Ayodhya Nath Kerni
Guru Purnima is dedicated to sage Vyas being his birthday. The sage Vyas was born in the lineage of Vishistha -> Sakti -> Prasar -> Vyas. When child, Vyas was known as Krishna, being a fair complexioned. As his birth took place in an island (Dvipa) begot the name Krishna Divipayana. The word ‘Vyas’ means elaborator and for composing the vedas he got the name ‘Ved Vyas’. He is also the composer of Mahabharata, one of the greatest books of the world literature. He made four divisions of Vedas. He had many disciples as Vaishampayna, Suta, Paila, Jaimini, Asita, Banala, Sumanta and others. Ved Vyas is remembered on Guru Purnima and many people carry out rituals as prescribed in the scriptures. The day is attributed to Guru hence celebrated through out the country. Guru throws the light of wisdom and destroys the darkness of ignorance by nurturing the seeds of theism in his disciples. The teachings of Gurus are remembered and pledge for performing good deed is the main object of the day.
Ved Vyas grew up and became a hermit. He obtained the blessings of his mother to go for penance. His life can be seen with two aspects, the spiritual and material. It was after the marriage of Santanu, a king of Lunar Dynasty with his mother Satyavati, that Vyas came into contact with Hastinapur. Participating in all the vicissitudes of the Pandavas and Kauravas was the worldly side of Vyas.
The major part of his life was spent in living as hermit in his hermitage in the forests and mountains with a large group of disciples, teaching them Vedas. A time came in his life when all his disciples left him after completing their studies. The paternity instinct in him was aroused. He thought that man without son has no right to aspire for heaven. Sad and silent he reached the vicinity of Himalayas. He began to consider the Deity before whom he had to go for penance for fulfillment of his wish. Naarada came there and knew that childlessness was the cause of his sorrow. Naarada advised him that for the attainment of objects of life penance was to be done before Devi. Accepting that advice Vyas started ascetic practices.
Afterwards Suka named son was born to Vyas who studied Vedas along with other disciples of the Vyasa. Two sons named Citargandha and Vicitravirya were born to Santanu. Citirgandha died when he was young and Vicitravirya married Amba and Ambalika daughter of the king of Kasi, Vicitravirya also died before any children were born to him. It seems as the family about to become extinct. The mother Satyavati called for Vyas and two sons were born each to Amba and Ambalika from Vyas. The sons of Amba was Dhritrashtra and the son of Ambalika was Pandu. Vedura was the son born to Vyas by their maid. From this time onwards Vyas was the spiritual teacher of Kauravas and Pandavas. Towards the close of his life Vyas again entered the caves of Himalayas. This may be the period when he has composed Puranas, Bhagwat etc.
Era of Namparayan i.e reciting the name of God constantly was established by Vyas. He outlined the importance of the guru in one’s life. Guru only can remove the shadow of darkness that covers the man with ignorance. Guru must be beyond the anger, greed or lust. The mantra given by guru must be recited respectfully because that has only the link with Almighty. Guru knows the method to conquer the mind and tells disciples to guard themselves against the snare of the senses.
There are two places in Udhampur District, tehsil Chenani where mela commences on occasion of sacred guru purnima.
Buddhi Sudh
While coming back from main Sudhmahadev Shiva temple towards Gaurikund there is a spot known as Gaukaran near the road. A bridle track leads through a waterfall known as Nara to Buddhi sudh. Distance up to Nara is two kilometers and further after strolling about one km on a steep contour in North west direction there is Buddhi Sudh, Nara is a waterfall where water falls from a considerable height through a gorgle and devotees receive holy bath during Sudhmahadev Mela. The path leads through the bank of Devika Stream set in scintillating beauty of green trees. Serene ambience of spiritual surroundings and scenic charms makes one thrilling. The spot Buddhi Sudh is known for the austerity of Ved Vyas. There is a small cave and water gushes out. People from the surrounding villages gather to receive a holy bath on the occasion of Vyas Purnima. It is also believed that place is not only famous the capitivating scenic view but for religious significance. It is also believed that this Tirth was famous for its sanctity even before the main Sudhmahadev mela started. This may be the reason that spot was named as Buddhi Sudh a place where Vyas carried out Tapasya for a long time. Some years back a Sadhu lived there in a thatched hut who never allowed others to stay there during night. He was also seen with some wild animals by the locals. After his death, hut also got damaged and place remains quite secluded.
Buddha Kedar
Travelling by road from Chenani to Gharian-Dhanas along Tawi river at a distance of 15 km there is a sign board showing distance to Shiva temple as 2 km but while travelling it seems to be more than 4 Km. There is a small cave and abode of Lord Shiva. The place is secluded and of scenic beauty. There is a self manifested knee of Lord Shiva inside the cave. The drops of water shower in the cave. Now a temple has also been constructed outside the cave. The popular legend states that when Lord Shiva along Mata Paarvati was searching a lonely place to tell Amar Katha(immortal Knowledge), he visited this place and the spot was selected but sound of some birds was heard and plan was changed to existing Amarnath location. The other legend states that when Bhasmasur was following Him, the Lord disguised himself as old man and entered the cave. At the same time, Lord Vishnu appeared and misled Bhasmasur was finished. There is a stone idol of Ganesh and a Shiva Lingum inside the cave. The unique thing about this place is that locals hear the puja music sounds during late night hours. The priest of temple and many other locals state the same thing. An annual mela is being organized at this spot on the occasion of Vyas Purnima form 1994 onwards. A big bhandara is arranged and more than ten thousand people come for the obeisance on Guru Purnima.
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