HC Katoch
hc.katoch@gmail.com
The series of articles on Surya Putri in the past started from the last destination i.e. at the end of Jammu soil at village Thub where it merges with Chanderbhaga (Chenab) and enters Pakistan and described all the aspects ranging from heritage sites, temples of different Devi Devtas of Sanatan established/constructed at different periods of time, historical monuments to the surrounding environment and potential of the land and people settled on the banks of this sacred river. Our journey covered the distance of 90 Kms to touch Chenani which is the next starting point where we left our description. This town has importance from different angles ranging from throne of the erstwhile kings whose dynasty was stated to have ruled for 52 generations to the pristine places of worship.
A film named Jani Dushman shooting was also held here showing its importance from natural hill station and a royal destination. Quite sometimes back the palace caught fire and burnt. It was spread over 20 Kanals of land which is partly encroached and partly under Government occupation where now the office of Tehsildar functions. The river touches the boundaries of this town. There is a temple known as “Do Shalla” near Besti village about 4 Kms from the Chenani Sudhmahadev road. There is a vatika ( small garden) well maintained which remains loaded with flowers all the year round. On the left side of this temple the road further connects Kedarnath Temple of importance as it is linked to Shiv Bhagwan which was constructed by King Shashi Pal being 16th in the lineage of 52 kings of Chenani royal dynasty.
The folktales of Do Shalla temple are interesting. Barat of Shiv ji while on way to Man Talai stayed near a place named Binising. While leaving this place Odni (Shall/gown) of Shiv ji was left here. The name of the place was drawn from the combination of two and named as Do-Shalla. The other folk tale narrates this again a combination of two:- Goshalla existed with Pathshalla at this place. However, Shiv ji’s stay is the main focus which makes this place pious and worth visiting in the memory of the Divine presence of Shiv Bhagwan. The other temples of importance in the time of kings relate to some incidents of that time. Once the queen of Shashi Pal got annoyed with him and left the Palace accompanied with a pet dog. She was pregnant at that time. She started living at Do Shalla. She after sometime breathed her last and the pet dog too died. Raj Purohits and wise men of that time declared it a sin for the king. He was asked for atonement. For this, he was advised to build eleven kundli Shivlings. Accepting this ordain, the King acted and got constructed the temple with these Shivlings on the right bank of Suryaputri. There is another temple nearby where a bowly also exits. Here there are two idols, one representing the queen and other of her son.
The dog is in the form of a Mohra which is carved on the stone. The banks of Suryapuri are inhabited by various villages on both sides. These are Danas, Raji, Danove, Satoge, Dadat, SaroreBanj, and Nagulta. On left side while on the right side are Sandal, Pakhal, Banisang, Badansu and Doshalla to mention a few. Chenani is linked with Sudh Mahadev and Mantalai at a distance of about 15 Kms and further seven Kms respectively. In this mission Narendar Sharma President PEACE Organisation accompanied us in this venture (who is active in projecting Tawi Darshan since 2017). Our journey shall remain incomplete if these two places are left without description being the faith of lacs of devotees.
Surya Putri also remains blessed because of Shiv Parvati association at Sudhmahadev site and Gourikund, where Parvati Devi did intense tapasya. These places are the source of attraction for the pilgrims.
Saints, following Shaiva culture visit Gouri kund to seek blessings of Ma Parvati. At Sudhmahadev, the trident of Shiv Bhagwan that killed the demon Sudhanshu exists and this alloy of metal is still not known. Killing of the demon was as a result of Parvati’s request as the demon was disturbing her during her tapasya period. There is one stone named Rudri that emits golden light in it when it faces the rays of the sun. Someone stole this miraculous stone and he lost his eyesight.
He had to return it to the temple to get his eyesight restored. There had been such other incidents and after punishment they returned the stone. This stone is now kept under lock in the temple premises. Only those knowing about this stone request the Pujari to exhibit it. The next spot in our journey comes Man Talai where the Government has spent over Rs. 85 crores for creating infrastructure for Yog sadhna. It is now termed as International Yog center. This was the dream of erstwhile Dhirendar Brahamchari who happened to be the Yog Guru of our Late Prime Minister Indra Ji.
The author is Director Planning J&K Govt. (Retd)
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