Dussehra of Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh:

 

• • Manikaran, located in the Parvati Valley of Himachal Pradesh, is celebrated not only for its natural beauty and healing hot springs but also for its spiritual significance across faiths. While the Dussehra festivities in Kullu draw widespread attention, Manikaran’s Dussehra is marked by unique rituals and deep connections to ancient legends, making it an equally revered yet lesser-known celebration.

 

The Legend of Manikaran: Origins of the Name and Hot Springs

 

• • Manikaran translates to “Earring Gem,” a name deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. According to legend, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati chose Manikaran as their abode, spending many years amidst its serene beauty. During one such time, while Parvati bathed in the river, her precious earring fell into the water and disappeared. Despite Shiva’s efforts, he couldn’t locate the earring, prompting him to use his third eye, which revealed that Sheshnag, the serpent king, had taken the gem to the netherworld.
  • When Shiva requested its return, Sheshnag hesitated, wary of Shiva’s wrath. Finally, to avoid Shiva’s anger, Sheshnag released the gem with a powerful hiss, creating a massive sound and causing a hot spring to erupt from the riverbed. This powerful incident not only restored Parvati’s lost earring but also gave Manikaran its name, symbolizing the divine origin of the hot springs which are still believed to have spiritual and healing properties.

 

Spiritual Significance of Manikaran’s Hot Springs

 

• • The hot springs in Manikaran are central to its cultural and religious importance. Pilgrims of various faiths, including Hindus and Sikhs, believe these waters are blessed by divine presence and offer spiritual and physical healing. As an extension of the legendary tale, the hot springs are now used by devotees to cook offerings as a sign of reverence, with rituals reflecting the region’s blend of myth, nature, and spirituality.

 

Unique Rituals of Dussehra in Manikaran

 

Unlike the large-scale festivities seen in Kullu, the Dussehra in Manikaran is observed with deep-rooted traditional and religious customs. This celebration primarily revolves around religious worship and the gathering of local deities in a ceremonial rath yatra (chariot procession).

 

Dussehra Celebrations in Manikaran: A Blend of Devotion and Tradition

Morning Rituals and Goddess Naina Bhagwati’s Visit

 

• • On the day of Dussehra, after the morning prayers, Goddess Naina Bhagwati visits the Raghunath temple in Manikaran to pay her respects to Lord Ram. Following this, she takes her seat under a mulberry tree in the temple courtyard, where other deities also gather. This occasion sees the presence of local deities such as the deities from Blarg and the Narayan deity from Lapas. Villagers come to offer incense to the Goddess, and the ritual involves both men and women, with the offering process continuing until the afternoon.

 

Participation of Local Deities

The Dussehra festival in Manikaran witnesses the participation of deities from over a dozen villages, ranging from Kasol to Barshaini. Notable deities include:

 

• • Mahadev from Chokki
  • Kasauli Narayan from Kasol
  • Mehta from Shangna
  • Nag Raj from Kiyani
  • Kudi Narayan from Lapas
  • Thaan from Blarg
  • Mohata and Chiramal from Seela
  • Gauhari from Tahuk
  • Jagatam from Barshaini
  • By afternoon, the Rath Yatra, or chariot procession, begins.

 

The Rath Yatra

 

• • Manikaran is home to two temples dedicated to Raghunath Ji, both constructed in the Nagara architectural style. The idols from the older temple are transferred to the new temple, where they are placed in a small palanquin. During this time, the representatives of the deities prepare a large chariot in the courtyard. The idols of Raghunath Ji are then ceremonially placed in this grand chariot, although the idol of Sita Ji is not included, as she is said to not wish to witness the demise of Ravana.

 

Procession and Symbolic Rituals

 

• • As the procession moves forward, the atmosphere becomes vibrant with chants of “Jai Shri Ram.” Upon reaching the lower end of the procession, the breaking of the symbolic earthen pot, representing Ravana, begins. This pot is placed on the opposite bank of the Parvati River, and villagers from the right bank compete to break it with stones, treating it as a representation of Ravana. After a spirited effort, the person who breaks the pot is declared victorious and is awarded Hanuman Ji’s flag, which they carry to the Shri Ram temple.

 

Divine Music and Community Celebration

 

• • Following this, the priests and representatives of the deities gather, and the procession continues with divine music accompanying the deities’ chariots. The chariot is pulled by the priests of the Raghunath temple and Rajput community members. Some participants carry flags, floral offerings, and other symbolic items, adding to the spectacle.

 

Conclusion of the Celebrations

 

• • The culmination of the Dussehra festivities is marked by the victorious breaking of the pot. The winner is honored with Hanuman Ji’s flag and leads the procession to the Shri Ram temple, where Sita Ji’s idol is brought from the small chariot and placed alongside Raghunath Ji. After the ceremonial activities, the idol of Shri Ram is returned to the temple, and the older idols of Ram and Sita are also reverently returned to their original temple.

 

Rasleela Performance

 

• • The afternoon concludes with a gathering of deities, which is a captivating sight, and each participating deity is offered a gift by the Ramchandra Committee. The villagers also engage in hospitality for the deities. On Sharad Purnima, following the day of Dussehra, the villagers perform Rasleela outside the Ram temple, with children dressed as Krishna and gopis, marking the festive conclusion of Dussehra.

