Exploring the Sacred Rituals of Maha Shivratri (Herath) Among Kashmiri Pandits

Rajinder Premi

Maha Shivratri, known as ‘Herath’, is the most sacred religious function of the Kashmiri Pandits. Scrupulously, this religio-spiritual deliberation is observed by the Kashmiri Pandits for seeing the cosmic vision of Shiva and Parvati. Since the majority of the Kashmiri Pandits are followers of Shiva, Mahashivratri festival is observed for 15 days, beginning with the ‘Parva’ of Hurya Okdoh or Krishna Paksha Pratipda– waning moon to the ‘Parva of the waxing moon, which is Amasya.

Much before the festival actually occurs, houses are cleaned, new utensils are bought, and other household things are put in order for the glorious arrival of the Vatak-Raaza. One new dress for the main Puja is set aside, and thorough preparations are made, including the collection of eatables, edibles, fruits, and sweets. Each day has a special name and religious function to be observed, which includes social gatherings and interactions with friends, neighbours, and relatives. Our Shivratri Puja is known as the Vatuk-Puja.

Regular cleanliness starts from Huri-Okhdoh and continues up to Ashtami, also revered as the Huri Ashtami. Huri Navmi is also a prelude to the function. Dashmi is called ‘Diyaar-Dhaham’. On this day, usually married daughters come to their parental houses to participate in this social ‘At Home’ for enjoying the special feast. But essentially, they are given fresh clothes, a salt packet, Kangri, Khadaon, and Zang/Aath-Gath, which starts from a minimum one-rupee coin. It is also known as the Noon, Tsocha Tu Atagatha.

Our Shivratri puja is known and revered as the Vatuk Pooza. On the eleventh day, known as the Gaad Kah, mostly, the Pandit families cook fish. The puja-room called Vatuk-Kuth is fully decorated with photos and pictures of Shiva Parivar, properly garlanded and nicely decorated. We call this day Waguri-Baah, and some families offer puja to the Vatuk. On the 12th day, Ganesh-puja is performed in association with the Wagura, according to family tradition. On this day, a pot filled with Gangajal is also worshipped, revered as the Wagur. The Trayodashi or 13th day is the actual day of Maha Shivratri.

This 13th Tithi or day of the festival is known by the name of Herath by the Kashmiri Pandit community, celebrated with indescribable zest and joy. We Kashmiris generally believe that the marriage of Shiva and Parvati is celebrated on this day of Herath/Maha Shivratri.

How is this celebration conducted? Vatak Raza is decorated in the Vatuk-Kuth. Mostly these are earthen pots/pitchers filled with nuts soaked in water and flowers representing Shiva and Shakti. Then a definite number of small earthen pots containing walnuts in water symbolizes other deities/Baraatis. This is as per family tradition. These pitchers and pots collectively are called the Vatuk. Vatuk Raaza is the presiding deity. There is a set form of Puja/worship in each or in a group of our homes. Mostly, the heads of the family observe fast on Shivratri. After the worship/puja as well as fast, Prasada is taken at midnight. The Puja is done according to the Tantrik way. It takes 3-4 hours to perform the whole Puja in a celebrated manner.

On the 14th day, i.e., the second day of Vatuk, usually called “Salam,” the daughters and sons-in-law are invited by the parents. It is a day of grand feast and festivity. Money called “Hearch-Kharach” and other presents are given to all younger ones. People greet each other with pleasantries and send Naveed to each other.

The 15th day heralds the end of this auspicious festival. All the earthen pots are collected. Deepak is also given a send-off. Flowers, garlands, and other decorations offered to the Vatak Raaja are removed, usually immersed in the nearest lake or river. In the evening, some play with fireworks also. The end comes in the form of Vatuk-Parmuzun. Prasada in the form of Watak Duni and Tomul Tsot or Roti is distributed among all the neighbours and relations.

Thus, this grand religious function comes to an end, the Kashmiri Pandit version of Herath/Maha Shivratri.

About Lord Shiva: The word meaning of Shiva is All Bliss. He is one of the Hindu Trinity, comprising Brahma, the creator, Vishnu, the preserver, and Mahesha or Shiva, the destroyer. He is Kaala Purusha and Kala Niyanta, the controller of Time. Time is invisible and formless.

Therefore, Mahakala-Shiva, as per the Vedas, has manifested himself as “LINGUM” to make mankind aware of the presence of external time. That day when Shiva manifested himself in the form of Lingam is Chaturdashi. The form of Lingam was the fourteenth day of the dark-night in the month of Maagh (February – March). This is confirmed by Reshi-Markandeya.

That night when the money-splendored Shiva-lingam dazzled the world with its appearance was the night of Maha Shivratri, the Night of the great Shiva.”

This Maha Shivratri festival continues to be celebrated forever. Maha Shivratri to mankind is the showering of peace and progress. He who observes a fast on this day and prays to all the powerful Shiva, so that all his kindness be showed upon the devotee, gets the grace of Shiva Ji Maharaj.