Jammu, 11 July (H.S.): Situated

in the Jammu division of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Udhampur

District is a land where history and mythology blend with breathtaking

landscapes and ancient culture. While the district is known for its scenic

beauty and pilgrim trails, it is equally rich in historic and heritage sites

that reflect centuries of architectural craftsmanship, religious devotion, and

strategic importance. From ancient temple complexes predating the medieval era

to majestic forts built by regional rulers, Udhampur’s heritage is diverse and

profound.

Historical Buda Kedar Nath

Buda

Kedar Nath is the historical and prominent Tirtha of Lord Shiva in Chenani area

in District Udhampur.

It

is situated at a distance from Jammu town 113 kilometres 47 km from Udhampur

town and is well connected by a pacca road.

In

order to reach Buda Kedar Nath, one has to take a right side turn from the exit

point of Chenani town towards Chenani-Pattangarh road.

After

crossing River Tawi the road takes an eastern course along with the serpentine

flow of the majestic river Tawi.

After

a distance of 14 kms a link road takes the right side turn from Raji Mohra

towards Buda Kedar Nath temple.

The

length of this well-built road is about 5 kms. In between Raji and Buda Kedar

Nath, there is another important Tirtha called ‘Gaya’ on the left side of the

road across the Nallah coming from hilltops.

The

temple of Buda Kedar Nath is built over a hard stone natural cave. Nearby flows

a sacred rivulet called ‘Devak’ locally. In this cave there is a stone turned

knee of Lord Shiva, which exactly resembles a human knee.

Moreover

there are many idols of Gods in this cave with a natural source of Holy Water

inside the cave.

In

order to reach the seat of Buda Kedar Nath and to have the Darshan of the knee,

we have to pass through a small dark cave.

Due

to some miracles of Lord Shiva, the first ray of the rising sun falls on the

knee of Lord Shiva through some invisible hole. Second important thing

concerning this temple is that as per a belief held from the centuries nobody

can stay in this temple during night.

JALANDARA DEVI TEMPLE

Jalandara Devi Temple, a state protected

monument, located at village Ladden Kotli at about 10 km in Udhampur town not

only seers medieval cultural vibrancy but also depicts architectural tenth

century ad built probably by King Jalandhra of Trigarta according to folklore.

Jalandara Devi Temple, Laddan Kotli, near

Laddan Power Station on the left bank of the Udhampur Tawi is a unique example

of the blend between Margi and Desi traditions.

This temple is constructed with sandstones

in Nagara style, a typical North Indian architectural style where the

‘Shikhara’ remains the most prominent element of the temple and the gateway is

usually modest or even absent.

About one hundred and fifty figures carved in stones that of Gods and Goddesses

besides wrestlers, animals, birds and guards remind one of Khajuraho style of

stone carvings that are visible on all four sides of this magnificent temple.

There are no boundaries marked in this

type of Nagara style construction and the pedestal on which this temple has

been built is higher than ground.

Krimchi Temples: The Ancient Temple Complex

Perhaps the most iconic historic

site in Udhampur District is the Krimchi Temple Complex, often called the “Mini

Khajuraho of Jammu.” Located about 12 kilometers from Udhampur town near the

village of Krimchi, this remarkable set of temples stands as testimony to early

medieval North Indian temple architecture.

Archaeological estimates place the

origin of these temples between the 8th and 9th centuries CE, although some

stylistic elements may be even older. The complex originally comprised seven

temples, symbolically linked to the Sapta Rishi (seven sages) in Hindu

tradition, although not all structures have survived intact. Built in a

classical Nagara style, these temples are characterized by curvilinear

shikharas (spires), intricately carved columns, and sculptured motifs depicting

gods, goddesses, celestial beings, and symbolic geometric patterns.

Local folklore associates the site

with the Pandavas of the Mahabharata, and it is sometimes known as the “Pandava

Temples.” While there is no historical evidence directly linking it to the

epic, this legend reflects how deeply these ruins have embedded themselves into

the cultural imagination of the region.

Today, the Archaeological Survey of

India (ASI) protects the site, which continues to draw historians, pilgrims,

and tourists alike who are keen to explore a piece of ancient Indian heritage

tucked away in the Himalayan foothills.

Ramnagar

Fort and Palace: Echoes of Rajput Valor

Another

historic jewel of the district is the Ramnagar Fort, located in the town of

Ramnagar along the National Highway between Udhampur and Jammu. Constructed in

the early 19th century by Raja Suchet Singh, a prominent Dogra ruler and

younger brother of Maharaja Gulab Singh (the founder of the Dogra dynasty),

this fort was once a center of governance and military strategy.

