Maha Shivratri: The ‘Great night of Lord Shiva is observed by devotees from Kashmir to Kanyakumari with much fervour. It marks the night of the marriage of Lord of destruction, Shiva — with the goddess of fertility, love, and beauty — Parvati, who is also known as Shakti (power). The festival is known as ‘Herath’ in Jammu and Kashmir celebrated on trayodashi or the 13th of the dark half of the Phalguna month (February-March) and not on chaturdashi or the 14th as celebrated by the rest of the Hindus. The reason is that for one full fortnight it is celebrated as an elaborate ritual associated with the arrival of Bhairava (Shiva) as a jwala-linga or flame linga.
There are several anecdotes behind. According to one school, the word comes from the Sanskrit word Hararatri or the Night or Hara (another name of Lord Shiva). It is said that Lord Shiva called Devi Jagatamba by the name of Hairte on this day that was eventually transformed into Herath.
There’s another legend that traces the origin of the celebration to the 18th century during the Afghan rules. It is believed that Afghan governor Jabbar Khan banned Shivratri celebrations and ordered Hindus to celebrate the festival during June, July when there’s no snow. The tradition was to carve Shivalinga with snow. In the same year, it miraculously snowed during June and July which led to much shock. Hairat is Persian word for ‘shock’ which is how Herath came into being.
Herath is considered a festival of preserving the intrinsic and positive values of Kashmiri culture. Along with this it plays an important role in connecting people. Kashmiri Pandits bring the idols of lord Shiva and his family in their homes on Mahashivaratri. It is believed that by doing this, Vatuknath lives as a guest in the houses.
Writer Manmeet Bali Nag explained in one of her articles published on Pondering Pauses that any Puja typically has three forms: Yogic, spiritual and ceremonial.
The Anushthan (beginning of the specific holy ceremony) during the Shivaratri Puja involves using brass or earthen pots, representing Shiva and Parvati which are invoked by the recitation of mantras and beejaksharas.
The smaller vessels, representing other deities including Lord Kartikeya and Lord Ganesha are similarly readied for formal worship. A couple of more vessels are also kept ready for the Bhairavas.
The Kalash symbolically represents creation. Walnuts are placed in these KALASH since it’s the fruit of the season and the fruit of the land, loved by Shiva.
The Kalash is filled with water to soak the walnuts completely in it. This ceremony is called Vatuk Barun in Kashmiri. It is believed that the water source in the Kalash is from the Ganga/Prayag and other holy rivers, virtually taking the devotees towards Shiva.
In the olden times these soaked walnuts were given to the peasants, who would cultivate it on the banks of rivers, usually around the holy teerath at TullaMulla.
The use of Walnuts is significant here because of the following reasons:
A walnut has four quadrants. The first quadrant represents the Rigveda. The second quadrant is Yajurveda. The third quadrant is Samaveda and the fourth quadrant is the Atharvaveda. All the four Vedas are equally important within the spirit and meaning of the Sat -Chit- Ananda (Upanishadic concept) and Svaroopa (Shaivistic concept). The walnut is, therefore, a manifestation of the SEED of Absolute Shiva. These walnuts, once taken out are distributed amongst family and friends.
After conducting night-long puja in their respective houses despite chilly weather conditions, members greeted each other on the occasion of “Salaam”.
Muslims and members of other communities greeted their Kashmiri Pandit brethren on the occasion.
Let’s celebrate the spirit of Herath (Mahashivratri) with the famous words of ‘Lal Ded’, an iconic Kashmiri poetess and the creator of the style of mystic poetry called ‘Vatsun’ or ‘Vakhs’.
Shiv chuy thale thale rozaan,
Mo zaan hyund ti Musslman;
Truk ay chukh ti panun paan parzaan,
Soy chaey sahibus zaenie zaan.
(The presence of Shiva can be felt everywhere, in every object and creature. How stupid — to discriminate between individuals—Hindus and Muslims! If you are truly sensible recognize your own self. It will help you achieve the eternal truth- the Supreme Lord).