Ratha Yātrā of Bațuka Mahādeva at Chhatrari: Some Art Historical and Religious Enquiries

Seema Bawa

Published: 2018-06-29

Vol. 38 (2017)

Ratha Yātrā of Bațuka Mahādeva at Chhatrari: Some Art Historical and Religious Enquiries

Prof. Seema Bawa

Abstract

This paper seeks to excavate the relationship between the tenth century Mukhaliṅga and the eighth century main icon of Śakti Devī, both kept in the sanctum sanctorum or the garbhagŗha of the Śakti Devī (locally called The Śiva-Śakti temple) in Chhatrari, Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh. The former is known as Bațuka Mahādeva and is taken out of the temple in a holy procession every year, on the last day of the Maṇimaheśa chaṛī or yātrā. My research is based not only on epigraphic and art historical studies but also on field work conducted in Chhatrari and adjacent sites.

Keywords:

Chhatrari, Bațuka Mahādeva, ratha yātrās, mohrās, linga, mukhaliṅga, Maṇimaheśa, Śakti Devī Temple, procession, ritual, performance, pilgrimage, Purāṇas

Detail of the mūlapratimā or the main icon of Śakti Devī, brass, early eighth century. Author: S. Bawa.

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Bawa, S. (2018). Ratha Yātrā of Bațuka Mahādeva at Chhatrari: Some Art Historical and Religious Enquiries. Ethnologia Polona, 38, 221–242. Retrieved from https://journals.iaepan.pl/ethp/article/view/60

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Prof. Seema Bawa

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5129-6759

Affiliation:

Faculty of Social Sciences - University of Delhi (Department of History), India

Bio Statement (e.g., department and rank)

PhD in history of art (University of Bonn); professor at the University of Delhi.