In the holy town of Deoghar, Jharkhand, India, a unique ritual takes place during the auspicious month of Shravan – the Gath Bandhan. This beautiful ceremony binds two temples together, symbolizing the eternal love and connection between Lord Shiva and Maa Parvati.
The Legend Behind the Ritual
According to Hindu mythology, when Daksha, the father of Sati (an incarnation of Parvati), performed a yagna (fire sacrifice) and deliberately excluded Shiva, Sati immolated herself in the flames. Overcome with grief, Shiva carried her charred body across the land. It is believed that at the site of the Baidyanath Dham temple in Deoghar, Sati’s heart fell to earth. Here, another temple, the Mata Parvati temple, stands as a testament to the presence of the Shakti (divine feminine energy) alongside Shiva.
The Ceremony of Gath Bandhan
During Shravan, hundreds of devotees visit these temples to witness and participate in the Gath Bandhan. Devotees wind their red threads around the “Panchsul” (the five pinnacles) at the top of the Baidyanath temple dome. Chants fill the air as priests recite sacred verses. Following this, members of the Bhandari community, a local people, climb the domes of both temples and tie the red threads together. This symbolic act of uniting the temples through a thread represents the everlasting bond between Shiva and Parvati.
Significance of the Ritual
Devotees believe the Gath Bandhan bestows a powerful blessing, particularly significant for married couples. The ceremony is seen as a way to actively promote happiness and prosperity in their married life. Additionally, devotees believe that participating in the ceremony strengthens their bonds with the divine couple.
The Gath Bandhan ceremony involves tying hundreds of red threads to symbolically connect the domes of these two temples. A designated priest carries the threads offered by devotees to the top of the Baidyanath temple dome. Chanting of sacred slokas by pandas (priests) accompanies this process. Finally, members of the Bhandari community, a local people, climb the domes of both temples and tie the offered threads together.
Witnessing the Gath Bandhan
According to the best astrologer in Kolkata, if you find yourself in Deoghar during Shravan, experiencing the Gath Bandhan is a truly unforgettable sight. The vibrant energy of the devotees, the chanting of prayers, and the culmination of the ritual with the tying of the red threads create a powerful and spiritual atmosphere.
