Mahasu Maharaj

Mahasu Devta is also called the god of justice. Char Mahasu Devta is recognised in Himachal Pradesh, the Jaunsar Bawar region, Uttarkashi, and some other parts of Garhwal. Char Bhai Mahasu has a lot of religious significance in the region of Himachal Pradesh, especially in Jaunsar Bawar and Uttarkashi. Mahasu Maharaj has been recognised in this area since the Mahabharata period.

History of Mahasu Maharaj

There is no authentic evidence in written form, but on the basis of beliefs, there was a demon named Kirimek in the area of Jaunsar Bawar who used to take human sacrifices. Everyone in the region was quite troubled by this monster that used people as its food. There was a person named Unawat of this area who had seven sons; out of those seven sons, six were taken as sacrifices by this demon. Do not take

This photo was taken while he was attending Chalda Maharaj’s visit himself.

A person named Unawat was telling the story of the gods and goddesses and how somehow, they could get rid of this demon. One day, a person named Unawat got a dream in which he found an innocent Maharaj and told him to go to Kashmir. There, I will appear to you in the form of a lion, and you have to hug the lion and say, “Protect me.

On going to Unawat Kashmir, after embracing the lion, he brought mustard seeds with him from there and was told to take them to his home and sow them with a plough. When Unawat came home and started ploughing, he found four Mahasu gods while ploughing, in which Vashik Maharaj was first hit by the plough in Vashik Maharaj’s eye, then the plough hit Mahasu’s leg, and after that, the plough hit Vashik Maharaj. It was heard in the ear of Pavasi Maharaj, and now Unawat was beginning to feel that Mahasu Maharaj was not appearing somewhere. After this, Unawat ploughed very carefully so that these deities could be obtained properly, and finally, Chalda Maharaj was obtained. Chalda Maharaj is the youngest of the four Mahasu brothers.

After getting four brothers named Mahasu, Mahasu Maharaj killed a demon named Kirimek. After killing the demon, four Mahasu Maharaj’s beliefs started happening in the area, and four Mahasu Maharaj were established in different areas.

Vashik Maharaj

Vashik Maharaj is the eldest brother among the four Mahasu brothers. Mahendrat installed them there.

Botha Mahasu

While ploughing through Unawat, the fall of the plough was stuck in the leg of Botha Mahasu, so where does he go as Botha Mahasu? Botha Mahasu has been installed as Hanol. Elder brother Vashik Maharaj made him the head of Rajpat. Not only in this area, but people who believe in Botha Mahasu live in every corner of the country and abroad and have immense prestige.

Mahasu Devta Temple

Mahasu Temple The temple of the deity is in Hanol, Dehradun district, Uttarakhand, India. Mahasu Devta Temple is situated on the eastern bank of the Tonnes River, near Chakrata, about 190 km from Dehradun, 156 km from Mussoorie, and about 140 km from Shimla. This temple was built in the 9th century and is dedicated to Mahasu Devta. Lord Mahasu is the main deity of this region, and people not only from India but from all over the world worship Mahasu Devta.

Mahasu Devta Mela

The Mahasu Devta Fair is held every year in August. It is the most important religious festival for the local tribe. Basically, Mahasu Devta Mela in Hanol is celebrated by the Jaunsari tribe, and people from other communities also participate in it. This fair reflects the cultural harmony between the communities. Inside the temple, there is an idol of a deity known as Botha Mahasu. During the fair, this deity is worshipped. This fair is for one day and one night. In which music and folk dance are mainly performed by the local people and people from nearby villages. To participate in this fair, those who have faith in Mahasu Maharaj from all over the world reach for darshan.

Palki of Mahasu Devta

The palanquins of Mahasu Devta are generally of the roof-box type. In the roof-box type of palanquin, the image (murti or seal) of the deity is hidden inside the box. Usually made of silver and sometimes inlaid with gold, both the box and the ceiling are usually ornamented with images of Shiva, Ganesha, Krishna, the Pandavas and Kauravas, and Gopi’s. The silver chhatri on the top of the roof and the placement of four balls at each corner of the belt reproduce the centre and the circular geometry of the four directions, visual signatures of world-order sovereignty, giving a visual form to Mahasu paramount position.

