Maha Shivratri of Kashmiri Pandits - Haerath (Solemnised With High Religious Fervour Among Kashmiri Pandits)

 

The Puranas (written between ath-7th Century AD) mentions Shira Worship on Shu rant was prevalent in Kashmir right belie the arrival of Swaras Brahmins from plains History reveals one of the conditions put forward by King Nile for permitting these Saraswat Brahmins to settle in the valley was to observe their festivals which included celebration of the festival of Shivratri. After a passage of time this festival came to be called Haerath in Kashmir. It is the most ancient auspicious, traditional socio-religious and cultural festival of Kashmir. From the times immericeial, this grand festival of Jams and Kashmir has remained a star attraction for everyone within and outside the valley of Kashmir. Its description is available in all major chronicles, scriptures and hostory books of Kashmir and it has fascinated the Kashmir observers, always and ever Variosa Kalasha and Shie Garas, Depiction of Haeralh Maha Shivratri of Kashmin Pandit.

 Maha Shivratri (Shivratri) in Bharat

 Shivratri (Maha Shivratri) The Great Night of Shiva' as per notable greater Hindu festival is celebrated annually in honour of the deity Shiva observed on the fourteenth day of the dark (waning) half of the lunar month-Krishna Paksh of Phalguna. The festival commemorates the wedding of Shiva and Parvati and the occasion that Shiva perfortune his divine dance, called the Tandava. A remembrance of overcoming darkness anst ignorance in lide and the world throsigh Shiva by chanting prayers, lasting and meditating on this and votes much as boosty nose-mjury to others, chants, forgiveness, and the discovery of Shira Offerings of Fruits Leaves, Sweets and Milk are made to Shiva some perform all-day fasting with Vedic on Tantric worship of Shiva, and some perform Meditative Voga. In Shiva Temples, the sacred Panchakshara Mantra of Shiva. Om Namah Shivaya'is chanted throughout the day. Devotees praise Shiva through the recitation of the hymen called the Shiv Chalisa, Ardest devotees stay awake throughout this night. Others visit one of the Shiva temples or go on a pilgrimage to the Jyotirlingams. The festival is believed to have originated in Sth century BCE The Maha Shivaratri is mentioned in several Puranas, particularly the Skanda Purana, Linga Purana, and Padma Purana, Albo, medieval era Shaiva texts present different versions associated with this festival, such as tasting, and offering reverence to a Lingam An Emblematic Figure of Shiva. Interestingly, unlike most Hindu festivals which are celebrated during the day, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated at night. Furthermore, unlike most Hindu festivals which include expression of cultural revelry: Maha Shivaratri is a solemn event notable for its introspective Focus, Fasting Meditation on Shiva, Self-study, Social harmony and An All- night Vigil at Shiva Temples. In South Bharat there was and is still, a tradition in certain areas to throw small pebbles on the roots of the people in order to remind them to keep awake during the night of Maha Shivratri so that they are led to do "Sadhana' during the blissful night .

