Baba Dhansar

Baba Dhansar

Baba Dhansar, a temple dedicated to the serpent god Dhansar Baba, is located near Karua Jheel, approximately 17 km from Reasi towards Katra. Enchantingly nestled amid the scenic beauty of the Reasi district in Jammu, this picturesque location is not just a feast for the eyes but also holds deep historical significance. The village of Karua is located about 10 km from Reasi. The village is well-known for its temple honouring Karua Jheel and Lord Shiva. You take about 100 steps to descend from that point. Numerous waterfalls that eventually join the Banganga River dot the entire walk. There is a naturally occurring Shivalingam close to this rivulet, from which drops of milky water fall all year long. According to local lore, when Lord Shiva journeyed to the Amarnath cave, he left his serpent king, Sheshnag, in human form as Vasudev. Vasudev's son, Dhansar, became renowned for his saintly nature. In ancient times, a demon plagued the village of Karua near the Jheel. Seeking aid, villagers turned to Baba Dhansar, who prayed to Lord Shiva for help. Responding to their plea, Lord Shiva defeated the demon. The temple of Baba Dhansar and a nearby cave dedicated to Lord Shiva became revered sites. Karua Jheel is considered sacred, prohibiting bathing, but devotees may bathe downstream. It's believed that sincere prayers while bathing fulfil wishes. Annually, devotees gather at Baba Dhansar during Mahashivratri and the Shravan month to honour Lord Shiva. The location has not yet been recognized as a major tourist destination in the State, despite being frequented by nature enthusiasts, particularly those from Jammu, Vaishno Devi devotees, and Shiv Khori devotees. The number of visitors to this place of worship is so great that during the summer months, all available space is taken up by visitors; however, the place's development falls short of expectations. In certain places, the road that leads to Baba Dhansar is in poor condition.