The town of Chanhani, located in the western part of the Jammu holds special significance as it houses a great piece of art - the Sacred Temple of Sudh Mahadev. Chaudhari Ramdas of Chanhani and his son Chaudhari Parag Mahajan constructed the temple about 80 years ago. Shri Masu Shahane of Sudh Mahadev did the construction of the entrance door of the temple of Sudh Mahadev, an esteemed place of worship for devotees of Lord Shiva.

This holy spot near Patnitop is situated at an altitude of 1225 mtrs, about 120 kms from Jammu, the city of ancient temples. The shrine is visited by pilgrims on the full moon night of "Saawan" (July-August) to worship the "Trishul" (trident) and a mace which is said to belong to Lord Shiva. The Devak stream originates at Sudh Mahadev and disappears among the rocks a few kilometres down stream. During the month of July and August, a fair is held here with 3 days of music, singing and dancing. This divine place is situated at a distance of 8 kms from Kud or Patnitop.

A popular legend is associated with the Shrine. It is believed that Lord Shiva who was in his Samadhi shot his big trishul to protect his consort Uma whose loud cry shook Shiva out of his meditation. Infact Shiva's devotee, Sudheet approached Uma to pay his respectful obeisance. Since he was a demon in his previous birth according to the legend, his demonic looks frightened her and she made a loud shriek. The trident which Lord Shiva had flung hit Sudheet. Shiva realised his mistake and he offered to resuscitate him. But Sudheet felt that there could be no better life than death given by Lord Shiva Himself. Lord Shiva then gave his command that Sudheet's name will be prefixed to his name at that place. Since then it is called Sudh Mahadev. The broken trident in three pieces is installed in the temple.

Near Sudh Mahadev is the legendary spring where the Goddess Parvati used to bath before commencing her daily prayers at Sudh Mahadev. This spring came to be named after her as 'Gauri Kund'. A few Kilometers further away from Sudh Mahadev, is Mantalai, a place surrounded by lush deodar forests, at an altitude of over 2000 metres. It is believed that Lord Shiva got married to Goddess Parvati at this place.