Maha Shivratri as 'Haerath' for Kashmiris For Kashmiris,

Shivratri being called Haerath, people have given various explanations for this like - Haerath signifies emergence of Vatuk Nath Bhairava (in ancient past from an earth pot)- Bhairava is one of the manifestations of Rudra. Haerath falls on 13th day of Phalgun Krishna Paksha and that is why we celebrate it on this day and explains why earthen vessels were used. Shiv-chaturdashi of Phalgun Krishna Paksha is called Maha Shivratri and it is a coincidence that two festivals are celebrated together. Another view is that. Haerath is the altered form of Hari-Rat-An Offshoot of Har Ratri. The Night of Hara The Lord of Lords, Divine Night or Harish-Rat - The Night of Delight. Not to forget the fact that Haerath is dedicated to the two wishful sons of Bhagwan Shiva and his consort Mata Parvati, who are called Vatuknath and Raman (Ramgaudh). They and especially Vatuk Nath Bhairava are recognised as Bhairavs with the divine power of removal of distress (Sankat-Haaree). 00000 Arrangement of Vatuk Nath Puja known as 'VatukBarun in Kashmiri Tradition (Nuet as Vatuknath and Chua as Ramgaud. Another belief is that various Pots filled with Water Immersed Walnuts Viz., Nuet represents Shiva, Chaud as Parvati on the Night of Marriage of Shiv-Shakti and Sone Pautal (Vatuk Raza) - Bhairva, Shiv Ganas like Dhull, Narees, Resh Dhull along. Ksherapals and Paneet Patrarepresent as Bharatis. Puta Starts with Kalash Puja) and Vatuk Mandap is immersed in Flowers with (Ratandeep) Ghee Diya and (Chung) Oil Diya, there. Vatuk Baron also has Two Naiveedam Thalis - for l'uja Offerings and for Distribution to the family members after Puja is solemnized with offerings of Hawan Samagrahi (Above Pic in Hindi Language) Well Known version is that it has been derived from Hairat- A Persian word for Utter Surprise. It is stated that during the Pathan Rule, Jabar Khan who was Governor of Kashmir ordered (out of bigotry and to prove wrong as those days, the days of Haerath were welcomed by Snowfalls) that instead of Feb/March the festival should be observed in the month of June/ July (Har in Kashmir) which are among hottest months in Kashmir. Kashmiri Hindus obeyed his orders and celebrated the festival in Har (June/ July). The forced alteration of date brought innumerable curses upon the valley. There was untimely snowfall in the hot summer. The Pathans expressed Hairat-Utter Surprise, at this. Since then Shivratri came to be known as Hairat or Heyrath or Haerath. The day following Haerath, Muslims visited Kashmiri Pandit neighbors to pay obeisance by saying "salaam" which became tradition to follow. There is a Kashmiri couplet which records the perversity of Jabar Khan-which is, 'Wuchiv Kya Gav Jabbar JandasHarras Ti Kurran Wandha' (Fie on the wretched Jabar Khan for having turned summer into winter). Another Cogent belief for Maha Shivaratri being celebrated by Kashmiri Pandits on Trayodashi or The Thirteenth of the dark half of the month of Phalguna (February-March) and not on the Chaturdashi or The Fourteenth as in the rest of the country is that this long drawn festival as celebrated for one full fortnight as an elaborate ritual and is associated with the appearance of Bhairava (Shiva) as a Jvala-Linga or a Linga of Flame. It has been described as Bhairavotsava in Tantric texts as on this occasion Bhairava and Bhairavi, his Shakti or cosmic energy, are propitiated through Tantric Worship.According to the legend associated with the origin of the worship, the Linga appeared at Pradoshakala or The Dusk of early night as a blazing column of fire and dazzled VatukaBhairava and Rama (or Ramana) Bhairava Mahadevi's mind-born sons, who approached it to dowever ite beginning of end mably failed. Exasperated and terrified shey began to sing its preses and went to Mahundert, who herself merged with the awe rupiring Ivala Linga. The Goddess blessed both Vanika (Varuknath) and Ramana (Ramgaud) that dey would be worshipped by human beings and would receive their share of sacrificial offerings on that day and those who would worship them would have all their wishes fulfilled. As Vatukalthairava emerged from a packer full of water alter Mahadevi cast a glance asto it, fully armed with all his weapons (and so dal Rama) he is represented by a pitcher full of water in which walnuts are kept for soaking and worshipped along with Shiva, Parvati, Kumara, Ganesha. Their Ganas or Attendant Deities. Yoginis and Kshetrapatas Iguardians of the quarters) all represented by clay imagest out of Kashmir tradition has shifted to Metallic Vessels and Pots). The soaked walnuts are laterdistributed as Naivedya. The ceremony is called Vatuka Braun' in Kashmiri, which means filling the pitcher of water representing the Vatuka Bhairava with Walnuts and Worshipping it. Shivratri - Harrath of Kashmiris, festival begins from the first day of the Phalguna lunar month with the cleansing process of houses and especially of the place where the Vatuk-Nath- Puja is ceremonised. The establishment of the Vatuk Bhairavas in the form of 'Kalashas' in homes is a very significant part and the core of the whole festival. Walnuts are put in the water filled and beautifully decorated Kalashas'. The Walnuts later are taken as the 'Prasad of the deities and of the whole puja performed on the great occasion. The festival comes to a complete end on the eighth day of the bright fortnight of Phalgun lunar month Shukla-Paksh (termed as Teelae-Aitham).

