Nandkeshwar Bhairava-Protector of devotees

 

Tantra is the way of life among a vast majority of Kashmir Hindus, in fact its ongnation, nurturing and its propagation has been from Kashmir where this school got integrated with day-to-day life of the inhabitants, and whatever they do or follow has its origination in Tantra rituals. Because of the vastness of this school, various saints, regents and scholars adopted its methodology to follow the path of self-elevation.

Kashmin Shaivites emphasised mutual coexistence with nature and chose natural symbols as a part of worship Kashmir has lot many symbols like springs, trees, rivers, mountains and lakes. All these natural places were venerated and special days celebrated in their honour Other important aspects have been their Many of details in the form of Mahatmyam which explain both geographical spiritual and historical accounts of these places. During the reign of Parvaersen in 6 CE when the new city of Srinagar was to be founded the mighty king invoked the blessings of Lord Shiva and consecrated eight guardian Bhairavas in eight directions of Srinagar. All these eight Bhairavas have jurisdiction over which their lordship is undisputed among Kashmir Hindus These eight Bhairavas are clan deity of Kashmir Hindu families who believe in supernatural powers of them as they have been protecting them since centuries .

One of the prominent Bhairavas is Nandkeshwar Bhairava whose worship is done by families of Seer village near Sopore, Ghoshabug, Vanapuh. Sumbal, Gotengo, Vilgam among others.

The Lord is worshipped in the form of big Boonye (chinar) in all places. Later, Pandit Trilok Koul created a painting of Nandkeshwar Bhairava. The masters envisaged the form of Nandkeshwar as: 

The Lord is seated on bloomed lotus in padmasana indicating awakened kundalini 

Reddish in the form which indicates Kriya-Shakti andi

His lower right hand is holding a trident, indicating control over three aspects of Shakti. 

The right upper hand is holding rosary which indicates constant contemplation of the supreme.

Lower left hand is holding a bowl of blood indicative of devouring the wicked.

Left upper hand is holding Vajra as a tool for punishment for those who create turmoil As per legend of Nandkeshwar, a young boy managed to sneak into the assembly of deities which was presided by Creator Brahma at a place near Manasbal lake, in the assembly of gods. The young boy managed to get divine blessings much to the annoyance of gods Later, due to the intervention of Lord Shiva the boy was granted permanent place among the Shiv Ganas. The adjudication of this dispute among the gods. and this young boy was resolved by Lord Shiva in Sumbal and since then the Sumbal shrine is considered as Darbar of Nandkeshwar whereas the original place of residence is at Seer in Sopore.

Many devotees have shared spiritual and life-saving accounts of Nandkeshwar Bhairava. One of the accounts is that during the 1947 Pakistani Tribal invasion the residents of Seer prayed to the Lord for protection and later the invasion got foiled. In another account, in the Gosahbug temple of Nandkeshwar a miscreant had stolen the idol of the Lord and hidden the idol in a cowshed. In a few days many of his livestock died. The miscreant went to a Muslim faqir, who on knowing the sacrilege done by the miscreant, advised him to place back the idol in the temple. This miscreant realised his mistake and sought the apology from Hindu believers. account a Maulvi in Seer used to dump egg shells at the door of the temple to hurt the sentiments of believers Once his son was taking a bath on the ghats of the temple and suddenly he got caught in a whirlpool and was about to get drowned. Despite crying for help no one came forward to help the boy. Exasperated, the Maulvi suddenly prayed to the Nandkeshwar seeking apology for his misconduct. Suddenly to the utter surprise of everyone his son got saved and reached the shore safely.

The general belief among the believers is that any desecration or disrespect of Nandkeshwar is duly punished. Devotees at the Sumbal temple offer turmeric rice along with goat-liver whereas residents of the Seer village do not add turmeric in the cooked rice Any bride, who got married from these areas, is offering goat sacrifice to the Lord and it is known as Razakath as thanks giving to the Lord and also seeking his blessings for better future and conjugal life.

The incarnation day of the Lord is celebrated on Amavasya of the Jyeshta month. After the 1990 turmoil and the mass exodus of Kashmiri Hindus from Kashmir, the temple dedicated Lord Nandkeshwar Bhairava is newly constructed at Vitasta Vihar, on Akalpur road in Jammu where devotees regularly pay obeisance to their favourite Lord whom they believe protected them from all evils. Let us pray to Lord Nandkeshwar Bhairava and beseech him for our worldly and spiritual progress.

DISCLAIMER: 

The views expressed in the Article above are Author’s personal views and kashmiribhatta.in is not in any way responsible for the opinions expressed in the above article. The article belongs to its respective owner or owners and this site does not claim any right over it. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing."

Courtesy:-  Sunil Raina Rajanaka  and Koshur Samachar June 2018