Mahashivratri festival to begin on Feb 16, deity sets out for Mandi
The revered deity of Mandi district, Dev Kamrunag, began his sacred journey today for the International Mahashivratri Festival, which would kick-start on February 16. The ceremonial departure of the deity from Got village in the picturesque Kamru valley marked an important spiritual time for devotees in the region.
Early in the morning, amid the auspicious sounds of traditional temple instruments, the Suraj Pakhkha (symbolic form) of Dev Kamrunag was brought from the bhandar (sacred store) of Got village to the Parta Sthal located at Dhangyara Galu. During a brief halt at the site, local residents performed rituals and offered prayers to the deity, seeking his blessings.
Priest Bodhraj Thakur said that after a nine-day journey on foot, Dev Kamrunag would reach Mandi city. During this sacred procession, the deity would bless devotees at various locations along the route. On February 13, the deity would stay overnight at the residence of a devotee at Gutkar near Mandi city. On February 14, the district administration and the Sarva Devta Committee would accord a traditional ceremonial welcome to the deity near Pulgharat, the main entrance to Mandi city.
A grand Mahamilan (divine congregation) of Dev Kamrunag with Raj Devta Madho Rai, the presiding deity of the Mandi Shivratri festival, would take place at the royal palace temple of Madho Rai on February 15. On the occasion, Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan, who is also the Chairman of the International Shivratri Festival Organising Committee, would formally welcome the deity. After the traditional reception by the royal family, Dev Kamrunag would proceed to Mata Shyama Kali Temple at Tarna, where he would remain seated throughout the Shivratri festival, granting darshan to devotees.
As per the tradition, the rituals of the International Shivratri festival are said to begin only after Dev Kamrunag arrives in Mandi. The melodious devotional tunes of Kahuli and Nagada mark the journey of the deity. The departure of Dev Kamrunag was accompanied by enchanting devotional music played on traditional instruments. Four kahulis, the historic royal-era nagada, along with “dhol” and “dhans”, filled the atmosphere with sacred rhythms as the procession advanced towards the town of Raj Devta Madho Rai.
The divine entourage included priest Bodhraj Thakur, Katwal Chet Ram Thakur, former Gur and 28 “Devlu” (attendants). Personnel of the police and revenue departments are also accompanying the procession to ensure smooth conduct of the journey.
