reference of Devika is traced in Holy Scriptures. The Devaknagri is also known as ‘Udhampur’, a city and District Headquarters; named after Udham Singh, the eldest son of Maharaja Gulab Singh. After the death of Ranjit Singh, Maharaja of Lahore, on 27 June 1839, Kharrak Singh, eldest son ascended to throne. He was dethroned on 08 Oct 1839 by his other son Nau Nihal Singh. Kharrak Singh died on 05 Oct 1840. Nau Nihal Singh and many other courtiers after the conclusion of funeral rites were passing through the northern gate of Hazuri Bagh; the arch of gate suddenly caved in. Stone slabs and masonry tumbled down causing serious injuries to them. Udham Singh died on the spot. Nau Nihal Singh succumbed to head injuries was cremated a day later when his father’s ashes were still smouldering.
Udhampur city was founded by Maharaja Gulab Singh who was immensely attached with the sanctity of Shiva temple and the Devika. He had decided to name the city as Udhampur to keep alive the name of his martyred son. Udhampur is located at 66 Km. from Jammu on Srinagar road at Lat 33 ? 55 ? long 75 ? 11 ? elevation 2500?.
The Shiva temple is located at the western bank of Devika in between the area of streams Devika and Doodhganga above their joining point. There are many legends discussed among the locals about the construction of Shiva temple. The population of the area was not as dense as now. The area along both the banks of Devika was being used as meadow for grazing the cattle of villagers residing around. There were bushes, trees and grass all around. A story is common among locals that a cow usually stood over an Ap Shambhu local stone Shiva lingum and milk poured from its teats over the Lingum. The Shiva lingum was held among the bushes and incidentally an innocuous shepherd took a notice of the amazing scene while peeping through a bush. He informed locals about this miraculous event seen by his own eyes. The locals gathered together and built a stone temple around the self manifested Shiva Lingum. The puja of Shiva Lingum was started since that very day.
It is also believed that Shiva temple have received repairs and renovations from time to time in the past. The opinions are divided about the construction of temple and so are the legends due to non availability of authentic evidence. Some locals state that Shiva temple was constructed by King Veni Dutt. Some do believe that Rana kings who happened to be the rulers of region long back have constructed the temple. The leading belief is that it was reconstructed by Chenani Kings about five hundred years back. The Chenani kings were constructing temples within their own Principality and even outside during that period. They were doing so to seek clemency and forgiveness of Lord Shiva for the committed sin of killing a pregnant fox. They also used the symbol of fox on so constructed temples. The stone made fox head even exists today over the temple door just above the Shiva image. The extensive repairs of the temple were also carried out during 1943 by a devotee which included external plastering and marble flooring etc.
In the compound many stone sculpted statuette depicting the images of Ganesh, Bhairav Shiva and other gods are arranged in rows. There are many lingums of different sizes and designs inside the main temple complex and even outside along the western bank of Devika. Inside the main gate of temple on left hand side Shiva lingum are arranged in a row on a covered platform along the boundary wall of temple. On the right hand side of the entrance there is a round the clock burning Dhooni held in the verandah. There is a standing Samadhi of Sidh Pani Nath Mehant, near the temple and dhooni. Three other samadhis of Sunder Nath Mehant, Raj Nath Mehant and Shiv Nath Mehant are also existing in the compound. The linage of ordained priests changed after the death of Shiv Nath Mehant and the present Pujari of the temple is Madan Lal son-in-law of Raj Nath Mehant.
Presently only one hand bell with clapper is available with the inscription ‘Shri Ganeshay Namah’ in Devnagri. Some other characters are also found inscribed though not deciphered. The composition of the artifact is also not known probably the alloy of cast iron and some other metals. The lower round border of the bell has since been damaged and disintegrated.
There are many baulis available along both the banks of Devika. The water of two baulis is being utilized exclusively for puja purposes and other two being used for bathing by the devotees. The other baulis are located little away from main Shiva temple. A considerable number of water taps are also provided for the convenience of devotees. There has been a covered ghat available for ladies on a bauli. There are large numbers of Banyan trees held in the area. These trees are worshipped by the devotees with the belief that divine beings manifest as Banyan trees.
On the eastern part of Devika there is a Panch Mukhi Hanuman temple constructed in 1966 where five faced idol of Hanuman has been installed. Some rooms are also attached to the temple being used by Pujaris. On back side of Hanuman temple a Satnarayan small temple has been constructed on the first floor and provided with steps from outside.
There is a Narsingh temple located in the eastern part of Devika. All the land available in eastern part is annexed to Narsingh temple. There are cremation ghats located below the Narsingh Temple and its opposite bank also. The ghats are held below the confluence of Devika and Doodhganga. A bridge also exists to provide road link to eastern part from National Highway. The sheds are available in order to carry out the cremation of dead bodies.
It is said that once upon a time there lived a demon who was indiscriminately torturing and killing the residents of the area. Sidh Pani Nath controlled the satanic spirits of the devil with his divine powers and accepted to offer him one dead body a day provided he stops killing the innocent. The demon had to agree the proposal and killings of the residents were stopped immediately.
The relics of dead bodies are immersed in the Holy water of Devika. The burnt remains are not taken away to any other sacred place such as Haridwar etc as in the case of funeral procession commenced at other locations. Despite availability of very little water in Devika; the remains of the dead disappear naturally. As many pyres of dead are burnt at this ghat each day but remains do not accumulate. This is viewed as miracle of Lord Shiva and no where else noticed in the country. The soul of the departed are believed to have received salvation after funeral rites are completed at this ghat. Bathing and donations at this place are also considered Holy.
In the eastern bank of Devika in addition to temples, baulis, sheds, ghat etc. there is a plain ground brought into use on special occasions such as Baisakhi festival etc. Path to walk over ground and steps to link road vis-à-vis city are provided with antiskid chequered tiles from three points. In the northern portion of eastern part of Devika; Dharamshala and havelis existed long back which were ruined with the ravages of time. The ground was leveled and after cutting a big boulder stone a Shiva lingum have been designed in open. Its height from ground level is 7 feet with 15 feet circumference. Besides skillfully modeled two Shiva idols some other models are also erected in this portion of plain ground.
A seventy one feet high concrete statue of Lord Shiva has been constructed recently. Lord Shiva is postured standing on a big platform of rocks with a long trident kept in hand. The platform has been given a round shape and a half cut tree has also been shown in the back side of statue. The colour applied is also very attractive. Expert engaged to work on the project hailed from Birla Pilani(Rajasthan). The statue could be viewed even from the long distance owing to huge size and long height. This is likely to increase the potential of heritage tourism in Devak Nagri. Since Shiva temple popularly known as Kameshwar is also remembered for fulfilling of desires of devotees. Recent construction of Shiva statue in the area has generated Shaivite thoughts among devotees to attain the state of bliss besides other multi aspects.
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