Haerath is among most Solemnized Religious Festivals of Kashmiris

For a Kashmiri Pandits (Hindus) Haerath is King of Festivals. It spans over a period of 23 days starting from Ist day of the Krishan Paksha of Phalgun (Lunar Month) to Ashtmi (8th Day) of Shukla Paksha. It encompanes all tal digious and even cultural activities. From Ist day of the known (HuryaOkdok) to oth day (Hurya Shyam) the whole house and the bouchold things are deanod after long te winter Materiale to be used in Puja wch Earthen Ware, Walnuts, Grase (for making Aarmex the grass ring on which Vatuk Vesa are kepth and other materials, are collected. 7th day (Hurya Saptami), Eth day (Hurya Ashim and othe day (HuryaNavmi) are the day's for devotional prayers at home and congregational prayers with bhajans its temples. 10th day (Dyars Dalsam) is the day when daughter in-law of household who visit their parents during these days return back to their in-law's house along with soane Shaguns for their happiness. Suchas Kangri. Salt, Bread Loves (Chuchas) and Cash (Harrathißhog). 11th day (Ekadashi-Gada Kah) and 12th day (Wagur Bahy are special days tor worship of Bhairvas. 11th day, Traditionally Fish in large quantities are procured and processed but not cooked (these days many Kashmiri Pandits, after mass emigration form The Valley, have changed tradition to Vegetarian Bhoga Offerings, too). 12th day Wagur Bah, A Pot filled with water is installed at a place reserved for Puja (Wagur A Pot filled with water and decorated with flowers is called Wagers. It represents Lord Shiva's messenger, who went to Himalaya King Himvat's house, with proposal for his daughter, Parvati's marriage with Lord Shiva. Main Harrath Paja liema & Samigashi The night following between 13th day Trayodashi (HaerathTruvah) and 14th day Chaterudashi (Anant Choudha) is main time for Shiva Wonship when Bhogared to San Worshippers. Vatsik Puja is a very elaborate and Shiva Ganas are worshipped in the manewr asper Pictures depicted above. People in Kashmir chiefly used have the tradition offering Cooked Meat and Fish as Bhairava on Trayodashi which has undergone dilution to Vegetarian now sher emigration of 19%), too 14th day (Chuterudashi) which celebrated as Maha Shivratri by Hindus all over India by keeping a strict Uparam (fast) and prayers, is a day of feasting and not fasting for Raza and Bharatis and later Narrendam for womhip where Lord SeLadies of the house carry tokay Kashmiri Pandits, They call it Salaam .

What is Actual Shivratri in Bharat, it is Festive Day (Termed Salaam) in Kashmir

On Salaam of Haerath e.g. Chaterudeshi Shivratri, friends and relatives are invited for a lunch to share the delicious fish and meat. Soos in-law of the family are specially invited. People who render services to the community sac as Washerman, Barbers, Postman, Electricity Maintenance Man & such other like persons come to offer greetings receive gifts of cash. The music lover bands come le dance (especially in there is a new bom or a new bride in the house) and receive hetty presents of cash, Most of those people are Muslims who greet Kashmiri Pandits with Salaam. Children and Ladies are also given gift of cash on this day which is called - Heyrath Kharach. Children get up early in the morning and go to elders & greet with Salaam- A virtual call for payment of gift morsey: Family Daughters, Sons-in-law and their Children are also paid this gift in terms of cash. It is sent to them later on, along with, Prashad of Walnuts, Newly Wed Brides & Newly Born Children receive good amount of money. Also, Kashmiri Sect called Gurtoos are strictly Vegetarian during Haerath celebrations. They may not join other groups for three days from 12th-14th day .

