Sambhal district in Uttar Pradesh is home to the renowned Shahi Jama Masjid, a significant historical monument. However, the mosque has recently become the center of a heated controversy. Hindu groups allege that the mosque was built after demolishing the ancient Harihar Mandir during the Mughal era under Emperor Babur. The Shahi Jama Masjid is currently a protected monument, but the claims have reignited discussions about its origins and the history of Lord Harihara.
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Who Is Lord Harihara?
Lord Harihara is considered a unification of Lord Vishnu (Hari) and Lord Shiva (Hara) in Hinduism. The name 'Harihara' symbolises this fusion, where Hari refers to Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, and Hara refers to Shiva, the destroyer. In this divine form, both deities are depicted as one being, with their forms split equally within a single body.
Despite their unification, Harihara is revered for embodying the distinct qualities of both gods: Lord Vishnu’s role as the sustainer and Lord Shiva’s role as the destroyer. This signifies the cosmic balance of creation, preservation, and destruction in the universe.
The Story Behind Harihara’s Avatar:
According to mythology, the Harihara avatar was born to resolve disputes between devotees of Shiva (Shaivites) and Vishnu (Vaishnavites). The conflict arose when both groups claimed the superiority of their respective deities.
To address the discord, both Shaivites and Vaishnavites sought Lord Shiva’s guidance. Lord Shiva emphasised the importance of unity and, to demonstrate this, merged with Vishnu to assume the form of Harihara. In this avatar, half of the body represented Shiva and the other half Vishnu. This divine manifestation conveyed the message that both deities are equal and inseparable powers in the cosmic order.
The Harihara avatar thus became a symbol of harmony, urging devotees to end divisions and acknowledge the combined strength of these two supreme deities.
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