The International Shivratri festival of Mandi, Himachal Pradesh is starting from today. Shivratri Mahaparva also signifies the arrival of spring and change of seasons. The history of Mandi princely state starts from the seventh generation of Suket princely state. When Raja Sahusen’s younger brother Bahu Sen, getting angry with his brother, took some trustworthy soldiers along with them, leaving Lohara, which was the capital of the then Suket princely state, and settled the capital at Balh’s Haat. With this the Mandi state was established. It was Bahusen who established the Hateshwari Mata temple. After this Bahusen had settled in Mangalore. In 1208 AD, Bansen established the capital of Mandi princely state at Yuli. In 1527 AD, Ajbar Sen established the modern city of Mandi along with the temple of Baba Bhootnath.There is no consensus among scholars regarding the beginning of Shivratri Mahaparva in this hilly princely state influenced by Shaivism. In the 15th century, when Raja Ajbar Sen established the capital from Batolahi across the Beas river. It is probably during this time that the auspicious beginning of Mahashivratri festival started. Initially it has been celebrated as a two-day folk festival, in which the folk deities of Mandi district participated. The credit goes to King Suraj Sen for giving Mandi Shivratri a Shaivite as well as a Vaishnava and folk form. The reign of Suraj Sen has been during 1637-1664 i.e. 16th century. Raja Suraj Sen showed special interest in expanding the boundaries of the princely state of Mandi. He resorted to both war and diplomacy.