The Day of Dunye Mavas (Dunve Parmanzun)-Amavasya Following Haerath

The water from Pots (Vatuk Nath and other Ganas) is replaced with new water every day in the morning and in the evenings, brief prayers 24 ate ottered to Viata Deity by the head of the On the day of Amaran Duna Marwal the to the move bank in the evening and empty al with all the lower water content there along with of which was dieting with Shoe An Earthen Lamp with huming oil wick is placed on the Niw Fting Grass Big Aam Type The Floating of Lam remont of miler scene at Hand during evening prayers. On their retum hack home, they are promised due reward in the korm of blessings by house holder especially married daughter (with recitation of blessings for the home before opening the main door of house as shown below). All function’s of this of festival come to a complete end on the eighth day of the bright fortnight of Phalgun hanar month (Teale Amm) which also signifies the end of severe winter and setting aflame of severe winter used Kangris-Traditionally known as family from the day to Tuk Th Custemen Naah

 Traditions of Haerath Shivratri Puja

 The current puja system is based on the earlier traditions, by Rishi Logaksha, thousand years ago and the Grah-Sutra. A modern-day puja is the 'Logaksha-Padati by Pt. Keshav Bhat Shastri, which is almost a Century ago adopted by the Kashmiri Pandit community as the final way of Puja. The coincidental togethemess of Haerath with Maha Shivratri is the beauty of the festival and adds charm and bliss to the festival both socially and spiritually. Night of the Haerath (The Maha Shivratri) is considered spiritually oriented nights and the great sadhaks wse these two nights as a means to their spiritual advancement and attainments Haerath Is an extraordinary manifestation of Understanding, Co-existence, Assimilation and Beauty of thoughts that impact the Spiritual and Cultural Pathways. Also, Vedic Tradition. Advaita Philosophy, Shaivism, Kashmir Sarvastvadin School of Buddhist Philosophy, Vajrayana Bhairav-Lineage and Vaishnava and Shiva Astuti are assimilated in the Tradition of Kashmir, Kashmiri Pandits, and Haerath. Haerath, is a festival of great social importance to Kashmiri Pandits, when all family members of all ages assemble together to pray to God and receive blessing of elders, children have special fun. They play a game where in Cowries are played in which children (boys and girls) and elders also join. While elders remain busy with worship, house ladies get an opportunity to show their Art of Cooking Daughters of all ages visit their parents. Parshad (walnuts echuchas-bread loves) is shared with neighbors& relations after Amavasya Puja and thus strengthening social bonds. Walnuts are distributed among Muslim friends, as as well. which strengthens Inter-Religious and Inter Community Bonds. Esoterically, the light of Chaturdashi Amavash (Darkust in Phalgun Krishna Paksha Amavasya) is (deal time for the union of (Atman)jiva and Parm-Atman (Lord Shiva) the supreme sources of perennial joy & eternal beauty. It is a dawn of knowledge of the supreme self. At the mundane level this festival symbolizes the union of Goddess Parvati or Durga. The Divine, Shakti that stands with Shiva who is all pervading but static. Alas! Now, Islamic fundamentalist have forced the Kashmiri Pandit Community to leave their homes & hearths, thus community bond has been somehow disassociated but Kashmiri Community, has been die-hard to maintain the traditions where ever Kashmiri Pandit families reside, in Exile-in Globe due to the mass exodus of militancy since 1990, and all this is Grace of Shiva and Shakti. With This 'A Happy, Healthy and Prosperous Haerath", to all of you Solemnized!

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Courtesy: Rajeshwar Dhar and Koshur Samachar-2025 , March