River Tawi ( referred in ancient literature as Surya Putri) that flows through the city of Jammu. Tawi river originates from the lapse 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.
Flowing through the city of Jammu, Tawi has divided the city into two parts, old city and new city. The water of Tawi River is the main source of water for the entire city. There are three bridges over the river, one from Gumat to Vikram Chowk, other connects Gujjar Nagar with Bahu fort area and third one is on the city bypass near Nagrota. After flowing through the Jammu City, Tawi crosses the Pakistan and joins Chenab River.
According to historians, King Jamboolochansaw an amazing sight on the bank of Tawi. He watched in astonishment as a goat and a lion drank water from the same place. He immediately decided to set up a town beside the river and named it Jamboo, which changed to Jammu in the course of time.
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 & was given the throne of Jammu City & 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 (places) at various places in Jammu Region but main place at near village KATAL BATAL near Nagrota.
Tawi river should not be confused with Manawar Tawi which is a small rivulet that originates in Thana Mandi area in Rajouri district, flowis through Chingus, Nowshera and enters Pakistan’s Punjab at Manawar to join Chenab river.
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