Aap Shambhu Temple - The Sacred Swayambhu Shivling Sthal of Jammu | Timings | How to reach

Important information

Address : Roop Nagar Housing Colony Main Road, Upper Roopnagar, Chinore, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 180013.
Open and Close Timings: 05:00 am to 01:00 pm and 04:00 pm to 08:00 pm.
Nearest Railway Station : Jammu Tawi Railway Station at a distance of nearly 11.9 kilometres from Aap Shambhu Temple.
Nearest Airport : Jammu Airport at a distance of nearly 13.5 kilometres from Aap Shambhu Temple.
Did you know : Aap Shambhu Temple is one of the few famous temples in Jammu where the Swayambhu Shivlinga of Lord Shiva has appeared.

Aap Shambhu Temple, located in Sathriyan (Roop Nagar), is one of the few famous temples in Jammu where the self-manifested Shivlinga of Lord Shiva is visible. This temple has a natural Shivlinga, half of which is visible and the other half is hidden inside the earth. From a remote and simple temple, it has grown into a grand and elaborate temple today, over the last sixty years or so. It is now an important landmark of the religious capital of Jammu, and attracts thousands of devotees every year due to its immense popularity among the masses.

Historical Importance and Site of the Temple

The site of the temple is situated on the hillock of the western boundary of Rupnagar Colony, overlooking the locality of Chanaur Basti. Its natural and picturesque location gives special charm to this temple. The main attraction of the temple is the old trees of 'Akk' and 'Garna' near its Swayambhu Shivlinga, which further enhance its divinity. There are many other trees in the temple complex, including an old Bor, Mango, Krengal and Bilva. The temple is set amidst lush green environment, which provides a peaceful feeling to the devotees.

Legend of the Temple

There is a famous legend associated with the temple, according to which, this place was a dense forest during the time of Maharaja Pratap Singh. When a buffalo of a local Gujjar went to the forest for grazing, there was no milk in its udders. Suspicious, the Gujjar followed the buffalo and saw that his buffalo was going near a particular stone and leaving milk on it. Seeing this, he tried to cut the stone, but the stone started bleeding and Gujjar became blind. The Gujjar and his family, terrified by this incident, suffered a lot and eventually died.

When this story reached Maharaja Pratap Singh, he came to this place and was delighted to see the Shivling. He tried to move it to Jammu, but every time it was excavated, the place would fill up again. Taking it to be God's will, the Maharaja abandoned the idea of building a temple there. In a dream, Lord Shiva told the Maharaja that this forest is his natural abode. Since then the Swayambhu Linga is worshipped at the same place.

Mahashivratri and Temple Preparations

This temple is specially decorated on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri. With colourful flags, pandals, and decorations, this temple is ready to welcome the devotees. On the day of Mahashivratri, thousands of devotees stand in long queues to have darshan of this holy Shivling. Special arrangements of water and prasad for Abhishek are made by the management committee, making the atmosphere of the temple extremely devotional and joyous. The temple is famous during Mahashivratri, an important event in the religious calendar of Jammu.

Current Status and Religious Activities

Today, the Aap Shambhu Temple is not only a major center of daily devotees, but it especially witnesses a huge crowd of devotees during Navratri and Shivaratri. Special havans are organised here during Navratri, and all-night worship is held every Sunday. Devotees come here especially on the day of Shivratri and some even camp here a day before.

This temple is a center of faith for the local people. The devotees who come here also include a large number of Kashmiri Pandits, who gather here especially on Shivratri. This temple has developed with the cooperation of the public, without the help of state authority or any religious institution. This is why Aap Shambhu Temple is not only religiously important, but it is also a part of our living heritage and cultural wealth.