Jagdish R Sharma
Since time immemorial, Jammu has been revered as the City of Temples. The diverse faith centres in Jammu and its surroundings serve as a spiritual haven, drawing devotees from all corners of India and beyond. These pilgrims embark on a profound spiritual journey, seeking inner peace, divine blessings, and a sense of Gratitude that unites them in their faith, forming a larger spiritual community. This shared journey of spiritual seeking connects us all, regardless of our paths, and makes us feel part of a larger spiritual community.
The Prachin Shri Bhairav Mandir is charming and respectful, nestled at Chowk Chabutra, adjoining Pacca Danga Jammu. Despite its modest size, this temple holds a special place in the hearts of its devotees. Dedicated to BhagwaanBhairav Nath, the fifth incarnation of Bhagwan Shiv, the temple’s rich history and its role in the local community make it a truly unique place of worship. The temple’s history dates back to [specific historical period or event], when it was [specific historical context or event]. Since then, it has been a beacon of faith and spirituality for the local community.
The spiritual importance of the Prachin Shri Bhairav Mandir has gained much prominence, thanks to the tireless and selfless efforts of Pandit Rumil Sharma. His dedication has led to the annual congregation and Bhandara, organised on the auspicious day of Bhairava Ashtami. Pandit Rumil Sharma, a revered figure in the community, has been instrumental in Transforming the event from a modest gathering to a vibrant celebration that attracts thousands of devotees. His vision and dedication, coupled with the growing popularity and significance of the event, have made the annual Bhandara a truly grand celebration of faith and community.
Under the dedicated leadership of Pandit Rumil Sharma, the annual congregation and Bhandara have undergone a remarkable transformation. What was once a modest gathering has now evolved into a vibrant celebration that attracts thousands of devotees from Jammu Kashmir and other parts of India. This transformation is a testament to Pandit Rumil’s vision and dedication, as well as the growing popularity and significance of the event. The Bhandara, in particular, has expanded to include many activities and offerings, making it a truly grand celebration of faith and community.
Significance
Bhairava Ashtami, also known as Kala-Bhairava Jayanti, is a Hindu holy day of profound significance. It marks the birthday of Bhairava, the fifth manifestation of the Bhagwan Shiv. This auspicious day falls on the eighth lunar day (Ashtami) in the fortnight of the Krishna paksha in the Hindu month of Kartik. Bhairav Ashtami typically falls in November-December every year. Devotees celebrate this day with enthusiasm and devotion, seeking blessings and participating in the annual Bhandara. The spiritual significance of this day is profound, as it is believed to bring spiritual enlightenment and riddance of evil forces to the devotees. The Bhandara, a grand feast, symbolises community and inclusivity, where all are welcome to partake in the celebration. The day is also significant as it is believed that negative energy never bothers those who worship Bhagwan Bhairav Ji.
Bhagwan Bhairav is also known among his devotees as Dandapani, as he holds a rod (Danda) to punish sinners. Bhagwan Bhairav rides a dog, which is why he is also known as Swaswa, denoting “whose horse is a dog.” Today, people light Diya in their houses, fast throughout the day, and undergo religious rituals and pooja until night. It is said that negative energy never bothers those who worship Bhagwan Bhairav Ji.
Mahant Rumil Sharma said, “The harmful effects of the planets like Shani and Rahu in the Zodiac get nullified by offering prayers in the Bhiarav mandir. Those troubled by these planets are usually advised to wear costly stones to keep the harmful effects of passing through bad times at bay. ” “Pooja of Bhairav Bhagwan at the temple is enough to eliminate one problem, ‘ he added. He has also advised devotees to light Diya in their house for five days until GrandBhandara occurs.
Festivities
Like every year, this time, a week-long celebration is being undertaken to make the occasion a marvellous one. The programmes started on November 17th and will culminate on Sunday, November 24th, 2024, with grand Bhandara open to everyone irrespective of caste, creed, and religion. This open invitation to all, regardless of background, is a testament to our community’s inclusivity and welcoming spirit.
On November 19th, Jagran was held at the temple’s venue, and hundreds of devotees participated with zeal and religious fervour. The spiritual vibes embraced the devotees through the night Jagran, a tradition where devotees stay awake all night, singing hymns and praying, to seek the blessings of Bhagwan Bhairav. On Wednesday, November 21st, a special “Peer Fakir” bhandara for saints of all hues was organised at the temple venue. The saints enjoyed the Bhandara and blessed the Temple Trust headed by Mahant Rumil Sharma for the success of the religious rituals that Grand Bhandara will follow. On the day of Bhiarav Jayanti, Saturday, 23rd November 2024, devotees also keep the fast to gain spiritual enlightenment and riddance of evil forces. However, the annual congregation- the Mail of fifty-two Biradharis- also occurs yearly. Eventually, the grand Bhandara that will be spread throughout the bazaar from Pacca Danga to Panjtirthi will be held. After the mandatory night-long religious rituals, a Havan has been scheduled in the early morning and shall culminate at 8:30 AM with the offering of Purnaahuti. After that, the Grand Bhandara shall be thrown open to all and one beginning at 9 AM. Till forenoon, the delicacies of breakfast Bhandara can be enjoyed by the devotees, followed by the main meals, including various food stalls.
Festive looks
Every year, the area adjoining the temple from Pacca Danga, Chowk Chabutra, to Panjtirthi is decorated with coloured bunting and lights, and shops also give a festive look. Giant flower decoration of numerous hues presents a captivating aesthetic view, serenity, and joy. The shopkeepers voluntarily facilitate the devotees who throng the area and render volunteer service for the success of the Bhandara. Traffic remains off the area, and the security agencies cooperate with the temple trust yearly. This occasion also gives a message of inclusiveness and brotherhood. Many devotees throng the place to light a diya to enhance its grandeur. Volunteers remain active throughout the day to maintain the festival’s sanctity and facilitate the devotees. The festive mood ignites joy and pleasure among all.
Historical background
According to local seniors, a contractor was entrusted with repair work in the Dhountaly Bazar area many years ago. The labourers were dumping debris near the unattended temple site, where the ‘Pindi.’ of Bhagwan Kaal Bhairav was. While doing repair work, the workers inadvertently threw debris on the Pindi. The debris (Mulba) was lifted and thrown in the Rani Talab, Kachi Chawani. Incidentally, the sacred ‘Pindi’ of Bhagwan Bhairav was covered under the debris and accidentally thrown in the pond along with the debris. No one thought the ‘Pindi’ had been dislocated from the temple site. To the surprise of the contractor, the same night, Kaal Bhairav appeared in his dreams and directed him to restore the ‘Pindi’ to its original place at Chowk Chabutra. According to Pandit Rumil, the contractor himself searched out the ‘Pindi’ the following day and restored it to its original place. Since then, a small temple began glorifying the Baba Bahirav Nath ji. This historical incident is a testament to the deep-rooted traditions and the divine connection of the Prachin Shri Bhairav Mandir.
The temple became prominent when people saw their miseries vanish, and it became benevolent. Since then, people come here yearly to seek Bhagwan Bhairav’s blessings. Mahant Rumil serves the temple and glorifies and eulogises Bhagwan Bhairav to reduce the sufferings of the people and seek the welfare of all and one. The annual week-long celebrations, culminating in Grand Bhandara, have become the centre of spirituality and fascination of the inhabitants of Jammu, mainly the devotees spread throughout India. The theme Vasu Dev Kutumbakam is seen here in practical form.
(The author is formerly Principal JK Education Department)
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