Malhari Martand is an avatar of the Rudra form of Hindu God
Shiva. The Malhari Martand history indicates that the deity had it origin
in South India . Origin and story of Malhari
Martand is found in the ‘Malhari Mahatmya'. The story suggests that Malhari
Martand appeared to annihilate demons Mani and Malla and restore Dharma.
Manichurna Mountain
Legend has it that demons Mani and Malla became powerful by
performing intense Tapas (austerities) dedicated to Brahma. After several years
Brahma gave them boons. With unimaginable power on their disposal, Mani and
Malla started harassing saints, Devas (demi gods) and humans. They created
havoc and disturbed the peaceful life on earth and heaven.
Shiva brought out several lieutenants from his matted lock
to fight Mani and Malla and went to Manichurna Mountain
He himself took the form of Bhairav, the terrible form of
Shiva, and Parvati took the form of Mhalsa. Goddess Ganga
took the form of Banai. In some regions, Mhalsa is believed to be an
incarnation of Mohini and Parvati.
The battle began on the Amavasi day of Kartik month and
ended on the sixth day Margashirsh. Mani and Malla fought hard for six days.
Finally, they were killed. This happened on
the sixth day of Margashirsh and is observed as Chamba Shasti. It is believed
Lord Shiva decided to stay at Manichurna in the form of a Swayambhu lingam
after defeating the demons.
A horse or a bull is the Vahana or vehicle
of Malhari Martand and dogs surround him. A legend has it that from the blood
that dropped from the body of Mani and Malla created a new demon. The dogs then
swallowed the blood and thus put an end to the demons.