The sacred Mandaranchal mountain was used as a churner during the churning of the ocean.

According to Hindu beliefs, during the churning of the ocean, the Gods made Mandarachal (Mandaar Mountain) a churner. Mandar, standing for centuries, is still a mountain of people’s faith. It is also called Mandarachal or Mandar Parvat. It is situated in Banka district. Which is situated in the state of Bihar and is a very beautiful place of tribal society.

Situation

This mountain is situated in Bounsi of Banka district of Bihar state. Before reaching Baunsi from Bhagalpur, this mountain is near State Highway-19 and Mandar Vidyapeeth Halt. Bhagalpur is 50 kilometers from here. This mountain is located at latitude 240 50′ north and longitude 870 4′ east.

Recognition

It is a popular belief that Lord Vishnu always resides on Mandar Mountain. It is believed that this is the same mountain, using whose churn the gods and demons once churned the ocean.

On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, a fair is also organized here which lasts for about fifteen days. People’s beliefs are associated with Mandar Mountain in many ways. For Hindus, this mountain is the sacred shelter of Lord Vishnu, while people who follow Jainism believe it to be associated with the famous Tirthankar Lord Vasupujya. For the tribals, Mandar Mountain is a Siddhi Kshetra where every year on the night of 13 January they worship Ram-Lakshman throughout the night. This is the largest Santali fair where more than one lakh people (followers of Safa sect) come every year for an overnight stay. This sect was created by Baba Chander Das. The ancient Baunsi Fair held in Baunsi has now got the status of ‘State Fair’.

An important part of the state of Bihar is located south of Baunsi by rail and road. The history of this fair is very old, in which tribals and non-tribals come together on a large scale and enjoy the fair. The main attraction of the fair is the seven hundred feet high Mandar Mountain built of black granite stone. It is situated about two kilometers north of Baunsi, containing many legends. It has special significance because of its connection with the mythological story of Samudra Manthan. Hundreds of ancient sculptures, caves, ruined chaityas and temples carved on the rocks of Mandar are silent witnesses of religious and cultural glory.

The name of Mandar has appeared many times in various Puranas, historical and religious texts. In Skanda Purana, there is a separate chapter called Mandar Mahatamya. Mandar is considered to be the main center of Vaishnav sect. The famous Vaishnav saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has also discussed Mandar Parvat at many places. The story of Samudra Manthan is also in the 18th chapter of Adi Parva of Mahabharata. According to the Mahabharata, under the inspiration of Lord Vishnu, after much discussion on Mount Meru, the gods and demons churned the ocean.

Festival

On the day of Makar Sankranti, the importance of Papaharani pond present at the foothills of Mandar mountain is something else. It is a popular belief that bathing in this pond provides relief from leprosy. People definitely take bath here on the day of Makar Sankranti. Enjoy the fire burning everywhere. After that worship Lord Madhusudan. Dahi-chuda and sesame laddus are especially eaten.

History and Tourism

According to archaeologists, most of the sculptures of Mandar Parvat belong to the post-Gupta period. There was a lot of sculpture in the post-Gupta period. There is a temple on the highest peak of Mandar, in which a footprint is engraved on a stone. It is said that these footprints are of Lord Vishnu. But Jain followers call it the footprint of the famous Tirthankara Lord Vasupujya and come to visit him from far and wide with full faith and belief. The same footprint is considered differently by people of two sects but there is never any dispute. Thus, it can also be called a confluence of two sects. Apart from this, there are many beautiful statues everywhere on the mountain, among which the statues of Shiva, Singh Vahini Durga, Mahakali, Narasimha etc. are prominent. The statues of Chaturbhuj Vishnu and Bhairav ​​are currently kept in Bhagalpur Museum.

There are also statues of Western scholars such as Francis Buchanan, Martin Hunter and Glob. After mountain tour, people head towards Baunsi fair. The temple of Lord Madhusudan situated in Baunsi is visited by devotees throughout the year. On the day of Makar Sankranti, an attractive procession takes place from here.