Exploring the most sacred 'Aap Shambhu Temple'

Jammu is Known as City of Temples because of various shrines and temples located in the region. Jammu is also known as the winter capital of the erstwhile state of J&K. This city is the second most populous city of the Union Territory and there are many ancient temples and Hindu shrines in the region which makes the city most famous and popular. Among these sacred places and holy temples, one such temple is 'Aap Shambhu Temple' which is believed to be the ancient temple and most sacred place, frequently visited by the Hindus, for seeking blessings of the almighty.  Aap Shambhu Temple, located in the Roop Nagar Chinore area of Jammu, is a revered ancient shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is renowned for its self-manifested (Svayambhu) Shiva Linga, which is believed to have naturally emerged from the earth. According to local legend, in ancient times, the area surrounding the temple was a dense forest. It is said that cows and buffaloes would spontaneously offer their milk to the naturally formed Shiva Linga, signifying its divine presence. Attempts to relocate the Linga during Maharaja Pratap Singh's reign were unsuccessful, reinforcing the belief that the deity wished to remain in its original location. Transformed within last  sixty years or so, from a remote, obscure and humble shrine to its present day elaborate  architectural presence, this Aap Shambhu temple for its immense popularity amongst masses has  emerged as an important landmark of sacred geography of the winter capital Jammu local businesses. 

The shrine which being decked with colorful buntings, pandals, kanats, etc as mark of preparation  for coming festival of Maha Shivaratri, is gearing up to receive thousands of devotees who queue  up in long lines and wait for their turn to have darshans of the Shiva Linga on that pious day. The temple complex is situated on a picturesque ridge in Roop Nagar, offering serene surroundings for devotees. The main sanctum, housing the Svayambhu Linga, is uniquely open to the sky, adhering to the belief that it should not be covered. The complex also includes smaller temples dedicated to various deities such as Goddess Durga, Lord Ganesh, and Lord Hanuman. Developed without the help of the State Authorities or any other Religious body or institution, the Aap Shambhu Temple, Roopnagar is truly a people’s shrine and part of our living heritage. The management committee performs an annual yagya on Maha Navami in honor of goddess Durga and also on Maha Shiv Ratri to propitiate Lord Shiva and Prasad is distributed among the people. Kashmiri Pandits in large numbers visit this shrine, pay obeisance and seek blessings from Shiva. Some KP’s are the regular comers to this temple. The additions of small temples had been made by the management committee and as such there are small temples of Ganesh, Goddess Durga ,Hanuman and other Hindu deities. There is an idol of sitting Nandi facing the Pindi .There is also an Amar Jot which keeps burning all the time. 

Lush greenery, including trees like Akk, Garna, and Bilva, enhances the tranquil atmosphere. Aap Shambhu Temple attracts a significant number of devotees throughout the year, with increased footfall during auspicious occasions like Maha Shivratri and Navratri. On these festivals, special rituals and havans (sacred fires) are conducted, and the temple premises are adorned with colorful decorations. Devotees often participate in night-long prayers, especially on Sundays, seeking the blessings of Lord Shiva. The temple is accessible to visitors year-round. Given its popularity, especially during major festivals, it is advisable to plan visits accordingly. The management committee, primarily comprising local devotees, ensures the temple's upkeep and facilitates various religious activities. The Aap Shumbu temple of Roop Nagar has become a people’s shrine as it has been developed by the management committee without any help from the government and this shrine is a place of our great heritage and culture. Let Aap Shambu remove all obstacles and bestow blessings to the people. May this temple awaken our real self and illumine our bodies and soul. Again may we keep visiting the Aap Shambu temple in future to seek His blessings. May Lord Shiva bring peace, tranquility and prosperity to Jammu and Kashmir and to the whole of India.  This holy and sacred temple is must visit place for the devotees for seeking blessings of Lord Shiva. 

(Vivek Koul)