Travel really has a way of opening your mind. Find solace this weekend in this secluded, tranquil place in Purmandal Uttar Behni to find yourself. The place is also known as Chhota Kashi because it is considered equal to Kashi in Uttar Pradesh and is located just off the national highway leading towards Pathankot, is the Purmandal Temple Complex on the banks of the sacred and mostly underground Devak river.
Purmandal is located on the banks of the Devika River in the hills about 30 kilometres (19 mi) southeast of Jammu and about 25 kilometres (16 mi) northwest of Samba by road via Vijaypur.
It is one of the rare places where a river flows from south to north. Rameshwaram and Bhuteshawar are ancient temples in Mandal.
The pilgrimage site is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. According to the belief of the people here, a dip in the river cleanses soul.
Inside the temple, there are a number of shiv lingams and it is believed that most of them have originated naturally. Local people gave them the name of Aap Shambhu. People from all over India and abroad come herer to pay their obisance to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati .
Read also: Forgotten Treasures of Jammu: Ancient Temples along Panjtirthi Dhakki
Purmandal has large haveli (mansion) dating from about 1830, in good condition, and several dharamshalas (rest-houses for pilgrims), mostly severely deteriorated. Many of these structures are decorated with murals dating from between 1813 and 1898.
Attraction of Purmandal includes large number of paintings on the walls of the old buildings, huge white marble bull and an outsize bronze bell beside some artifacts are among the attractions at Uttar Behani.