In Dalgaon of Rohru in Shimla district, people carried the rope on their shoulders with which Surat Ram will cross the abyss of death today. Local people believe that this rope should not touch the ground. That’s why Devlu danced carrying it on his shoulders.
An important raft ceremony will be performed today in the ongoing historical Bhunda Mahayagya in Dalgaon, Rohru, Himachal Pradesh. In this Mahayagya, Surat Ram will cross the valley of death. It remains the center of attraction during the entire Mahayagya. This ritual is completed by making a rope of special grass.
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A person of a particular caste performs this ritual in the form of a raft. Raft Surat Ram will cross the abyss of death by sliding from a high hill using a rope to another hill below. Surat Ram (65 years) will cross the valley of death with the help of a rope in a raft for the ninth time.
Earlier in 1985, Bhunda had taken place in the temple of Bakaralu Maharaj, there also Surat Ram (then 21 years old) had completed this ritual. Surat Ram has played the role of the raft 8 times in the Bhunda Mahayagyas held at different places in the state.
Devlu carrying on his shoulder the rope made for the raft ritual in Dalgaon, Rohru.
Crowd gathered in Bhunda in Dalgaon of Spell Valley of Rohru in Shimla district.
Surat Ram said- faith ahead of fear
Surat Ram told that he is fortunate to have got the opportunity to do this divine work. Faith is greater than fear. He explains that this rope is considered a symbol of snake. This performance is an important part of Bhunda Mahayagya. This Yagya is considered to be the form of Narmegh during the Ramayana and Mahabharata period.
fleet The rules are strict
Beda are a special caste of people. This is where this divine work is done. The person selected for this has to follow many strict rules. Surat Ram said that he observed celibacy with complete rules in the temple of the deity.
One is not allowed to go home three months before the start of Bhunda Mahayagya. The raft has to remain in the temple of the deity. One meal for the fleet is prepared in the temple itself. Neither hair nor nails are cut until the ritual is concluded.
After having food at four in the morning, food is taken again at four in the morning the next day. That means food is eaten only once in 24 hours. During this period, maximum silence is observed. Apart from this, other restrictions also remain.
Crowd gathered in Bhunda Mahayagya in Dalgaon, Rohru.
Rope prepared in two and a half months
Surat Ram told that to complete this ritual, he himself has prepared a rope from special grass. Four people collaborated in preparing it and it took two and a half months to make it.
Gods and people reached Bhunda Mahayagya
Gods and devotees reached Bhunda Mahayagya
Bhunda’s decorated temple and people attending Mahayagya in Dalgaon of Spell Valley of Rohru.
The belief behind Bhunda
It is believed that Bhunda Mahayagya was started by Lord Parshuram. Lord Parshuram had sacrificed Narmunds in this yagya. Therefore it is also called Narmegh Yagya. These rituals are part of the cultural heritage of the kings of the erstwhile Bushehr princely state. It is also being celebrated in Nirmand, Rampur Bushahr, Rohru of Kullu in Himachal for centuries.
In Bhunda Mahayagya, people come from far and wide to see it and it is hosted by around 1500 families in Bhamanala, Karalash, Khodsu, Dayarmoli, Bashtadi, Gawana, Bathara, Kutada, Khashkandi, Dalgaon and Bhetli villages of Rohru’s Spell Valley. People coming from far away places stay in these villages.
PWD Minister will also visit Rohru today
People of these villages who work or do business in India and abroad also return home for Bhunda. The people of the area were busy preparing for it for three years. In this, the three main deities of Spell Valley, Bondra Maharaj, Maheshwar and Mohari have reached Dalgaon temple. Along with these deities, thousands of deities (deities) and devotees are also arriving.
PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh will also go to Rohru today to witness this ritual.