Neglected Tourism 9: Utterbehni

Utterbehni

It is the holiest of the place of Hindus along with Chhota Kaashi  Purmandal especially in our Duggar Pradesh which is situated on the banks of legendary River Devika and is having centuries old temples of Lord Shiva Abhimukteshwar maharaj  & Gadhadhar Mandir of Lord Vishnu which is on the western side of the river & has all the incarnations of Dash avatars of Lord Vishnu & the one Kalki Avatar also which has to be born in kaliyug in the outer parikrama of the temple. The stone work & wooden pillars are the beauty of this temple. It located at a distance of five kms from Purmandal.

The name Utterbehni originated due to flow of River Devika to the east although all other rivers flows from east to west. Legend says it was the wish of Maharaja of Jammu to construct a series of temples from Utterbehni to Purmandal. But unfortunately he was died during the construction of Lord Shiva temple in the way which also have the idols of Lord Raghunath ji. That's why this temple was also called Adhvanda Mandir that is temple half constructed. There is a huge stone built rectangular pond near the temple & somewhat resembles with the pond of Fort of Samba but smaller in size which is deteriorating in condition. 

The architecture of the temple is same as that of Ranbireshwar Temple Jammu & huge Shivlings are of same kind. Legend also says that the Maharaja only think of the Idols in the dream & idols were present there. The Ground floor  of the building of Abhimukteshwar temple was levelled due to silting of the temple by flooding of River Devika & we have glimpses of ground foor at the downstair entrance near the main temple which is dug out. Once through this entrance people go to the temple. I have himself seen the temple in my childhood when it was half sister. The Darshani Chhatri /Burji which now seen on ground floor was now on first floor. Excavations can throw more light but I think it is not possible now. Now u can't believe that there was a ground floor of the building also like that of Ranbireshwar Temple. Actually floods has caused great havoc to the temples. The sarais near the main Utterbehni chowk r in shambles now. 

Although Dharmarth Trust is doing well for the renovation of the temples but Tourism authorities r doing only eye wash. The road connectivity to the area is good but the main bridge joining Utterbehni with Purmandal is broken & still date not overhauled.

There is a huge bell which is hanging on the iron bars on pillars in the Main temple of Lord Shiva. Legend says who he is able to strike it three times in one go.. His one wish will be fulfilled.so many people try there but it does not happen..I have also tried but all in vain. This bell material is unknown once it was dropped fell down & broken from one side but still it looks beautiful. There are heaps of stone Shivlings lying there which are still not consecrated. It shows that how big was the plan of Maharaja at that time. Still now whenever a small temple is constructed & need of Shivling there, people go to Utterbehni for Shivlings which are then consecrated. 

U can go there either from Birpur side traversing Purmandal or from Vijaypur in Samba Distt .

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