Tawi River

Tawi is a river that flows through the city of Jammu. Tawi river is considered sacred and holy, as is the case with most rivers in India.

Origin from Kali Kundi glacier

Tawi river originates from the lap of Kali Kundi glacier and adjoining area southwest of Bhadarwah in Doda district. Its catchment is delineated by latitude 32°35'-33°5'N and longitude 74°35'-75°45'E. The catchment area of the river up to Indian border (Jammu) is 2168 km² and falls in the districts of Jammu, Udhampur and a small part of Doda. Elevation in the catchment varies between 400 and 4000 m.

The flow of water in the river has been decreasing in recent years as the source glacier (Kali Kundi glacier) has been retreating.

Mythological views

It is a belief of the Hindus of Jammu city that the river was brought to Jammu by 'Raja Pehar Devta' to cure his father and was given the throne of Jammu City and was declared as 'Raja', i.e. King of Jammu with the blessings of 'Bawe wali Shri MATA KALI JI'. Most Hindus of Jammu city at present perform 'MUNDAN' ceremony of their children at DEV STHAN of 'PEHAR DEVTA JI' also called with love as 'BAWA PEHAR' having HIS sthans at various places in Jammu region but main place at near village KATAL BATAL near Nagrota. Temple has pictures of Pehar devta along with Snakes and goddess Kali. People offer food over there to fishes in form of wheat balls and pray for there well being and prosperity.