Jammu which has rightly the distinction of being the city of temples is situated on the bank of River Tawi which as per the scriptural texts and Hindu mythology is called Suryaputri Tawi has got immense religious, spiritual and cultural importance. River Tawi is the daughter of sun God and it is the life line and pride of duggerland and this river is held in high esteem and people perform many religious rituals and ceremonies on the banks of this river which is considered very holy. Tawi River ,also known as Suryaputri ---Daughter of the Sun ,holds significant religious and cultural significance for the people of Jammu. It is revered as a sacred river with healing and restorative powers. The river is mentioned in ancient Hindi texts and is believed to have been brought to Jammu by a local deity to cure his father. Jammuites perform religious rituals and ceremonies on its banks despite its current state of pollution, declining water level and shrinkage. The present plight of this sacred river is very bad and deteriorating day by day. The government ,NGO’s, voluntary associations ,political parties ,Religious bodies and the people at large should play their positive role in maintaining the cleanliness, purity and religious sanctity and cultural beauty of river Tawi. Tawi River is the very identification and glorious cultural identity of Jammu and so this pristine and beautiful city is called Jammu Tawi in official and even in private parlance. Religious Significance of Tawi—1 Sacred River—The Tawi is considered a holy river by Hindus in Jammu, particularly by those who revere it as Suryaputri.2—Healing Power—It is believed that its water has the healing and restorative properties and power and so its water has shaffa that is healing power.3—Religious Practices—Locals of Jammu perform various religious functions, including prayers, rituals , and ceremonies on its banks.4—Mythogical Value—There is mention of this river in ancient Hindu texts. This river is referenced in Vishnudharmonttara Purana which further enhances its religious and spiritual significance. 5—Local Belief---Local mythology suggests the river was brought to Jammu by a deity to treat a sick father, solidifying its place in local religious beliefs. Cultural Significance-----Besides great religious importance, river Tawi has also immense cultural significance and it can be mentioned as follows—1-- Shaping History and Traditions---The Tawi has played a crucial role in shaping the history ,traditions, and spiritual practices of the people of Jammu. It is praised in local folklore and traditions and thus it has great cultural value as well.2—Symbol of the City---This river is the life line of Jammu city and its presence is deeply ingrained in Jammu’s cultural and traditions. Jammu city is identified by this river.3---Local Attachment---Despite pollution and declining water levels ,many locals continue to hold the river in reverence and maintain its cultural importance.4—Histiorical Significance---This river is linked to ancient legends and stories, making it a significant part of the city’s cultural heritage.5—lifeline of Jammu—The Tawi is considered the lifeline of Jammu city and its waters are essential for daily life.6—Cultural Heritage---This river is an integral part of the cultural heritage of the region and its preservation is seen as crucial.7—Local Identity---The Tawi river is a source of local identity and pride for the people of Jammu. Challenges and Concerns—A—Pollution—Despite its religious significance ,the Tawi River faces significant pollution challenges, threatening its extinction. B---Water Levels---The rivers water levels have declined significantly ,raising concerns about its future .C—Environmental Concerns—Large –scale constructions and illegal mining have negatively impacted the river’s health. D—Conservation Efforts—There are ongoing efforts to protect and restore the river ,emphasizing the need for a long –term commitment. The development of Aarti Ghat is a key initiative that will attract pilgrims and tourists from across the country and even abroad. As the Tawi Ghat and Riverfront project nears completion ,it promises to become a spiritual landmark in Jammu. With its upcoming Aarti Ghat , Jammu is set to offer a tranquil and divine experience for worshippers ,reinforcing its status as a premier pilgrimage destination. The Jammu Municipal Corporation—JMC in collaboration with Jammu Smart City ,Directorate of Tourism and Raghunath Bazzar Vikas Corridor celebrated Baisakhi festival at Suryaputri Tawi River Front. Besides, a special Aarti ceremony was also performed and LG Manoj shina inaugurated these programmes at river front. Tawi River also called as Suryaputri in ancient texts ,is a major tributary of Chenab River and an important river in Jammu region. The Tawi rises from Kalpas Kund of Seo Dhar in the Bhaderwah in Doda district ,then descends to Sudh Mahadev and finally merges with Chenab River in Pakistan. Surya Putri Tawi or Tawishi ,as called in Puranas ,later came to be known as Tawi .It is said that Pehad Nag ,the son of Vasuki Nag –the king of serpents brought Tawi to Jammu. He brought forth the river from Kali Kundi glacier of Bhaderwah to cure his father with the help of Kalika Mata and another illustrious folk-god and legend ,Baba Kaliveer .Vasuki Nag ,in return ,handed over the kingdom of Jammu to Pehd Nag. The river Tawi has divided the Jammu city into two parts –old city and new city. This river is also the main source of water for the entire city. There are five bridges over this river. ,two from Gumat to Vikram chowk,a third connecting Gujjar Nagar with the Bahu Fort area and the fourth connecting city bypass near Nagrota and the fifth from Bhagwati Nagar to Bali Nallah. In short Tawi river is the pride of duggerland and its has immense religious, spiritual ,cultural and historical significance .It is no exaggeration to say that Tawi river is the lifeline of Jammu. Let all of us including the government protect and preserve Tawi and take steps to restore its pristine glory and beauty besides save it from pollution and extinction.
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