Mantalai Temple: The place where Lord Shiva married Mata Parvati
Jammu, June 18: Mantalai Temple is an ancient temple by the side of a holy pond in Chenani area of Udhampur district in Jammu where Lord Shiva is believed to have married Godess Parvati and it is also said that Godess Parvati was born here.
Mantali is also famous for the surrounding holy places like Shudh Mahadev, Gouri Kund etc besides the famous Aparna Ashram which was run by the much talked about Swami Dhirendra Brahmchari, the yogic guru of the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi,.
Dhirendra Brahmchari had setup a magnificent yoga centre there and was in the process of constructing the first ever Seven Star hotel of India in early nineties.
The magnificent building is still half done and now the current government headed by Mufti Sayeed has announced an international yoga centre at Mantali to utilize the defunct ashram and its vast infrastructure at Mantali and other places.
It is also worthwhile to mention here that Mantalai was a famous tourist place during those days where top guns used to visit for yogic kriyas even as Swami Dhirendra Brahmchari was among the select group of people owning his own small aircraft. However he was later killed when his aircraft crashed while landing at Mantai.
Coming back to the Temple the ancient temple of Lord Shiva is also known as Aparneswar temple located near Mantalai Lake. This is the place where mother Parvati was born and got married to Lord Shiva. The main shrine is very small and having an idol of Parvati as kanya. Another set of idols of Shiva and Parvati together and Shiva, Parvati and Ganesha is also found. However, the shiva lingam is the main idol of the temple. There are two idols of Nandi, the bull god facing the shrine. One divine rock (patthar) related to the wedding of Parvati and Shiva can also be spotted in this shrine.
The Jammu region which attracts people from all over the world for its presence of religious temples and striking scenic beauty has places like Mantalai Temple at an elevation of 1450 metres from the ground, surrounded by deodar trees making the place and its surrounding area peaceful and serene.
During festivals and fairs people visit this temple to just listen to the songs sung by the sages and saints. These songs are dedicated to love shared between Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. This temple is of great archaeological significance as red earthenware and terra cotta figures were discovered at this place.
Five kilometres away from the temple you will find a way through the woods to Naina Devi. This spot offers great views of the mountain landscape in the surroundings. The breathtaking views from the hill top make this place worthy of a visit.
A Shiv-ling at nearby Sudh-Mahadev Temple is said to be at least 3000 years old. This temple was built around 80 years ago. It is said that Goddess Parvati worshipped this Shiv Ling in ancient times. This temple has a marble statue of Shiva and Parvati in black. There is a Trishula preserved at this temple. It is believed that Lord Shiva had killed a demon with this Trident, accidently and later the Lord had realised that he was one of his devotees.
Reaching here is very easy as Jammu Airport is the closest to the location of this temple. People from all parts of the country can fly to this place as major airlines have regular flights upto Jammu and from Jammu onwards regular transport services offer bus services from Udhampur, Jammu and Katra. One can avail buses as per your convenience.
The nearest railway station from this temple is Udhampur Railway Station. This station is well connected to other parts of the country. From here, one can take a taxi or bus to reach the temple.
Mid-June is considered to be the best time for a pilgrimage during the period between full moon and Chaudash. To make it more sacred, pilgrims are recommended to visit the temple between Punya Jayeshth purnima and Vayas purnima.
The city nearest to this temple is Patnitop. Tourists can avail accommodation facilities here. Budget as well as luxury hotels are available here. (Compiled with inputs from tourism related sites)