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'Mawjymbuin' - Mawsynram
Mawsynram is famous for being the seat of a beautiful natural 'Shivalinga,' which is actually a giant stalagmite formation. This Shivalinga is located in an unexplored vast cave, known locally as 'Mawjymbuin,' and is bathed all through the year by water dripping from an overhanging stalactite. This cave is thronged by numerous Hindu pilgrims as well as curious tourists.
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Shaktipeeth Mata Durga (Jainteswari)
Nartiang, a famous Hindu pilgrimage centre, is located 65 kms from Shillong and about 24 km from north of Jowai, in Jaintia Hills - the easternmost district of Meghalaya, in the North Eastern Region of India. Nartiang is a small village located in the north-western part of Jaintia Hills. This village is famous for stone Monoliths commonly known as Menhir erected between 1500 A.D. and 1835 A.D.
Nartiang is blessed with an ancient, heritage Durga(Jainteswari) Temple, believed to be more than 800 years old, and intricately linked to innumerable anecdotes and finds mention in ancient mythology and folklore.
According to legendary Hindu Puranas, Shakti Peeth(s) like Kamakhshya near Guwahati in Assam and Tripureshwari of Matabari in Tripura; Jainteswari Temple at Nartiang also occupies similar status and often placed among the 51 Shakti Peeths.
The legendary story of 'Dakshya Yagna' in connection to origin of 51 Sati Peeth, finds mention in the ancient anthology of the sub-continent. There is mention in the Hindu Puranas, regarding Mata Durga's Bam Jangha (left thigh) landing at the foot hills of Jaintiapur (present Jaintia Hills), in course of Dakshya Yagna. The Shakti Peeth came into existence in 51 different sites, where various divine body parts of Mata Durga is said to have reached the earth, during the process of Dakshya Yagna. Accordingly, it shall not be wrong to conclude that Nartiang Durga Temple, one of the oldest in the sub-continent, can be categorized as a Shakti Peeth. Further, no other locations in Jaintia Hills have such centuries old temple. The name Jainteswari or Jayanti one of the 108 names of Mata Durga, associated with the Temple lends credence to this concept.
The present priests performing Puja at the Durga Temple claim to be the 28th generation of their ancestors, who were brought by Jaintia kings from present Mahrashtra. In total 22 Jaintia kings have taken charge of the temple. The last king Rajendra Singh was defeated and captured by British in 1835.
The Durga (Jayanteswari) Temple is situated at the top of a hill facing the west. The river Myndu flows along the southern side of this hill. The (Boli Garbha) or sacrificial nucleus, located at the basement of the temple, which was earlier connected to the river Myndu by a steep tunnel, is present till date. Human sacrifice at the temple was an integral part of the ritual till mid 19th century. The head used to roll down through this tunnel into the river Myndu. The practice of human sacrifice according to tantric cult in the hills of Jaintia is believed to have prompted the British to initiate an aggression in 1835. Subsequently goats, pigeons, cucumber, bananas, etc were ceremoniously sacrificed, which still continues, particularly year during the Durga(Jainteswari) Puja, every year.
The Shiva Temple (Karmadeshwara Bhairava) is positioned at the top of another higher hillock, towards the northern direction of the Durga(Jainteswari) Temple. The strategic location and presence of weapons like wrought iron guns and canons, clearly indicates the temple to be a part of a possible fort of the Jaintia Kings. It also symbolizes the religious belief of the Kings and the common people of the kingdom.
Other Temples and deities:-
In addition to the Durga and Shiva Temple, there is also Bishahari temple in Nartiang village, which clearly establishes the close link and influence of Hinduism which is still revered and followed in an innovative traditional form. By virtue of being a Shakti Peeth- as per available accounts; Manasha Puja / Bishahari Puja, Durga Puja, Kartik Puja & Holi are the main religious festivals at Nartiang. The rules of Ambabuchi at par with Kamakhya Temple are also observed here. The astadhatu idols in the temples of Nartiang are one of the oldest as per statement of the priests and traditional village heads known as Doloi and Lyngdohs (priests) The presiding deity of the temples is Jainteshwari along with Shiva, Durga and others.
Traditional form of worship:-
Knia(s) throughout the year are performed according to indigenous method of worship and rituals. In all around 5 to 6 Knias are held at different times of the year each bearing diverse significance. The Law Mulong as well as the adjacent Nartiang market place is regarded as sacred sites where Puja according to local religious rites are regularly performed - even to-day.
Every one of us should visit these temples in Nartiang and contribute generously to CPC's Nartiang Temples Development Committee for development, improvement and renovation of the Temples.
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