Legends of Nunar
|
|
|
| Origin of the Name: The Videshwar Maharaj Temple in Nunar is a site of deep historical and spiritual significance. People call him by different names, but their faith unifies them to the same divine. He is known as Udisher, Udayishver, Vaidaishwer, or Videshwar Ji Maharaj. Some also believe that he is manifested in the balak roop (child form) of the Bhairava. Udaya is related to the rising sun. And Udayaishver is the God of the rising Sun. Vaidaishwer has semblance to Vaidyas (the ancient doctors). Maybe this shrine in ancient times would have accommodated the knowledgeable Vaidyas for the treatment of people, travellers, and the pilgrims. It also shows relevance with the fifth of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas, known as Vaidyanath or Badyanath, the lord of physicians. Beliefs and rituals: This temple is believed to have existed since ancient times. It is said that the temple was sanctified with two Shivlings. However, those revered Shivlings were khandit (desecrated) during the reign of King Sikandar Shah Miri, also infamously known as Butshikan. Despite this desecration, later our resilient ancestors without letting the legacy of their faith be extinguished buried the broken pieces of the old Shivlingam with due respect and rituals and the new Shivlingam was manifested above that, symbolizing both a connection to the divine past and a hope for the religious zeal of generations in the future. The temple also consists of a sacred Naag (spring). It is said that if someone pollutes this sacred spring knowingly or unknowingly, the water of the naag dries immediately. Then rituals have to be initiated with proper procedure and the Kheer has to be prepared and offered as a bogh to the deity. The next day, water will come back again in the Naag. It is said that the kheer made only with shakker is favourite to the deity. No sugar is added in the preparation. Local Associations: Earlier this temple was without any boundary, surrounded by pie bushes. Later, the boundary was constructed by the help of local population and Shri Sham Lal Bhat Gosai in 1949, who was working as a contractor in the construction of Bizli Koll. On the auspicious day of Zarmsatam (Janmashtami, Lord Krishna's birthday) a Jaaki procession is taken from the Udeshwar Temple to the shrine of Dewraz Bhairava. Then it is concluded with performance of mandli for the whole night in the Udeshwar Maharaj Temple. Muslim population in large numbers also participate in the event. The day of Savan Krishnpaksh Panchami (Naag Panchani) is celebrated annually as his birthday. Puja archana (worship) is done by the people of the village and a bogh of kheer made with shakker is offered. There were times when, on that occasion, all the schools in the area were intimated and they would declare half day off and all the children would come to the temple in a queue to have prashad. I just imagine myself in a school uniform, coming in that queue to the temple along with my classmates and having Prashadm there. What kind of fun it would have been in my childhood days. Conclusion: The Videshwar Maharaj Temple in Nunar symbolized the devotion of the local population to Sanatana Dharma. Today, the Videshwar Maharaj Temple stands not only as a place of worship but also as a testament to the enduring spirit of devotion and resilience. The buried Shivling beneath the current one serves as a silent yet powerful reminder of the temple's storied past and the unwavering faith of its followers. The temple's name, "Videshwar," continues to reflect the boundless protective and healing nature of Lord Shiva, resonating with devotees across the world. Jai Videshwar Maharaj Ji ! Jai Nunar! Jai Mother Kashmira! |
|
*Robin Koul |
|
|
