Situated in the town of Chanhani in the western part of Jammu, the blessed temple of Sudh Mahadev was built by Chaudhauri Ramdas of Chanhani and his son Chaudhauri Parag Mahajan about 80 years ago. Sri Masu Shahane of Sudhmahadev is said to have constructed the entrance door to the temple. The holy spot near Patnitop, it is situated at an elevation of 1225m above sea level. Pilgrims visit the shrine on full moon night of the monsoon period to worship the famous Trident (trishul) and a mace, which is believed to belong to Lord Shiva.

The Devak stream originating at this place disappears enchantingly among the rocks a few kilometers downstream. The temple has a natural block marble `lingam` and goddess Parvati mounted on Nandi, the bull. The `Dhooni` (sacred fire) immortalises the spiritual accomplishments of Baba Roop Nath who is said to have attained Samadhi here. People are of the faith that the fire is burning since time immemorial, ever since Baba Roop Nath resided here.

Legends speak of Lord Shiva engrossed in deep meditation, when he suddenly heard the shriek of Parvati (Uma), his consort. Shiva instantaneously charged his trident (trishul) in Uma`s direction to protect her from any misfortunes. However, in reality it was Sudheet, Shiva`s disciple who had approached Uma to pay his deferential obeisance, and since he was a demon in his previous birth, his fiendish looks frightened her and she screamed out loud. The trident though, killed Sudheet. Shiva realised his gross mistake and offered to revivify him, but Sudheet preferred to lay down his life in the hands of Lord Shiva himself. Affected by his devotion, Shiva prefixed his name to the place forever and the broken trident in three pieces can still be seen installed in the Sudh Mahadev temple.