STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: On the auspicious third Savan Monday of Shravan month, “Bhajan Sandhya” colourful religious songs fully devoted to Lord Shiva & Goddess Pravati was organized in the premises of ancient Panjvaktra Mahadev Temple, here on Monday evening.
Keeping in view the importance of pious Shravan month, the management of the Temple headed by Administrator, Suresh Sharma has decided to organize Bhajan Sandhya programme on every Monday of this auspicious month as a regular feature.
As part of celebration of Sawan Mahotsav, Pankaj Pradhan and Rakesh Kalotra renowned classical singers, sons of soil enthralled the devotees with spiritual bliss by rendering Bhajans of Lord Shiva & His consort Parvati with a fleet of musicians on the occasion.
The people of Jammu city which is popularly known as city of Temples, turned up in large number to witness this colourful programme,f irst ever being held in the current Sarvan Month. The devout women out numbered men in witnessing this programme.
Besides stranded devotees of Shri Amarnath Yatra also thronged in large number to witness programme to make religious environment all around. Panjvakta Mahadev Mandir is one of the oldest Temple of Jammu city wherein the “Lingam” applets in self manifested form (Aap Shambu).
The shrine is located in the heart of city and is also famous as “Rupay Wala Mandir”.
As per legends Adi Shankracharya had stayed here during his visit to Jammu. Guru Nanak Dev to had visited this Mandir and stayed there for 3 days.
The then king of Jammu, Raja Khokhar Dev visited Guru Nanak Dev at this Mandir along with his queen and entourage to seek his blessing Guru expounded to him their discourse of “Rajdaram” .
The historic “Ber” tree under which the discourse was delivered still stands and remains forever blooming throughout the year and his highly revered.
Raja Ranjit Dev during his rule around 1751 constructed the Temple in a big way. Raja Pratap Singh a devout Hindu got covered whole of the “Jhelaire” with silver in 1886 as on offering.
Mahadev is seen here in five shaded the name of which is derived as Panjvakatra or Panchmaukhi. In old times this mandir was known as a seat of Dashanami Akhaara and was considered as a base camp for Sadus visiting Shri Amarnath shrine.
The administrator also disclosed that a face-lift has been given to the ancient Temple with improvement of old Gaushalla, installation of modern biogas plant besides coating of silver & golden plates in main Temple of Lord Shiva etc.
He called upon the people to come forward in promoting Cultural Heritage of India by way of giving due importance to all religions irrespective of caste, colour and creed.