Untold story of Aap Shambhu Mandir Jammu :

 Untold story of Aap Shambhu Mandir Jammu : 

The "untold story" of the Aap Shambu temple in Jammu centers on its self-manifested Shiva Lingam, discovered centuries ago when a Gujjar found his buffaloes were mysteriously milking themselves onto a stone in the jungle. When the Gujjar, angerly , tried to break the stone, it bled, and he was struck blind, confirming it was a divine site. The temple is significant for its natural formation and the story of its discovery, with a later Maharaja deciding to build a structure over it to let it remain in its natural state.  A Gujjar who lived nearby noticed his buffaloes were losing milk while grazing in the jungle. He followed them and saw them releasing their milk onto a specific stone, or pindi. Upon trying to break the stone with an axe, it began to bleed, and the Gujjar was instantly blinded, terrified by the divine revelation. 

It's Religious  significance : 

The story of the Gujjar's attempt to destroy the stone and his subsequent punishment is a central part of the temple's legend. The site is considered sacred because the Lingam is self-manifested (swayambhu), meaning it was not created by humans. A Maharaja later wanted to build a temple but was told by Lord Shiva in a dream to leave the area natural and unchanged. 

The temple complex is a significant pilgrimage site in Jammu. The devotees visit the temple, which contains the original stone Lingam, and other idols. It is particularly crowded on Mondays and during the festival of Navratri and Maha Shivratri.

Aap Shambhu Temple located on Sathrian in Roopnagar area of Jammu City, is an ancient temple having a self manifested lingam in its sanctum and apart from the idol of sitting Nandi facing the 'pindi', the small temples contain idols of gods and goddess like Durga, Kali, Ganesh, Hanuman, Shani 

The Aap Shambhu Temple situated at Sathrian, Roop Nagar) in Jammu City  is one of the few shrines  in Jammu city where Lord Shiva appears as self-manifested Shiva Linga as well transformed  within last  sixty years or so, from a remote, obscure and humble shrine to its present day elaborate  architectural presence. This  holy  Aap Shambhu temple is very famous and highly revered  for its immense popularity amongst masses because it has  emerged as an important landmark of sacred geography of the winter capital of Union Territory  of Jammu and Kashmir in India.

This holy and famous  shrine which being decked with colorful buntings, pandals, kanats, etc as mark of preparation  for  festival of Maha Shivaratri, always is in readiness  to  receive thousands of devotees who queue  up in long lines and wait for their turn to have darshans of the holy  Shiva Linga on that pious day.

The administration and  the mangement Committee of the temple  makes  elaborate arrangements are made  for the jal (water) for ‘abhishek’  and for prasad. The fervor, festivity and hustle bustle of Maha Shivararti, creating a unique  spectacle at this Shiva temple is being considered as phenomenal event in Jammu religious  calendar. Its main attraction is the  sacred spot where the ‘pindi’ is manifested. 

The Svaymbhu Linga which according to the popular  belief is not to be covered with amanagementny kind of roof has on its one side a very old bush of ‘Akk’  and on the other ‘Garna’ tree. Other trees which add to the lush green environs of the premises  include an old Borh, Mango, Krengal, and Billva. Since few decades the open air shrine, looked after by the dedicated management committee with  office bearers mainly drawn from Manhas Rajput biradari, has witnessed additions of many small  temples. Apart from the idol of sitting Nandi facing the ‘pindi’, the small temples contain idols  of gods and goddess like Durga, Kali, Ganesh, Hanuman, Shani, Ram, Sita and Lakshman, Vishnu,  Lakshmi, Yama and Amar Jot which keeps on burning 24/7.

Aaap Shambu Mandir History : 

As per the legend recorded in the book published by pujari Dwarka Nath Jogi, the place where the  Syambhu Linga is situated was once  a dense forest  during the times of Maharaja Pratap Singh and   It is  said that a Gujjar who was living nearby Sathrian, noticed that there was no milk in the udder of  his buffalo which along with other animals went for grazing in the nearby jungle. He became  suspicious that someone was milking her stealthily, and hence he followed the buffalo and was shocked when  he found that while others buffalos and cows were grazing, his buffalo came to the particular  stone, stood still, and started releasing milk on the it (pindi). 

He thought that  this could be a curious act of evil forces, overpowering the animal, therefore he tried to break the  stone with an axe. But surprisingly due  to blows of the axe, the stone started bleeding. The terrified Gujjar also  found that he had turned blind. A further calamity awaited him as his home was mysteriously burnt  down. According to folk lore, the Gujjar and his entire family suffered a lot and ultimately  died.

This entire episode came into the knowledge of of  Maharaja Pratap Singh who himself came here and was very happy to see Lord Shiva  in the form of a ‘pindi’. With an intention of shifting the Svaymbhu Linga from the desolate spot  to Jammu, where it could be installed in a grand temple, he ordered the ‘linga’ to be excavated.

But to the surprise of every one, the area which was dug around the ‘pindi’ in the day was found  to be filled up on the next day. This went on for some days and when the matter was reported to  Maharaja, he taking it as wish of the Lord decided to making a temple at the same spot. But in a  dream, Lord Shiva told him that the jungle is the natural abode of the Lord, the king decided not  to build any structure and let the ‘pindi’ remain as it is. Since then the Aap Shambhu linga is  being worshipped in its original form at Sathrian.

Conclusion : 

Today, other than the regular flow of daily worshippers, the temple witnesses a congregation of  devotees during Navratras when Havan is held on Nauvami and also on every Sunday when an all- night  long puja is held. Besides local people, large number of Kashmiri Pandits also come here daily for worship Lord Shiva but they  assemble here in large numbers on the day of Shivaratri and many worshipers even come and camp  here a day before the festival” & huge rush of devotees is witnessed here during every Monday. 

Aap Shambhu Temple in Roop Nagar, Jammu, is a revered shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, embodying deep spiritual significance. The temple is known for its *self-manifested Shivaling*, attracting countless devotees seeking blessings and peace. Its tranquil atmosphere, simple yet devout ambiance, and stunning architecture make it a beacon of faith. The temple not only reflects the rich cultural heritage of Jammu but also stands as a symbol of unwavering devotion. 

Pilgrims leave with a sense of fulfillment, feeling the divine presence of Lord Shiva. This holy site continues to inspire spirituality and serenity for all who visit. Aap Shambhu Temple, Roopnagar is truly a people’s shrine and part of our living heritage decades to come. May Lord Shiva fulfill your all the wishes and blessings  with His choicest blessings.

Har Har Mahadev!

FROM TEAM PANAROMICSPOTS•~ 

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