Krimchi, site of three of the oldest temples of Jammu- Pancheri, a hill resort

Krimchi, site of three of the oldest temples of Jammu- Pancheri, a hill resort

On the way to Shudh Mahadev Mantalai, a short detour takes  one to Krimchi, site of three of the oldest temples of Jammu. The architecture of the temple shows distinct Greek (Hellenic) influences. 

Pancheri, a hill resort is a short distance away from here. This is a splendid stone temple complex. A small stream flows below it. Three old temples stand in a row facing east. One of the temples is in ruins.

The temples resempbe the shape of Baij Nath and Linga Raja temple at Bhuvneshawar Orrisa.   The main temple is 50 ft high, is decorated with abstract designs and the porch strongly resembles the ancient stone temples of Kashmir. Some beam like stone structures are used in the constructionand the rest on massive pillars.

Pieces of the sclupture found in the rubble have images of Ganesh, Parvati, Shiva Trimurti and Vishnu. It is said that the temples might have been got constructed by the Kushan ruler on way to Kashmir.

How to Reach

Krimchi lies in the District of Udhampur and one has to reach Udhampur from Jammu to go there. For Udhampur regular Bus Service is available from Jammu General Bus Stand. Alternatively one can hire private taxi also plying on fixed rates.  From Udhampur one has to either take a bus to Krimchi of hire taxi to go there.