JAMMU: Built in 14th century, the Panjvaktra Mahadev Temple, also known as ‘Rupay Wala Mandir’, in the heart of Jammu city, is one of the oldest temples in J&K where the Shiv lingam appears in self-manifest form (Aap Shambhu) as per the Hindu religious beliefs.
Jammu is known as the city of temples. Panjvaktra Mahadev Temple, commonly known as Panjbakhtar Mandair is one of the oldest temples where the lingam appears in self-manifest form (Aap Shambhu).
A revered shrine in Jammu, it is also known by other names such as “Shivalays” and “Rupaiye Wala Mandir”.
This historic Shiva temple is located in the heart of the Jammu city at Panjvaktra Road in Kanak Mandi area of Jammu.
According to local legend and Hindu mythology, Adi Shankracharya during his visit to Jammu had stayed here, while some believe that it was discovered much later in early 14th century during the reign of Raja Mal Dev.
As per literary sources, Guru Nanak Dev Ji had visited this place during the period of his second Udasi in 1514.
It is believed that he stayed here for about three days. The then king of Jammu Raja Khokhar Dev visited Guru Nanak Dev Ji at this temple along with his queen and sought his blessings.
Guru Nanak Devji then delivered a discourse on ‘Raj Dharma’. He advised the king that his foremost duty was to do justice with his subjects and keep them happy in every respect even by sacrificing his own comforts.
No one in his state should be deprived of means of livelihood. He should have devotion and faith in God and rule the state with compassion and justice. If he ruled this way, his rule would extend to 22 Dhars’ (generation), Guru Nanak Dev had said.
It is believed that under the historic Ber tree at this temple, Guru Nanak Dev delivered his sermon and the tree still stands and remains ever blooming throughout the year and is highly revered.
This episode of royal visit and Guru Nanak’s sermon under this Ber tree is also represented in a painting on the wall of the temple.
According to local legends and historians, Adi Shankracharya during his visit to Jammu had stayed here, while some believe that it was discovered much later in the early 14th century during the reign of Raja Mal Dev.
As per sources, Guru Nanak DevJi had visited this place during the period of his second Udasi in 1514.
It is believed that he stayed here for about three days. The then king of Jammu Raja Khokhar Dev visited Guru Nanak Dev Ji at this temple along with his queen and took his blessings.
This ancient temple has been periodically renovated and in place of a small temple a bigger temple was constructed in 1751 during the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Dev by his General Mian Rattan Dev, a great warrior whose glories are still sung in folk songs.
The architecture of the temple is said to be the age-old Triratha pattern. Since then the present bigger temple of Panjvaktra (five faces of Mahadev) has come into existence.
Considering the importance of the temple, Maharaja Ranjit Dev had attached two villages of Nawade Chak (Near Phalayein Mandaal) and Sarwar Chak for its maintenance.
Later in 19th century, Maharaja Pratap Singh, a devout himself, got the whole of jhelari covered with silver.
According to Shiva Rahasya the Panjvaktra or the five faced Lord Shiva is the prime cause of entire creation. Mahadeva is seen in his five aspects: Rudra (or Saddyoat), Aghora, Vamdeva, Tat Purusha and Ishana.
They also represent his five Mahabhutas or elements. Panjvaktra and Panchmukhi is the combination of all these five forms and is commonly depicted as five headed Mahadeva.
Five faces of Lord Shankara are Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, Mahadeva and Sadashiva. Shiva is known as Panjvaktra because he manifests in the aforesaid forms.
It represents the complete manifestation of divinity from’Saagun to nirgun. Om Namah Shivay Mantra also originates from Panjvaktra Mahadeva representing the body of Shiva as mentioned in ‘Panch Brahm Upnishad’.
Panjvaktra Mahadeva is also called as Sacchand Bhairav in Kashmiri Shaivism, having five Mukhas (faces) representing five Shaktis of Panjvktra Mahadev, engaged in creation, maintenance, destruction, concealing his nature and revealing his abode at Kailash Parvat.
It is also believed that the five faces of Mahadeva represent five chakras as well. In a spiritual sense it is said to be sitting in the heart as the heart also has five holes.
Panjvaktra or Panchmukhi is the combination of all five forms and represents, all encompassing and pervading power of Mahadev.
Shiva bestows the aspirant with good mental health, the ability to see things clearly , protect one from all diseases. Purify the mind and body and destroy ignorance.
Rupaiye wala Mandir has been decorated with silver coins which are embedded in the floor.
The temple of rare antiquity , architectural heritage and spiritual importance is situated in an area of more than twenty kanals.
Shown in the 1914 list of temples, it is an important seat of Dashnami Akhara and deeply associated with Shri Amar Nathji Yatra and it was a ‘Padao’ (camp) for the Sadhus visiting Shri Amar Nath Ji.
It is believed that the temple was known as Samadhi Muth owing to the presence of a large number of Samadhis of Mahants who had served the temple in the past.
The oldest Samadhi is attributed to a Naga Baba of Dashnami Akhara who had sat on a Zinda Samadhi ‘ here some one thousand years ago. These Samadhis are also called Sanyasi Dehris. These Samadhis are also revered by the devotees.
A Gaushala which is the oldest in Jammu is being maintained in the temple premises by the management. The temple also runs a yoga centre in its premises.
There also exists in the temple premises , a hostel for the students studying in the Sanskirt Vidyapeeth in Jammu. A Bhajan Sandhyaya is organized in the temple. Large gathering of devotees assemble and listen to soulful bhajans in praise of the Lord Shiva and other Gods and Goddess.
Mahashivratri is the main festival of the temple and is celebrated in a grand manner.