Architectural Aspects of the Temple

Architecturally, the Mahasu Devta Temple at Hanol is a rare example of a perfect and harmonious blend of stone and wooden structure, forming an overall grand edifice. The sanctum sanctorum is a pure stone spire in the classical Nagara style. The entire wooden structure is covered by a high-pitched slated pent roof, surmounted by a two-tiered conical chhatri, on which stands a graceful, slender Kalash shikhara. The gable of the roof and the projection of the balcony are ornamented with flanking eaves bearing hanging corner bells that move with the slightest movement of the wind.

Entry into the sanctum sanctorum is strictly prohibited for people other than the priest. He even has to undergo a ritual bath every time he enters the celestial realms. According to tradition, the priests of the temple are Brahmins. He does not have to eat meat; the priests eat only once a day.

Unique aspects of Mahasu Temple

The most unusual aspect of the temple is the two circular stones, each about a foot in diameter. The funny anecdote is to lift these stones on your shoulders and head and then throw them on the ground. It is believed that only a noble-hearted person can lift these rocks.

Another unique aspect is the hanging of trophies on the wall of the temple. Matches are played between teams of local deities. The winners are awarded trophies and hung on the interior walls.

Numerous goats can be seen roaming the premises. After prayers, the goats are set free to roam the premises. It is believed that whatever one wishes in this temple, Mahasu Devta fulfils it.

Pawasi Maharaj

Pavasi Devta is the third brother of Mahasu’s four brothers. Pavasi Devta Temple is on a hillock across the Tonnes River. About 2 km from Mahasu Devta Temple. Pawasi Maharaj is set in a small village called Thadiyar in Uttarkashi district.

Chalda maharaj

Chalda Maharaj is the fourth (youngest) brother of the four brothers Mahasu. Due to the limited area of Jaunsar Bawar, the youngest brother could not be established anywhere. Pavasi Maharaj said to stay in my area for 12 years, and Bashik Maharaj also said to stay in my area for 12 years. That’s why Chalda Maharaj gets Chalda because he keeps on walking.

Chalda Maharaj does not have a fixed place to stay; he stays somewhere for 1 year, somewhere for 2 years, somewhere for 3 years, and somewhere for a day. In this way, 12 years remain in the area of Bashik Maharaj and 12 years in the area of Pravasi Maharaj. When he goes from one place to another, there is a crowd of devotees with him in lakhs of numbers.

Chalda maharaj

The palanquins of the Chalda deity are generally of roof-type or box-type design. In the roof-box-type palanquin, the image (murti) of the deity is hidden inside the box. Usually made of silver and sometimes inlaid with gold, both the box and the ceiling are usually ornamented with images of Shiva, Ganesha, Krishna, the Pandavas and Kauravas, and Gopi’s. The silver chhatra on the top of the roof and the placement of four balls at each corner of the belt reproduce the circular geometry of the centre and the four directions.

When Chalda Maharaj departs from one place to another, the palanquin also moves along with the palanquin of the Maharaj. Where does the palanquin go? To those who carry the palanquin of Chalda Maharaj.

Umbrella of Chalda Maharaj

Chalda Maharaj has a huge umbrella, which requires many people to lift it. Those who lift this umbrella: where does the umbrella holder go? This umbrella also stays with Chalda Maharaj all the time. When Maharaj goes from one place to another, there is a huge crowd of Devotees.

Interesting facts about Chalda Maharaj

Chalda Maharaj Gandue (the goat) receives the power of Maharaj Kirti. What happens is that when Maharaj has to depart from one place to another, these Gandue (goats) reach that place three to four days before, whereas till now no one knows who the Maharaj will be after this. I will go to the place from here. This in itself is the divine power of Maharaj.

Lakhs of devotees live with Chalda Maharaj, and his food arrangements are so healthy that no devotee remains hungry. It is the grace of Maharaj, who never lets anyone down.

There is no need for a police system, even though there are lakhs of people in Maharaj. All the people themselves live in such a disciplined manner that no need for a police system is felt with Maharaj.

ARTICLE BY : KALYAN SINGH

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