Over 200 Artists to Take Center Stage at Maha Shivratri Mahotsav
Chetna Yatra: Illuminating Jammu’s Spiritual Trail
Jmu, Mar 03: In the aftermath of an enlightening press conference held earlier today, the Panjvaktra Mahadev Temple shared the details of its upcoming grand celebration of Maha Shivratri from March 6th to 8th, 2024. Revered for its rich history and spiritual significance, the ‘Rupaiye Wala Mandir’ is set to host a three-day cultural extravaganza, combining spirituality with artistic expression.
The press conference, graced by Suresh Kumar Sharma, Retd Session Judge & Receiver, Panjvaktra Mahadev Mandir, Arun Gupta, President, Chamber of Commerce & Industries, with office bearers of Chamber, Pooja Kapoor, President, Residency Bazar Association, President, Rajinder Bazar, Ashish Gupta, President, Lower Raghunath Bazar, Rajeev Gupta, President, Upper Gumat, Jammu, Ashutosh Sharma, Raj Kumar, Pankaj Pradhan( Renowned Musicians), Sanjay Tickoo, Senior Architect ( Retd) and a large number of Prominent Devotees including Surinder Sharma, Pali Arora, Sunil Prajapati, Vicky Choudhary, Vipan Sharma.
This cultural extravaganza will be organized in collaboration with the Directorate of Tourism, Jammu, and J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages.
It was informed to the media that the festivities kick off with an inaugural ceremony on March 6th, 2024. Sh. Ramesh Kumar IAS, Divisional Commissioner Jammu will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest. Sh. Vivekananda Rai IRS, Director Tourism, Jammu, and Sh. Bharat Singh Manhas JKAS, Secretary J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, will be the Guests of Honor.
The temple premises will be transformed into a hub of cultural activity, with events happening daily from 11:30 AM to 8:30 PM. This cultural extravaganza promises a delightful experience for all, blending spiritual devotion with artistic expression. Over 200 talented artists will showcase their skills in various traditional and classical performances.
Before the commencement of the main festivities, devotees are cordially invited to join the unique ‘Chetna Yatra’ (Awareness Procession) on March 5th (Tuesday), dedicated to propitiating the revered Devta Bawa Kaliveer Ji. This sacred procession serves as an auspicious prelude to the Mahashivratri Mahotsav, invoking blessings for its propitious beginning. The Chetna Yatra also extends a warm invitation to all to actively participate in the grand Mahotsav, fostering a sense of communal celebration and spiritual unity.
The festival kicks off on March 6th (Wednesday) with a captivating performance featuring a symphony of traditional Dogra instruments by Mohan Lal & Party, followed by soulful bhajans by Dr. Mukteshi Sharma & Sh. Pankaj Pradhan with their talented accompanists. The evening will come alive with folk dances celebrating Mahadev by Jackson & Group, Karkan by Sh. Girdhari Lal & Party, and captivating Bakh and Geetru performances by Sh. Vijay Kumar & Party. Renowned singers Ms. Marina, Ms. Antu
Kotwal, and Sh. Sham Manyal will enthrall the audience with Dogri bhajans, accompanied by Sh. Kamal Sharma on dholak and Sh. Kishan Kumar on synth/harmonium. Witness a mesmerizing Bharatnatyam performance by Ms. Neetika Aggarwal before the day concludes with Mahadev Aarti accompanied by instruments.
Over the next two days, March 7th (Thursday) and March 8th (Friday), attendees can immerse themselves in a diverse array of cultural experiences, including traditional folk dances by Ms. Usha Rani & Party and Karkan by Sh. Ramesh Kumar & Party, soulful folk singing by Ms. Sudesh Manhas & Party and Jattar by Sh. Lok Nath & Party. Renowned singers Dr. Rakesh Kalotra and Dr. Roshi Shaminotra will lead the bhajans, accompanied by a gifted group of musicians. Witness captivating Bharatnatyam performances by Ms. Pallabi Das Ghosh and Ms. Priya Dutta’s Nrityanjali Academy of classical dance. The evenings will culminate with Mahadev Aarti with instruments, followed by bhajans by Sh. Dharmesh Nargotra and his accompanists. Witness the traditional Shiv Vivah ceremony performed by Jangams on the last day of the festival.
Beyond the captivating performances, the festival offers a vibrant exhibition and sale showcasing traditional art and crafts, alongside delectable Dogra food delicacies, religious books, and literature. Adding to the spirit of community and inclusivity, the temple will be offering free “Langar Prasad,” a traditional meal, for all attendees during festivities.
The Panjvaktra Mahadev Temple invites everyone to participate in this joyous celebration of Maha Shivratri. Come experience the spiritual significance of the festival, witness the captivating cultural performances by renowned and local artists, and immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Jammu.
Nestled in the heart of Jammu, the Panjvaktra Mahadev Temple is not only a place of worship but also a testament to the city’s rich history and spiritual heritage. Believed to be one of the oldest temples in Jammu, the Panjbhaktar Mandir enshrines a self-manifest Shiva Lingam (Aap Shambhu). Local legends and oral histories narrate the visits of Adi Shankracharya and Guru Nanak Dev Ji to the temple, adding to its spiritual significance. The name “Panjvaktra” translates to “five-faced,” signifying the five forms of Lord Shiva – Rudra, Aghora, Vamdeva, Tat Purusha, and Ishana. These five aspects also represent the five Mahabhootas or elements.
