Himani Sharma
Nestled among the serene hills of Old Kangra stands the sacred Jyanti Mata Mandir, a temple that radiates faith and devotion throughout the Kangra valley.
Every year, as the crisp air of late autumn settles over Himachal Pradesh, this ancient shrine becomes the heart of spiritual celebration — the Panch Bhishm Mela.
For five days, thousands of devotees gather to honor the divine feminine power and the wisdom of Bhishma Pitamah, turning the temple hill into a living canvas of devotion, music and light.
Essence and origin
The Panch Bhishm Mela finds its roots in one of the most revered chapters of the Mahabharata. According to legend, Bhishma Pitamah, after the great war, lay on his bed of arrows awaiting the holy period of Uttarayana — the sun’s northward journey — to leave his mortal body. During those five sacred days, he imparted deep lessons on duty, righteousness and faith.
Over centuries, these days came to symbolise endurance, wisdom and devotion, forming the foundation of the festival we now know as the Panch Bhishm Mela.
At Jyanti Mata Mandir, these five days hold even greater meaning. The temple is dedicated to the powerful goddess Jyanti Mata, believed to be a manifestation of Shakti who safeguards her devotees from evil and blesses them with prosperity.
The merging of Bhishma’s sacred vow and the goddess’s divine grace creates a festival that celebrates both discipline and devotion — the masculine strength of dharma and the nurturing power of the divine mother.
Beliefs that bind the devotees
The Panch Bhishm Mela is not just a ritual, but a personal spiritual journey for each devotee. It is believed that lighting five lamps throughout the five days of the festival brings peace and prosperity to one’s household. Women often observe special fasts during these days, praying for the well-being and longevity of their families. Many also keep a lamp burning continuously at home, symbolising the light of Bhishma’s wisdom and the protective aura of Jyanti Mata.
The climb to the temple itself is considered sacred. Each step is taken with devotion, accompanied by the rhythmic chants of “Jai Mata Di,” echoing through the valley.
For many pilgrims, the ascent is not just a physical journey but a symbolic one, a gradual rising above worldly worries to reach a place of spiritual peace.
The mela is meticulously organised with both faith and hospitality at its core. Days before it begins, locals come together to prepare the temple and the pathways that lead up the hill. Stalls are set up along the route offering water, prasad and small lamps to carry as offerings. The temple complex is beautifully decorated with marigold garlands, bells, and glowing diyas, their golden light dancing against the mountain breeze.
From dawn till late evening, the temple resounds with the melody of devotional songs and the soft ringing of temple bells. Pilgrims arrive from across Himachal and beyond — families, elders and groups of women dressed in colorful attire — carrying offerings of flowers, coconuts and incense sticks.
On each of the five days, the main priest performs special aartis and recites verses that recount Bhishma’s teachings and the glory of the goddess.
The atmosphere is electric yet deeply peaceful. Around the temple grounds, a small fair springs to life, offering local handicrafts, traditional foods and toys for children. The aroma of freshly made halwa and chana puri fills the air, mingling with the scent of incense. Despite the crowds, there is a sense of shared purpose and harmony, as though the entire valley breathes in unison with the spirit of faith.
Five days of spiritual celebration
Each day of the Panch Bhishm Mela carries its own significance:
- Day 1: The festival begins with the lighting of five sacred lamps in the temple sanctum. Devotees start their fasts and prayers, seeking blessings for purity and strength.
- Day 2 and 3: These days are filled with the sounds of bhajans and group recitations. Women gather to sing devotional songs and share stories of the goddess’s miracles.
- Day 4: The air grows thicker with devotion. Pilgrims continue to visit the temple in large numbers and the evening aarti, illuminated by hundreds of diyas, creates a sight so serene it feels timeless.
- Day 5: The festival concludes with a grand ceremony of gratitude. The main lamp, which has burned throughout the five days, is blessed and carefully taken by devotees to their homes. It is believed that keeping this flame alive for seven years invites continuous prosperity and protection from misfortune.
