|| Shubh MahaShivratri: A Devotee's Delight,It's Lord Shiva's Night ||

Rituals of Maha Shivratri

Celebrated with complete zest and fervor, M a h a S h i v r a t r i is a vital part of Hinduism. From dawn to dusk, various rituals are conducted by the Shiva Bhakts.

The Shiva Purana lists six important materials necessary to perform the veneration:

Cleansing the Sins of the Souls

Devotees submerge in the Ganges River to cleanse the soul while praying to Surya Dev, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva. Later on, they travel to a Shiva Temple, in new attire, and wash the Shiva Linga with water, milk, and honey while placing wood apple/bel leaves on top.

Righteousness

Smearing the linga with the vermillion paste symbolizes virtueness.

Winter of Life and Wishes

Contributing fruits to the God increases life span and attaining aspirations.

Prosperity

By charing incense sticks, it is believed that devotees will prosper financially.

Illumination of Knowledge

If one wants to earn wisdom, they can illume lamps(diyas).

Enjoying Worldly Pleasures

By conferring betel leaves, one is said to achieve contentment with material pleasures.

T h a n d a i, a popular drink, is consumed during this time. It constitutes of cannabis, almonds, and milk and devotees, such as ascetics, take sips to please the Supreme Being.

From dawn to dusk, venerating Lord Shiva important for devotees to remain awake. Various chants and religious songs are performed. The mantra, "Om Namah Shivay," is chanted to free people from their misdeeds.

Shivratri Mandi Fair

Major legends are associated with M a n d i "M a d o" R a i (synonymous with Lord Vishnu) and Lord Shiva of the Bhootnath Temple in the Mandi town. In 1526, Raja Ajber Sen heard a tale about a cow lending her milk to a stone in the Mandi forest. In his imagination, Lord Shiva told him to explore the Shiva Linga. So, the Raja located the Shiva Linga and established the foundation of the Bhootnath Temple. Annually celebrated on the 13th day in the month of Phalguna which occurs in the February/March as depicted in the Gregorian Calendar, the Mandi Shivratri Fair is a popular fair celebrated for a week.

During Raja Suraj Sen's tenure, the importance of Lord Vishnu became an integral part as the Raja constructed the "Madhav Rai Temple" in the honor of this deity. His gemologist, Bhima, illustrated "M a d h o R a i" in the reverence of Lord Krishna and Radha in 1705; this image was appointed as the "King of the State of Mandi" of which future heirs became devotees.

Another linkage of this festival is based on another ruler named Ishwar Sen, who was imprisoned for 12 years as the King of Kangra, Sansar Chand took over Sen's kingdom in 1792. Sen received his kingdom back through the Gurkha invaders. In honor of the achievement, he inaugurated a tradition of welcoming all the deities during Shivratri time.

Popularly recognized as "V a r a n a s i o f t h e H i l l s," the Mandi Town is organized as a venue for inviting more than 200 deities in the state of Himachal Pradesh. It is necessary for each god to offers their respects to Madho Rao and the Raja. On the 2nd day, various idols are carried towards Padal, a big open landscape in the junction within the Beas and Suketi Rivers.