The Kullu valley, widely celebrated as the abode of Raghunath, is renowned across the region for its distinctive and ancient divine traditions. Ever since this sacred site became associated with Lord Raghunath, every festival dedicated to Lord Rama and Lord Krishna has been observed here with immense enthusiasm and deep devotion. One such prominent event is the Kesar Dol, which is held annually at the Raghunath temple on the Ekadashi tithi following Krishna Janmashtami. This special religious observance takes place three days after Janmashtami and holds immense spiritual significance among local devotees.
While the tradition of gently rocking infant Bal Gopal in a cradle is practiced across the country in the aftermath of Janmashtami, the historic Raghunath temple in Kullu observes a three-day cradle festival as well. Following this, the Kesar Dol is organized on the day of Ekadashi. According to local beliefs, the infant deity remains in a child form during the cradle festival, and when he reaches full form symbolizing maturity, the Kesar Dol is celebrated as a coronation ceremony.
On this auspicious day, a large and beautifully decorated swing is set up within the temple premises, upon which the idol of Lord Raghunath is seated. The temple manager or kardar Danvendra Singh explains that the ritual begins by mixing saffron into kumkum to apply a tilak to Lord Raghunath. Following this, the senior-most member of the royal family receives the saffron tilak on his forehead, after which it is distributed among all devotees as prasad. Receiving this tilak is considered a divine blessing and brings immense good fortune to the followers.
Danvendra Singh further noted that the senior-most member of the royal family participates in the tradition wearing a traditional white turban. Once the saffron tilak is applied to Lord Raghunath, the royal priest applies the remaining saffron to the senior member's turban, symbolizing a special divine blessing. At present, Maheshwar Singh is the senior-most member of the royal family, and during this Kesar Dol, the royal priest applies the tilak to him. This unique custom forms an integral part of Kullu's rich cultural heritage and devotion.
Santh Panjiri Prasad Arrives From the Royal Priest's Residence
On the sacred occasion of Kesar Dol, a special offering of Santh Panjiri is prepared as prasad for Lord Raghunath, brought directly from the residence of the royal priest. Danvendra Singh stated that this consecrated food is first offered to the deity and then distributed among all present devotees. The current royal priest, Mahant Rajinder Das, belongs to the Vairagi community, and it is at his home that this special prasad is prepared. Additionally, during Ram Navami, the special prasad for Lord Raghunath is also brought from the royal priest's residence, serving as a symbol of unity and faith among the community.
Kesar Dol Is Observed Four Times a Year
Temple priest Dinesh explained that the Kesar Dol is organized four times a year at the Kullu Raghunath temple. The first Kesar Dol is observed during Hola Mohalla after Holika Dahan, also known as Phool Dol, where members of the Vairagi community are present at the temple. The second event takes place on the occasion of Ram Navami. The third Kesar Dol is celebrated on the Ekadashi following Janmashtami, featuring the saffron tilak application. The fourth and final Kesar Dol is held after Panch Bhishma, during which saffron flowers are offered to the deity, setting it apart from the others. These festivals greatly enhance the spiritual importance and traditions of the Raghunath temple.
Kesar Dol Celebrations Also Held at the Thava Temple in Naggar
In the Naggar area of the Kullu valley, the Molidhar Krishna temple, popularly known as the Thava temple, also hosts the Kesar Dol festival after Janmashtami. A grand ceremony takes place during this period, drawing large crowds from surrounding villages. This celebration is significant not only from a religious standpoint but also serves as an occasion that brings local residents together in community harmony.