Other Religious Activities During Dussehra

 

• • Meeting of Deities: Various deities from the area come together during the Dussehra festival, symbolizing unity and communal harmony. This gathering underscores the spiritual unity of Manikaran.
  • Raas Leela on Sharad Purnima: At the end of Dussehra, a raas leela (dance drama) is held on Sharad Purnima. Young children dress as Krishna and Gopis, performing a traditional dance that marks the festival’s conclusion.
  • Nazrana (Gift Offering): Deities present at Dussehra are offered gifts, known as nazrana, by the Ramchandra Committee. This gesture reinforces the spirit of devotion and community.

 

Dussehra in Manikaran: Religious and Cultural Significance

 

• • The Dussehra in Manikaran is an event of deep faith for the local residents and pilgrims. The festival, with its association with Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the meeting of deities, and the pot-breaking ritual, represents unity and the victory of good over evil. Its simplicity and tradition showcase the culture and beliefs of Himachal Pradesh, reflecting the strong connection that devotees hold with their heritage.

 

Manikaran’s Dussehra: A Localized and Devotional Celebration

 

• • While the Dussehra festival in Kullu is known for its grand scale and vibrant processions, Manikaran’s Dussehra retains a more personal, spiritual character. Here, the festival not only celebrates the victory of good over evil but also reveres local deities and traditions tied to the area’s legends.

 

Manikaran’s Dussehra is distinct in its customs:

 

• • Spiritual Gatherings and Rituals: Devotees congregate at the temples and gurudwaras to offer prayers and seek blessings, reflecting the town’s unique religious tapestry.

• • Offerings in the Hot Springs: During Dussehra, devotees cook rice and other offerings directly in the geothermal waters, linking the ritual to the tale of Parvati’s gem.

• • Pilgrimages and Sacred Connections: The celebrations honor the legend of Manikaran, with worshippers paying homage to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Sheshnag’s role in the site’s mythology.

 

Cultural and Religious Diversity of Manikaran

 

• • Manikaran is an emblem of multi-faith reverence, home to the revered Shiva Temple and a significant Sikh Gurudwara associated with Guru Nanak, the first Sikh Guru. Sikh lore adds further sanctity to Manikaran, where Guru Nanak is said to have performed a miracle, enhancing its reputation as a holy place. This mix of Hindu and Sikh traditions contributes to Manikaran’s unique spiritual character.

 

Dussehra at Manikaran: A Unique Symbol of Heritage and Devotion

 

• • Unlike other Indian Dussehra celebrations marked by the burning of Ravana effigies, Manikaran’s Dussehra centers around the veneration of its local deities and ancestral legends. The rituals emphasize reverence, communal prayers, and seeking blessings, drawing pilgrims who respect Manikaran’s mystical origins and embrace the sacred qualities attributed to its hot springs.
  • Manikaran’s Dussehra not only preserves ancient traditions but also serves as a testament to the powerful stories and beliefs that shape its identity, offering a profound reminder of the divine connection between history, nature, and spirituality.

 

QuizTime:

 

HPAS Mains Questions:

 

Model Answer:

 

• • The Dussehra festival in Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh, is a profound blend of local customs and pan-Indian themes of good triumphing over evil. Unlike the grand-scale celebration in Kullu, which includes the burning of Ravana effigies, Manikaran’s Dussehra is modest yet rich in spiritual meaning. Here, the festival centers around local deities and traditions rather than public spectacle, focusing on honoring Lord Rama through unique rituals and ceremonies.
• • One of the distinguishing rituals in Manikaran’s Dussehra is the breaking of an earthen pot symbolizing Ravana, which devotees strike with stones across the Parvati River. This act represents the symbolic vanquishing of evil and underscores a more participatory, community-oriented approach to celebrating Dussehra.
• • Additionally, Manikaran’s reputation as a sacred site is rooted in Hindu mythology, where the hot springs are believed to have originated due to the lost “Mani” (jewel) of Goddess Parvati, retrieved with the aid of Sheshnag and the powers of Lord Shiva. The springs, viewed as both spiritually and physically healing, hold religious significance for Hindus and Sikhs, who revere Manikaran as a holy site. Sikh lore links Guru Nanak to a miracle here, making Manikaran a convergence point of Hindu and Sikh faiths. Thus, Manikaran’s Dussehra embodies a deep interweaving of local cultural customs with broader religious and mythological narratives that collectively celebrate divine power and faith.

 

 

Model Answer:

 

• • The hot springs of Manikaran are both a geological marvel and a deeply revered feature in the Parvati Valley. According to Hindu mythology, these springs emerged due to the retrieval of Goddess Parvati’s lost jewel by Sheshnag, the serpent god. The hot waters are thus seen as a manifestation of divine intervention and are believed to hold purifying and healing properties. This perception has shaped Manikaran into a prominent pilgrimage site where devotees from across the country come to bathe, cook food offerings, and participate in spiritual rituals.
• • Geographically, Manikaran’s hot springs result from tectonic activity, with geothermal heat escaping through the Earth’s crust due to the Himalayan region’s dynamic geological makeup. These springs have a high sulfur content, which locals and pilgrims alike believe to possess medicinal properties, treating ailments such as arthritis and skin conditions.
• • Culturally, these springs form a core part of the Parvati Valley’s landscape, enhancing its spiritual and social significance. The springs serve as a communal space where pilgrims cook their offerings as part of the religious observances, reinforcing Manikaran’s status as a site of both reverence and community bonding. Furthermore, the springs symbolize a bridge between nature and divinity, as they are perceived to embody both the physical grandeur and mystical elements of the valley. This unique confluence of myth, religious practice, and environmental geography defines Manikaran as a vital cultural and spiritual landmark in Himachal Pradesh.

 

Remember: These are just sample answers. It’s important to further research and refine your responses based on your own understanding and perspective. Read entire HPAS Current Affairs.