One of the most revered figures in this Manwal area is Baba Pehar Devta, also known as Pehad Devta or Bhed/Bhaid Devta, a deity deeply embedded in the spiritual lives of locals.
The Manwal area, positioned between the borders of Udhampur and Jammu districts in Jammu and Kashmir, serves as a unique cultural and geographical bridge. While a portion of Manwal falls under Udhampur district, localities like Kathar are administratively part of Jammu district. This duality enriches the region’s historical and cultural narrative.
According to ancient folklore, Baba Pehad Devta, the son of Vasuki Nag (the mythical king of Snakes), was granted dominion over Jammu. Entrusted by Vasuki Nag and blessed by Bawe Wali Mata and Kaliveer, Baba Pehad Devta is credited with bringing the sacred Tawi River to Jammu from the Kali Kundi glacier in Bhaderwah.
This act of channeling the river has elevated Baba Pehad Devta to the status of a cultural icon, revered for shaping the spiritual and physical landscape of Jammu. His significance extends beyond folklore, as a large number of Rajput clans, who ruled over small principalities in the Jammu region, consider Baba Bhed Devta their Kuldevta, alongside Kaliveer.
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In the Tawi River, near Baba Pehar Devta’s place is situated, a sacred spot is revered for its unique connection to the deity. This area is home to sacred fishes, and devotees present flour (Atta) to these fishes as an offering. Locals hold a deep belief that witnessing the fishes and seeing them eat the offered flour signifies a divine blessing—a ‘Darshan’ of Baba Pehar Devta himself.
The priest of the shrine highlights the widespread reverence for Baba Pehar Devta, stating that there are several other shrines dedicated to the deity across the districts of Jammu and Udhampur. Despite the presence of numerous gods worshipped in the region, Baba Pehar Devta is uniquely venerated for his instant blessings and swift responses to the prayers of his devotees.
