Spotlight on Sudhmahadev

O.P. Sharma

The 136-page book entitled
“ Sudhmahadev: Ek Parchey” in Hindi authored by  Ayodhya Nath Kerni is an interesting and informative work on the famous spiritual spot in Chenani area of Udhampur district. This place with an old temple of Lord Shiva known as Sudhmahadev attracts many devotees throughout the year but there is a big gathering  on the occasion of three-day  annual Sudhmahadev Fair  Thousands of people gather  from the area around and far away places to celebrate the festival. Suitable arrangements for transport, accommodation  are made and special religious and cultural functions held.

This book gives an elaborate and authentic account of the spiritual significance of this holy abode of Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati, situated in the sublime scenic splendour with salubrious climate in the green forest hills. Adjoining is the famous Mantalai resort which was developed by Yogguru  late Dharendra Swami, which added to the attraction of this place. The main Shiva temple with Gaurikund and many other attractions of religious importance are the major sites for the visitors. This place is being maintained and managed by the Dharmarth Trust Council headed by Dr Karan Singh.
Scenic Spot
There are 23 chapters devoted to different aspects of this famous holy place giving details of important features of the main Shiva temple, its spiritual significance and many other surrounding sites. The social and cultural life of the people in this area has also been highlighted by the writer in this book. Each chapter gives specific information about its religious, social and historical importance. A prayer to Lord Shiva is one with which the book begins and also a background note by the author pens the context and motivation for writing the accurate  account of this prestigious pilgrim-cum-tourist place in Jammu region of J&K State.
Spiritual Significance
The writer of this book has certainly undertaken an uphill task by consulting old records, going through the voluminous religious works, numerous visits to the sites, studying the major features of art and architecture of this spiritual temple and also the- adjoining places of religious importance. The writer, it amply appears to me, is a devotee who has put in a  lot of hard work to gather information and old traditions  as also prayers to Lord Shiva. The writer has devoted one chapter on drawing meaning of the “Takari, Sharda and other scripts”   which have  not been deciphered so far. It is worthwhile to mention that Mr Kerni has contributed a lot in highlighting this religious place which has also full potential for tourism development. If fully tapped this spiritual place with immense natural charm holds key for socio-economic transformation of this part of the State.
Valuable Book
It is worthwhile to mention that some colour photographs of the main temple, surrounding places of religious importance, works of art and architect add to the value of this book. Undoubtedly, the readers shall definitely go through this small book with pleasure and profit. It is a must reading book for those interested about the Jammu and Kashmir as part of the ancient and great spiritual heritage. Mr Kerni has rendered a useful service to the society and opened many aspects of this pilgrim centre and a tourist spot. When suitable infrastructural facilities are provided and well-publicized and aptly-managed circuits built up there is very vast scope of attracting thousands of pilgrims and tourists to charming Sudhmahadev and other adjoining spots. This book is worth the price and time spent on it and many readers should keep it as a prized possession.
(Starline Syndicate Service)

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