Historical Significance

Jammu is known as the city of temples. The Panjvaktra Mahadev Temple, is the oldest temple where the 'Lingam' appears in self-manifest form (Aap Shambhu). This revered shrine is also known with other names such as 'Shivalaya' and 'Rupay wala Mandir'. This historic Mandir is located in twenty five Kanals of land in the heart of the city at Panjvaktra Road - which joins Rajinder Bazar with Residency Road.

According to local legends and oral histories, 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 Mandir during the period of his second Udasi in and stayed here for three days. The then King of Jammu, Raja Khokhar Dev visited Guru Nanak Dev ji at this Mandir along with his queen and entourage for instructions and blessings. Guru Nanak Dev ji expounded to him the discourse on ‘Raj Dharma’ and blessed him. A beautiful mural, more than 250 years old, commemorating this historical event can still be seen on one of the walls of a Samadhi. The historic ‘Ber’ tree, under which the discourse appears to have been delivered, still stands and remains forever blooming throughout the year and is highly revered.

The ancient Mandir seems to have been periodically renovated and in place of small Mandir, a bigger Mandir was constructed around 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 Mandir built on the age old ‘Tiratha’ pattern is simple and unadorned. This lack of decoration is attributed by scholars to the political and military turbulence of 18th century which had forced the patrons as well craftsmen to seek a quick time solution to complete the projects in hand. Since then, the present bigger Mandir of Panjvaktra has come into existence. Maharaja Ranjeet Singh, considering the importance of the Mandir, had attached two villages of Nawade Chack (near Phallayein Mandaal) and Sarwar Chack for its maintenance. Later, Maharaja Partap Singh, a devout himself having great reverence for this Mandir, had whole of the 'Jhelairi' covered in silver in 1888, as an offering.

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 Mahabhootas or elements. Panjvaktra or Panchmukhi is the combination of all these five forms and is commonly depicted as five-headed Mahadeva. In Jammu region, worship of Panchmukhi Mahadev seems to have been in vogue since hoary times.

Five places of Lord Shankara are Brahma, Vishnu, Rudra, Mahadeva and Sadashiva. Shiva is known as Panjvaktra because he manifest in the aforesaid forms. It represents the complete manifestation of divinity from 'sagun' to 'nirgun'. Om Namah Shivaya mantra originates from Panjvaktra Mahadeva representing the body of Shiva as mentioned in 'PanchBrahm Upnishad.

Panjvaktra Mahadeva is also called as Sacchand Bhairav in Kashmir Shaivism, having five Mukhas (faces) representing five Shaktis of Panjvaktra Mahadev, engaged in creation, maintainance, destruction, concealing His nature and revealing His nature, He has his abode at 'Kailash Parvat'. It is also believed that five faces of Mahadeva represent five Chakras as well. In Spiritual sense it is said to be sitting in the heart as the heart also has five holes. Meditation on Panjvaktra Mahadev bestows the aspirant with good mental health, the ability to see things clearly, protects one from all diseases, purifies the mind and the body, destroys ignorance and leads to ultimate moksha.

In old times, this mandir was known as a seat of Dashanami Akhaara and was considered as a padao (camp) for Sadhus visiting Shri Amarnath ji Shrine.