SHANI-THE UNIVERSAL GOD OF JUSTICE

 

Shani -the Lord of Justice is  son of Surya and his wife Chhaya ; hence also known as Chayyaputra. He is the elder brother of Yama, the Hindu god of death, who in some scriptures corresponds to the deliverance of justice. Surya's two sons Shani and Yama give us the results of one's deeds through one's life through appropriate punishments and rewards; Yama grants the results of one's deeds after death.

It is said that when Shani opened his eyes as a baby for the very first time, the sun went into an eclipse, which clearly denotes the impact of Shani on astrological charts. He is known as the greatest teacher and well wisher for the righteous.At the same time He punishes those who follow the path of evil, betrayal, backstabbing and unjust revenge. He is dark in colour, clothed in black; holding a sword, arrows and two daggers .His 'vahan' is  a crow. As protector of property, Shani is able to repress the thieving tendencies of birds.

There is another story.The legend has it that when Shani was born, Surya his father was not too happy.He  said,' How come, he is so dark.He cannot be my son'.  Shani did not like His father's remark.

From then on wards, Surya & Shani are at logger heads with each other.It is not that the Father & Son do not like or love each other but the ego hassle remains. 

Strange -but true, there is always an element of defiance in a son towards his father.

Shani Jayanti the birth anniversary of Lord Shani falls on the Amavasya (New Moon Day) of Jyeshta month of Hindu calendar.

We celebrated it recently.

In our routine lives, there is a great importance of the kindness and the power of God Shani. Shani occupies the seventh place among the nine planets which govern the world. This is viewed as unlucky in conventional astrology. As per 'Khagol  Shastra', the distance of Shani from the earth is 9 crore miles. Its radius is about one billion and 82 crore and 60 lakh kilometers. And its gravitational force is 95 times higher than that of the earth. Planet Shani takes 19 years to complete one revolution around the Sun. The astronauts have viewed the Shani's colours as beautiful, strong, influencing and eye-catching. It has twenty two satellites in its ring. 

Shani's gravitational power is more than that of the Earth's. Therefore, when we think good or bad , these thoughts ,  reach Shani by the strength of his power. In astrological terms, the bad influence is considered as unlucky. But the result of good deeds will always be good.  God Shani is a friend and not a foe as generally considered. And for those who indulge in evil deeds, He  is their enemy.

As regards the birth of Shani, there is one more story.

"God Surya was married to Daksha Kanya Sadnya. Sadnya could not tolerate the radiance of God Surya. She used to feel that by doing penance she could increase her brilliance. Or, by the power of her penance, she could diminish the glare of God Surya. But for God Surya, she was a spouse worshipping wife. From God Surya, she had three children. One was Vaivastahva Manu. The second was Yama Raj. And the third was Yamuna. Sadnya loved her children very much. But, she was very upset with the radiance of God Surya. One day, she thought that she would separate from God Surya, go to her parents' home and undertake great penance. 

By strength of her penance, Sadnya created a 'Chaya' (shadow) of herself and named her Suvarna. And, and then the shadow of herself became Suvarna. After handing over the children to Chaya, Sadnya told her that Chaya would thereafter play the role of womanhood and nurse her three children. She told her if any problem arose, she should call her and she would come rushing to her. But she cautioned her that she must remember that she was Chaya, not Sadnya, and nobody should know this difference.

Sadnya handed over her responsibilities to Chaya and went away to her parents' place. She went home and told her father that she could not stand the radiance of God Surya. And therefore, without telling her husband she had come away. Listening to this, her father scolded her very much and told her that without being called, if the daughter returns home, both - she and her father would be cursed. He told her to go back to her home immediately. Then, Saudnya got worried. So, Sadnya went to the dense jungles in Uttar Kurukshetra and took repose there.

She was fearful of her safety in the jungle because of her youthfulness and beauty. And she changed her form into that of a mare so that none could recognize her and started her penance. Elsewhere, the union of God Surya and Chaya begot three children. God Surya and Chaya were happy with each other. Surya never doubted anything. The children of Chaya were Manu, God Shani and Putri Bhadra (Tapti). "

There is yet another story.And it goes like this:- 'The creation of God Shani was the result of Maharishi Kashyap's great 'yagna'. When God Shani was in the womb of Chaya, Shiv Bhaktini Chaya was so engrossed in penance of God Shiva that she did not even care for her food . She prayed so intensely during her penance that the prayers had a profound influence on the child in her womb. As a result of such a great penance of Chaya, without food and shade in the blazing sun, the complexion of God Shani became black. When God Shani was born, Surya was surprised to see his dark complexion. He began to doubt Chaya. 

From birth itself, God Shani had inherited the great powers of his mother's penance. He saw that his father was insulting his mother. He saw his father with a cruel gaze. As a result his father's body was charred black. The horses of God Surya's chariot stopped. The chariot would not move. Worried, God Surya called out to God Shiva. God Shiva advised God Surya and explained to him about what had happened. That is, because of him that the mutual respect of mother and child had been tarnished . 

God Surya accepted his fault and apologized. And regained his earlier glorious looks and the power of his chariot's horses. Since then, God Shani became a good son to his father and mother and an ardent disciple of God Shiva.

So Shani is always GOOD.Be rest assured !!

THE BANGLES OF CHAMPA ( END)

This was the time when the thought of shifting capital from Champawat to Almora was being conceived. Raja Balo Kalyan Chand  was advised by his Raj Jyotoishi that certain omens were not auguring well for retaining the capital at Champawat. The C in C, Council of Ministers & senior Consultants too agreed to the advice of the Kul Guru.  Considering the fact that fresh territories had been won ,it was decided  to assert the  Kumaon Kingdom beyond Kali Kumaon, & therefore,  a consensus was arrived at - to  shift the capital  to a place of  strategic significance –in this case Almora. Almora was derived from the names- 'Bhilmora, 'Chalmora, 'Kilmora' - varieties of grass, that were used for cleaning the metal 'patra' & utensils of Katarmal Devta. There was also a move to name it 'Alamnagar'. Finally, the name Almora stuck in the minds of people. 

The King now gave elaborate directions to shift to the newly acquired kingdom.King Balo Kalyan  Chand now gave final orders to transfer his capital from Champawat to Almora.

(The Chands occupied Almora till the 19th century .)

 X                X                               X                             X                     

The C in C presented the Craftsmen Families to Queen Champa.

With folded hands,the craftsmen families said ,‘Your Highness, we are blessed to be here .Both the King & Queen are so very kind. We pray for the  long lives of the King & the Queen & prosperity to the Kingdom. Please accept a small token of our love & regard for you’.

The Queen asked the C in C to permit the 'sewadars' to bring the items in. Out of the two huge bundles, the craftsmen took out & neatly arranged 365 Pairs of exquisitely crafted glass bangles in all hues & colours & requested the Queen to kindly accept them.' 

'These have been specially prepared for you to last for one full year. Now that we are  here, it shall be an honour to comply with the desire,directions & choices of the Queen' - the senior craftsman submitted with folded hands.

Champa was simply enamoured to see such wonderfully crafted bangles. She thanked them profusely, & in turn, made separate presents to the men & women. She presented a couple of sets of Ghagra & Pichaura, Gulubands, Karnphools, Hasuli, Kamarband,Shawls,etc to the women.

The Queen said, “ Welcome to the sacred land of Kali Kumaon. From now onwards, it shall be our responsibility to look after you in each & every respect. I thank The Shahanshah for this magnanimous gesture. Even after the capital is shifted to Almora, you all shall  continue to stay  put here & concentrate on your good work.'

“It may be noted that Akbar had made a special place in the hearts & minds of Hindus. There are numerous references to him ;and his eulogies are sung in songs and religious hymns as well. Akbar practiced several Hindu customs. He celebrated Diwali. He allowed Brahman priests to tie jeweled strings round his wrists by way of blessing and, following his lead, many of the nobles took to wearing rakhi (protection charms). He had renounced beef, and forbade the sale of all meats on certain days. Also, his royal queen-consort was a Hindu princess, Harkha Bai.”

(THE END)

BANGLES OF CHAMPA (4)

The C in C briefed the Chand Raja:-

"Kalanaur is a historical town.The name Kalanaur is derived from  Kala & Nura.

The town is located about 29 km to the west of Gurdaspur city

on Gurdaspur-Dera Baba Nanak track.Kalanaur is situated on the banks of  Kiran - a minor rivulet that merges into the Ravi river.

Kalanaur is a flourishing city. We were told that if we had visited Kalanaur,it was as good as visiting Lahore.

There are two versions .One legend talks of them as brothers who founded the Shiva Temple.

Another legend has it  & that is mostly supported by the local populace. They say that  'Kala te Nura' were the two brave horsemen of Akbar who had hit the Shiv Linga accidentally.They did not pay any heed to the bleeding horizontal & massive Shiva Linga. Their horses went lame.In fact, all horses that were pressed into service over the hillock - went lame.These horsemen were traversing round the hill to cover the move of the would be Shahanshah.

After the Tajposhi was over, this strange happening was conveyed to Akbar by Bairam Khan.

Bairam Khan asked the Shahanshah to pay obesience to the Shiva Linga.

Akbar walked bare foot to the site & prayed.There was thunderous applause from the people.One could hear the unending cheers  with people shouting at the top of their  voices   " AKBAR SALAMAT RAHEN".The Shahanshah had set an example !

Akbar promised to construct a massive Shiva temple at the site."

As the C in C was taking  leave from Chand Raja , he got a message that 

the Queen was wanting to meet the craftsmen at the earliest.

He sent a message across asking the two craftsmen families to be ready to be presented to Her Highness.

Note:-  The Shiva Temple is built in a blend of  Mughal & Hindu architecture.

( To be Continued)

BANGLES OF CHAMPA (3)

Bairam Khan was standing behind Akbar & was listening to the entire conversation.

He stepped forward & said to the C in C ," Sir, my Naib Vazir shall contact you this evening".

The C in C along-with his Delegation thanked the Shahanshah for the warm welcome & honour bestowed upon them.He took leave & returned to his tented residence.

After he has had his lunch & siesta, his Runner announced that the Naib Vazir was waiting outside to seek an audience with him. He quickly got ready & asked his Runner to ensure that the Official was given due respect & requested to be seated in the visitors tent .

The Naib Vazir gave him a smart 'Salaam' & said, " Sir, I have been ordered personally by the Shahanshah to tell your gracious self  that four Maniyar families shall accompany your entourage tomorrow when you depart for your capital Champawat. They are husbands & wives teams & are expert craftsmen.They shall surely be able to come up to the expectations of  the Maharani by making varieties of bangles in all hues & colours.Adequate raw material & arrangements for their transportation,administration & logistics have been done.From now on-wards, they shall stay under your care for ever".

The news of this unique gift by Akbar had spread like wild fire.

The C in C & the Delegation reached outskirts of Tanakpur & from there on-wards until they reached Champawat, they were greeted with warm enthusiasm & happiness.The 'Guests' were given special welcome as they were a gift to the 'Maharani' by none other than the Shahanshah.

Having rested for a night, the two craftsmen were presented before the Chand Raja. He greeted them & said," We are beholden to the Shahanshah.It is now my personal responsibility to look after you & your families.From now on, you are Kumaonis. I hereby grant you a 'patta' of 400 Bighas in 'Maniyar Goth' at Tanakpur for cultivation & also grant you enough land at Khuna Village to settle down permanently.The Bora Rajputs shall help you all in every respect."

When you travel on Champawat-Lohaghat road , you will see this village Khuna. It is a prosperous village that is located almost mid way between these two towns. You will find bearded Muslims & Bora Thakurs walking & working hand in hand.There are two masjids that can be seen from the road.

Kali Kumaon had thus established a great tradition of 'National Integration' , 'Sarv Dharm Sadbhav' & 'Vasudhev Kutumbakam'.

It  was indeed in the best traditions of Kumaoni culture,customs & traditions - where chivalry flows in the blood & gallantry is the tradition.




( To Be Continued)

THE BANGLES OF CHAMPA (2)

 (Gurudwara Saheb at DBN)

( Road from Gurdaspur to Kalanaur)

(The 'Chabutra' of Akbar's 'Tajposhi' at Kalanaur.

( SPLENDID ! )

(Akbar with Bairam Khan)

The entire area from Gurdaspur till Dera Baba Nanak (DBN)  wore a festive look.

The road had a number of arches to welcome a 
great descendant of Genghis Khan of Indian Muslim 
Dynasty that ruled from 1526 until 858. Babur, Humayun,Akbar,Jahangir,Shah Jehan 
& Aurangjeb were called the great Moghuls.The 
last emperor Bahadur Shah II (1775-1862 ; reigned  1837-58), was deposed after India's First Freedom Struggle of 1857 & exiled to Burma by the British.

This was a very special Day.

Bairam Khan, a noble, had selected a raised high ground  at Kalanaur ( About 30 Kms from Gurdaspur on DBN Road). All around were pitched  highly decorated yet massive tents with their inward openings towards the 'Chabutra'.Best Persian carpets , chandeliers & rugs were laid inside. 'Takias' & 'Gao Takias' in hundreds were placed with the best of decorations. The event was to be witnessed by a galaxy of Kings & Princes of smaller states & other eminent people.In addition, a large gathering of local populace was expected  to witness the historic moment.

It had  been transformed into  a tented Palace.

A glorious page in the history of India was about to be written.

Hundreds of varieties of food & sweet dishes were being prepared nearby.

There were songs, music & dance all over.

Bairam Khan had ordered for new Mughal coins struck in silver & copper  to mark the crowning event.

Akbar's first silver rupees were issued from mints at Lahore.On the front of the silver coin was a message in Persian & on it's reverse it bore only 'Jallaluddin Muhammad Akbar Badshah,Ghazi'.The copper coin was the 21 gram 'paisa' called 'dams' ; later, these coins were struck at mints adjacent to copper mines in Rajasthan & other towns.

One could now see the huge procession of elephants & horses from a distance.It was preceded by 'Ghursawars'-the 'Ang Rakshaks' ( Body Guards) of the future Shahanshah.

The second huge & beautifully decorated elephant had the young Akbar sitting comfortably inside the 'Hauda' with Bairam Khan sitting behind him.

The song ,dance & martial music now rose to it's climax.

The 'mahawat' ordered the elephant to sit down.

A wooden step was placed ,&  there alighted Akbar in perfect Mughal attire & regalia - a young lad of just 12 years.

The body guards took over & he was escorted to the raised ground.

After the bugle calls   &  rituals were over,  
Akbar was escorted to the Shahanshah's imposing  Royal 
Chair ( Sinhasan). Now Bairam Khan put the shining golden   crown over his head .The crown of solid gold crafted exquisitely had the best of precious stones that were procured/imported.In addition,Bairam Khan slipped  a golden & diamond sashdown his right shoulder across his chest..

There were deafening cheers.

The young lad had become  Shahanshah-Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar .A new chapter was being written.

As per protocol, Kings,Princes & other Nobles/Eminent People started moving towards the Shahanshah to congratulate him & offer gifts.

The Chand King of Kumaon had sent his C in C with a small delegation to congratulate the Shahanshah. Akbar was congratulated & offered  gifts that had been specially prepared for him.The C in C conveyed to Akbar the request of the Chand Raja to pay a visit to Kali Kumaon as & when convenient.

While Akbar knew that such requests were made as a part of normal formal practice, he said " Well, please thank the King for his magnanimous offer.Presently,I am heavily committed in a number of things".

At this juncture Bairam Khan whispered something in the ears of Akbar.

Akbar immediately asked the  the C in C," Can I do something for the State?".

On hearing this,the C in C said,' Shahanshah,there is a request from our Maharani Champa '.

"Go ahead, it shall be an honour for me to comply with her desire ".



(To Be Continued)

THE BANGLES OF CHAMPA (1)

HISTORY OF KALI KUMAON-OUR PROUD HERITAGE

(Maa Purna Giri)

Within six months plus of regaining power,Humayun meets with a fatal accident near his Library at Delhi Fortress. This fact was concealed for 17 days until stable arrangements for succession were made.

Akbar was only 12 years old when he was crowned Mughal Emperor at Kalanaur.This was 1556.He was given the title of Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar.He ruled till 1605.

There ia a village Khuna in Champawat District.The Muslim inhabitants have their history connected to the Tajposhi of Akbar.

Champa was extremely fond of her bangles.She wore the   pairs only for one day.She never repeated them.There was no one who could manufacture these locally.

The 'bangles' occupy  the centre stage of this story;but a little bit about Champawat in the succeeding paragraphs.

Champa was the Queen of Kali Kumaon & adjoining areas. Champawat derives it's name from her.It was the capital of the Chand Dynasty.Besides its historical importance, it is   famous for it's  beautiful architecture and carvings on the temples - Baleshwar Temple being one of them. One finds breathtaking landscapes and terraced fields, which cover the Valley. A river meanders through these landscapes against a lush green backdrop.

This ancient capital of the Chand rulers is well known for its temples and natural beauty. This  historical town located 76 kms from Pithoragarh has an ancient fort, which is now headquarters of the Tehsil office.

The mythological legend has it  that Lord Vishnu appeared here as 'Kurma (Tortoise Awatar) Incarnation'. The story of Gollu Devta is also associated with Gorilla Chaur of Champawat.

Jim Corbett, the famous hunter came to this region in the first decade of the 20th century to hunt  for man eating tigers. His first book, "Man Eaters of Kumaon" is related to Champawat.

Champawat was declared as a separate district on 15 Dec. 1997 .Then it was a part of UP. Prior to this, Champawat was only a Tehsil of Pithoragarh district.

  Champawat offers the tourists with virtually everything they expect from nature, ranging from pleasant climate to varied wildlife and good places to trek.

Champawat district nurtures many other places of historical, cultural and religious importance like Devidhura, Pancheshwar & Poornagiri.

Champawat is well connected by road with other parts of Kumaon.You can reach it either from Tanakpur or from Almora.

Places to Visit in Champawat

Baleshwar Temple : Baleshwar temple built by the Chand rulers is dedicated to Lord Shiva.  The temple is a marvelous symbol of stone carving work. There isn't any historical manuscript that dates the Baleshwar temple;however it is believed to have been  built between 10 - 12 century A.D.

Nagnath Temple : It is another excellent example of ancient architecture of Kumaon.

Ek Hathiya Ka Naula : It is 5 kms from Champawat and is believed to have been constructed in just one night by the one handed artisan.

Kranteshwar Mahadev : The sacred shrine atop a hill to the east of Champawat is also called as Kurmapad or Kandev.

Lohaghat : This historical town 14 kms from Champawat is situated on the banks of river Lohawati - noted for its natural beauty and mythological legends.

Mayawati Ashram (9 kms): Located  amidst scenic surroundings,it attracts large number spiritualists from all over the world. Swami Vivekanand decided to shift the publication office of 'Prabuddh Bharat' from Madras to Mayawati during his visit to Almora in 1898.

Abbot Mount (8 kms): This beautiful location offers a peaceful and secluded holiday. It affords breathtaking view of the Himalayan peaks.

Devidhura (45 kms): Known for the Varahi temple, where a unique tradition of Bagwal (organised stone throwing between two groups) is practiced on Raksha Bandhan. Jim Corbett's tale 'Temple Tiger' is associated with the Devidhura temples. It is also an excellent site for trekking. 

Pancheshwar (40 kms): It is located at the confluence of river Kali and Saryu on the Nepal border. Pancheshwar is famous for the Shiva temple of Pancheshwar, where Jaat of Chaumu is worshipped as protector of animals.

Vanasur-Ka-Kila (7 kms): This fort built during the medieval times is said to be associated with legendary Vanasur, who was assassinated here. The Lohawati river originates nearby.

Meetha Reetha Saheb : This important Sikh pilgrim centre is located about 72 kms from Champawat. It is said that Guru Nanak, the first Guru of the Sikhs came here and had spiritual discussions with Gorakhpanthi Jogis. The Gurudwara here stands at the confluence of Lodhiya and Ratiya rivers, near village Deyuri.

Purnagiri Temple : The sacred shrine atop the Poornagiri hill is located 20 kms from Tanakpur and 92 kms from Champawat. Large number of devotees visit the shrine from all over the country, especially during the Chaitra Navratri in the month of March - April. The temple affords awe-inspiring views of the vast expanse of river Kali, its islands, the township of Tanakpur and a few Nepali villages.

Shyamlatal : It is located 56 kms from Champawat and is famous for the Swami Vivekanand Ashram on the banks of the beautiful Shyamlatal lake. The blue waters of the lake sprawl over an area of 1.5 sq. kms