Bala Kameshwar’s chariot procession revives 4000-yr-old tradition in Mandi

In a historic and spiritually significant event, Bala Kameshwar, the revered deity of Mandi, embarked on a grand chariot procession after 4000 years. The newly constructed chariot, built at the Satdev Bala Kameshwar Temple in Mahajan Bazaar, was consecrated and taken out for the first time on Sunday, marking a momentous occasion for devotees.

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According to temple priest Gopal Sharma, the deity had not been placed on a chariot for millennia. This sacred procession, believed to be in accordance with the deity’s wishes, saw Bala Kameshwar visit two key temples — Raj Madhav Temple and Bhootnath Temple — where blessings were bestowed upon

the devotees.

The construction of the chariot was a collective effort by devotees and the temple committee, igniting a sense of excitement and spiritual revival among locals. The chariot will also play a significant role in the upcoming Shivratri festival, where Bala Kameshwar will bless devotees throughout the week-long celebrations at Paddal Ground.

Bala Kameshwar holds immense significance in the Mandi region.

Locals believe that without the deity’s blessings, rainfall does not occur, making the god essential for agricultural prosperity. The deity is also said to have divine powers to cure severe illnesses, grant wealth, ensure bountiful harvests, and bless devotees with offspring.

Historically, Bala Kameshwar held a vital place in the princely state’s royal court. However, for reasons unknown, the deity ceased participating in the International Shivratri Festival. With the restoration of the chariot, devotees hope that Bala Kameshwar will once again be part of the festival, bringing prosperity and divine grace to the people.

The Bala Kameshwar Temple in Mahajan Bazaar, one of the oldest and most revered shrines in the region, has gained even greater spiritual prominence with this revival. As devotees flock to seek blessings, the reinstallation of the deity’s chariot marks a new chapter in the temple’s rich and sacred history.