Unlike

many older forts in India that date back to medieval or early medieval periods,

the Ramnagar Fort reflects the late traditional Rajput fort architecture

influenced by local styles and necessity. Built primarily with stone and

timber, the fortification includes defensive walls, bastions, and a network of

rooms that once housed soldiers, administrative officials, and the royal household.

Adjoining

the fort is the Sheesh Mahal a palace whose name literally means “Mirror

Palace.” Though partly in ruins, Sheesh Mahal once sparkled with glasswork and

decorative embellishments reflecting artistic sensibilities of the Dogra era.

Historical records and local accounts also tell of a samadhi (memorial) of the

Maharani, a tribute to her courage and tragedy, rooted in the era’s complex

royal traditions.

Today,

Ramnagar Fort stands as a silent witness to the region’s military history and

political evolution, inviting visitors to walk through chambers that once

echoed with royal footsteps and the clatter of galloping cavalry.

Sudh Mahadev

Temple: A Sacred Journey Through Millennia

Nestled

in a verdant valley about 30 kilometers from Udhampur town is the Sudh Mahadev

Temple, one of the oldest and most revered Shiva shrines in the region. Located

near the village of Sudhmahadev, this temple complex is believed to be 2,800 to

3,000 years old, predating many well-known historic temples elsewhere in North

India.

The

temple’s setting is as mesmerizing as its antiquity: a natural spring flows

beside the shrine, and the surrounding limestone caves and forested hills

create an atmosphere of serene spirituality. Pilgrims and devotees flock here

especially during Sawan (the sacred monsoon month) and Mahashivratri,

performing rituals and offering prayers to Lord Shiva.

Legend

holds that the lingam (symbol of Shiva) in this temple is swayambhu —

self-manifested — meaning it was not installed by human hands but emerged on

its own. While this notion is rooted in faith rather than documented history,

it speaks volumes about the temple’s deep cultural and spiritual resonance

among devotees.

Sudh

Mahadev’s ancient roots, coupled with the breathtaking natural beauty around

it, make it not only a place of worship but also a destination where visitors

feel transported through time.

Sankri

Devta Temple: A Blend of History and Tradition

Another

significant religious and historic site in Udhampur District is the Sankri

Devta Temple, located near Meer village in the Panchari area. This temple is

dedicated to Sankri Devta, a local deity revered by the mountain communities.

Although

not as architecturally grand as the Krimchi temples or as ancient as Sudh

Mahadev, Sankri Devta Temple embodies centuries of folk tradition and regional

history. It is believed to be over 500 years old, and its annual Sankri Mela

(fair) attracts villagers and pilgrims from across the district. The fair is an

important cultural event featuring traditional music, dance, and communal

worship.

The

temple’s appeal lies not only in its religious importance but also in its role

as a center of community life, where age-old traditions are kept alive through

collective memory and annual pilgrimage.

Pingla Devi Shrine:

A Cave Temple of Power and Devotion

High

in the hills of Pinger village, the Pingla Devi Shrine is an ancient cave

temple dedicated to Mata Pingla, a form of the Mother Goddess or Shakti. This

sacred place is especially vibrant during Navaratri and the Sawan festival,

when devotees perform rituals seeking blessings for protection, prosperity, and

well-being.

The

shrine is set within natural rock formations and caves, and its architecture

blends seamlessly with the surrounding terrain. The spiritual energy of the

place, combined with panoramic views of the Himalayan foothills, makes Pingla

Devi an unforgettable highlight for pilgrims and heritage travelers.

Moungri Caves:

Silent Witnesses of Antiquity

Scattered

across parts of the Udhampur hills are the Moungri Caves, ancient natural

formations that have served as shrines, hermitages, and resting places for

ages. Carved by nature and utilized by early inhabitants, these caves hold

archaeological and cultural significance.

While

not as developed or well-known as some other temple complexes, the Moungri

Caves reflect a way of life that is deeply intertwined with nature and

spirituality — where caves functioned as sanctuaries for meditation, worship,

and community gatherings long before monumental temples arose.

Conclusion: A

Tapestry Woven Through Time

Udhampur District’s historic places are more than

just stone and sculpture — they are living threads in the fabric of Indian

civilization. From the ancient shrines ofBuda

Kedar Nath, Jalandara devi temple, Krimchi and Sudh Mahadev to the regal

Ramnagar Fort and the sacred caves of Pingla Devi and Moungri, each site tells

a unique story of faith, power, culture, and human aspiration.

These

places not only attract historians and pilgrims but also travelers seeking to

understand the deep roots of India’s past — where legends and realities

converge in serene valleys, rugged hills, and whispering temples. Visiting

these sites offers more than sightseeing; it is a journey into the heart of

history itself

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar