THE OLD SETTLERS OF SIKKIM

Solophok Char Dham celebrates its first Mahashivaratri

NAMCHI, 20 Feb: The first Mahashivaratri celebrations at Siddhesvara Dham, Solophok, Namchi began today with the Shiva Parvati marriage ceremony. It is said that on this very day Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. To celebrate the ceremony the Siddhesvara Dham Committee members organised the complete marriage ceremony of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati.
In the morning, pandits of Siddhesvara Dham along with the devotees gathered at Char Dham and conducted puja at the Kirateswar Mahadev statue and at the Shiva lingams at Char Dham. This was followed by the Shova Yatra from the Siddhesvara Dham to Mahadev Than at Kholaghari along with the Rath Yatra.
At Kholaghari Mahadev Than the rituals of Shiva Parvati marriage were conducted and the Yatra proceeded back to the Siddhesvara Dham. In this Shova Yatra, Jhanki with portrayal of different Gods, Godesses and animals was also displayed.
Similarly, ethnic culture and traditional folk culture of Sikkim was also displayed in the Shova Yatra. After reaching the Siddhesvara Dham, bhajans and kirtans were sung by the bhajan toli from Kalimpong. In the evening, Mahamritunjaya Jaap and Rudravisheka will take place.
This is the first big ceremony celebrated according to Hindu rituals after the inauguration of the Siddhesvara Dham at Solophok, Namchi. Devotees from across the state and outside joined the Shova Yatra and witnessed the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati for the first time.
MLA Namchi-Singithang, Binod Rai, Chairman Tea Board, Gagan Rai, NMC Chairman, Buddha Tamang, DC (S) AK Singh and other officers from the departments were also present during the ceremony.