Mandi, the ancient town of temples and known as the “Chhoti Kashi” is all set to host a galaxy of over 125 hill gods and goddesses who would converge on the sprawling Padal ground, the venue of the week-long Shivratri fairs, beginning this month from February 28 and concluding on March 6.
A rousing reception awaits the hill deities, which on their arrival would pay their obeisance to lord Shiva at the Bhutnath temple, the presiding deity of Mandi town since the birth of the town in 1526.
The international Shivratri fairs would be inaugurated by Chief Minister, Virbhadra Singh, on February 28, 2014 and Himachal Governor Urmila Singh would formally declare the fairs closed on March 6, amidst traditional fanfare and religious fervour.
Shivratri is celebrated all over the country, but it has assumed a special significance for Mandi where week-long celebrations are held amidst colourful festivities in keeping with the centuries old royal traditions from the days of the princely rulers of the erstwhile Mandi State when Shivratri used to be a great imperial celebration marked with religious fervour and gaiety. Mandi rulers were devotees of lord Shiva. The temples of Bhutnath, Trilokinath, Panchvaktra and Ardhnarishwar are the prominent among about 100 temples here. Built in Shikhra style these are the finest specimen of hill architecture.
Shivratri fair has been celebrated here since the very foundation of the present Mandi town in 1526 during the rule of Ajber Sen. Before that the capital of Mandi State was located on the right bank of Beas at Bhiuli and the town was also located along the right bank of Beas now known as Purani Mandilegend has it that the land on which the present Mandi town has been established was a dense forest where cattle used to graze. A villager was surprised to observe that his newly calved cow was not yielding desired milk. He kept a vigil on the movements of the cow and was astonished to see that the cow was spilling her milk on a stone. The news, it is said, spread like a wild fire in the town and also reached the Raja, who verified it personally.
In the meantime, it is said, another development took place. Raja Ajber Sen saw lord Shiva in the dream who ordained him to dig below the stone. His joy knew no bounds when he found a large-size Shivlinga buried beneath the stone where the cow used to spill her milk. On that very site the king built the temple of Bhunath and the foundation of the present Mandi town was also laid simultaneously by shifting the capital from Bhiuli to the left bank.
To mark this great occasion a grand congregation of hill gods and goddesses was called to celebrate the birth of the new town on the pious occasion of Mahashivratri Parva. For many years the rulers of the State used to prolong the celebrations for a month. As the years rolled by the fairs have shrunk to a week.
During the rule of Surya Sen (1664-1679), who had no heir, as all his eighteen sons had died during his life time, the sovereignty was vested to Madho Rai (lord Vishnu). In the subsequent years the Ratha carrying the silver image of Madho Rai used to lead the Shobha Yatra. The silver image of Madho Rai is still revered as before and his vehicle (Rath) is in the forefront of the divine march of over 100 hill gods and goddesses.
After Independence, the role of the Raja is performed by the elected rulers and Governors who perform the traditional pooja in keeping with the ancient traditions. Virbhadra Singh will join the grand Shobha Yatra after the traditional worship of Madho Rai. Himachal Pradesh Governor Urmila Singh will declare the fairs closed on March 6 on the termination of final Shobha Yatra and distribute prizes to the winners of various cultural and sports events. State level Shivratri sports are also organised.
Another star attraction of the fairs is the Shivratri exhibition where private, corporate, public sector organisations and Government departments set up their stalls highlighting latest technical and scientific developments for educating the rural folk. Daily evening cultural programmes where artists of national and international fame will mesmerise the audience. The local artists of Himachal Pradesh will also regale the crowd.
For the first time this year, many innovative measures have been taken by Deputy Commissioner-cum-president of Mela Committee, Devesh Kumar and his team to beautify the town. The road leading to the seat of Madho Rai located in the premises of the mini-secretariat has been widened and decorated by putting up a glamorous wall of elegantly chiselled stones adopting architecture of regal times.
Attractive coloured tiles have been laid in the Seri Market along with the route of Shobha Yatra. Similarly the road along with the ITI and Police lines has also been widened with a beautiful wall of dressed stones adds to its glamour. The town wears a festive look with all historic and important buildings in the town tastefully painted. All temples have been renovated where hill deities are offered prayers by the devotees. District Police Chief, RS Negi, said all measures to ensure law and order have been taken and strict vigil would be kept on vagabonds, pickpockets and other anti-social elements.