JAMMU, Feb 27: Mahashivratri, the great night of Lord Shiva, is one of the holiest days of the Hindu calendar which falls on the new moon day in the month of Maagha. It is celebrated in honour of the beloved Hindu deity, Lord Shiva.
There are many Shiva Shrines and temples in J&K but Reasi District of Jammu region is famous for its uniqueness for having most revered places of Lord Shiva.
There are several caves and temples in the Reasi district which are dedicated to Lord Shiva and hold importance during the religious festival of Mahashivratri.
Shiv Khori, a famous cave shrine located in the Reasi district, has a rich history spanning several centuries. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva himself established this sacred site. The region where Shiv Khori is located has been known for its spiritual significance since ancient times.
At every Shiva Temple in Reasi district including world famous Shiv khori Shrine, the festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated with full religious fervour and centuries’ old traditions.
It is regarded as a day of gratitude, a day of thanksgiving to Lord Shiva for his kindness and blessings.
Fairs are organised with full religious enthusiasm on the eve of Shivratri at Shiv Khori Shrine, Baba Dhansar, Aap Shambu Mahadev and others temples of Lord Shiva falling in Reasi district.
People often fast on the night of Shivratri and sing hymns and praises in the name of Lord Shiva. Shiva temples across the country are decorated with lights and colorful decorations and people can be seen offering night long prayers to Shiva Lingam.
Woodapple leaves, water and milk are offered to the Shiva Lingam on this day as they are believed to be Lord Shiva’s favorite.
It is believed that the people who fast on this night and offer prayers to Lord Shiva bring good luck into their life.
Maha Shivratri story identifies it as the night of Lord Shiva’s wedding to Goddess Parvati. Yet another popular belief associates Mahashivaratri with the legend of Lord Shiva drinking poison to save the universe.
A pot of poison was amongst the many things discovered during the churning of the ocean (the legendary Sagar Manthan).
Lord Shiva drank the poison to save the universe from its ill effects. Gods danced in order to protect Shiva from the harmful effect of the poison and to keep him awake for a night.
The poison eventually didn’t harm Shiva, but it turned his neck blue, which also explains why Lord Shiva is called Neelkanth.
Mahashivratri celebrations are of tremendous significance since this festival is considered to be a powerful time for prayers and prayer fulfillment, spiritual awakening and realisation.
Whether one seeks worldly happiness or spiritual wisdom, Mahashivratri is considered as an auspicious day to seek the blessings of God.
At every Shiva Temple in Reasi district including World famous Shiv khori Shrine, the festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated with grandeur, devotion and love.
It is regarded as a day of gratitude, a day of thanksgiving to Lord Shiva for his kindness and blessings.
Shiv khori is located in Ransoo village of Pouni block in Reasi district and it attracts lakhs of devotees every year.
It is situated in Sangad hills of Ransoo area. People have to traverse about 3 km on foot on a track recently constructed by the Shiv Khori Shrine Board, Ransoo.
This holy natural cave is about 200 meters long, one meter wide and two to three meters high and contains a self made lingam, which according to the people is unending.
The cave is full of natural impression and images of various Hindu deities, that is why Shivkhori is also known as “Home of Gods”.
A number of legends have propounded about the discovery of this holy cave. One of the most important legends among them is related to famous demon Bhashmasur.
Bhashmasur after a long meditation of Lord Shiva obtained blessing to end the life of any one by keeping his hand on his head. After obtaining it, the said devil tried to end the Lord Shiva.
On seeing the evil design of the demon, the Lord Shiva ran along with Maa Parwati and Nandi to save himself from the power of the demon.
While running when Bhashmasur was far behind Lord Shiva stopped at a place near present Shivkhori for rest.
But the demon reached there and started fighting with Lord Shiva. A dreadful battle took place them. Due to this famous battle that place was named as Ransoo (Ran= battle, Soo= Ground) means battle ground.
Ransoo is now base camp for Shivkhori yatra. But, to keep dignity of his own blessings the Lord Shiva decided not to kill Bhashmasur and proceeded ahead.
Later while running, Lord Shiva threw his Trishul, which created the famous Shivkhori cave. Lord Shiva entered this cave and had meditation.
After this, Lord Vishnu in the guise of Parvati came forward and asked the demon to dance with her according to her tune.
As the demon started dancing as per the actions of Parvati, he took his hand at his head and with his own power, he was himself destroyed.
After the destruction of demon Lord Vishnu along with other deities went inside the cave with the help of Kamdhenu. As per the legend 33 crores deities exist in this cave in the shape of pindies.
