Spirituality (Based upon the concept of Local Demigods) Through the eyes of Uttarakhand

Have you ever imagined how the world related to the spiritual realm differs from the world we live in or see in our day-to-day lives? The debaters of logic and reasoning always find an escape from the topic by simply proclaiming the evidence and asking for the presence of the spiritual world. But how deeply did they search for the spiritual presence? How did they reach the self-conclusion that the realm does not exist? Let me bring you down to this spiritual realm and let's explore it together. Everything requires certain studies and experiences, and the spiritual realm is more about experiencing it rather than studying it. Every spiritual book is written based on experiences rather than providing certain evidence. People who are involved in spirituality always talk about their individual experiences, as every individual indeed has their own unique experiences. When a person enters into spirituality, they have certain things in common: faith, trust, and exploring the unknown. The p...

  Ancestral Trial The world is full of mysticism, and we are the audience judging it with logic and reasoning. Still, sometimes we can't explain certain experiences through logic and reasoning alone. When we talk about ancestral trials, we are referring to the shadow of the past and the seeds planted years ago. If one believes in karma, one must understand the impact of past actions on the present. Ancestral trials go beyond logic and reasoning; they require a clear understanding of the past that connects us to the present. When discussing evidence, it's important to delve into history, and for many of us, our history starts with our ancestors and their trials. When we rely solely on logic and reasoning, we often overlook the personal experiences of individuals and the events that shape their lives. Our minds are deeply ingrained with an ideology of logic, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it can sometimes lead to confusion and self-doubt. While we trust in what we s...

Ancestral Trial   In the land of Devi and Devtas, Uttarakhand, it's important to understand that everything that defines Uttarakhand is connected to spirituality and our ancestors. We often refer to our ancestors as Pitra Dev. It is believed that our ancestors protect us from various problems related to our bloodline. Even small temples are dedicated to them in the villages and rituals are held on special occasions. The mystic valley of Uttarakhand holds many secrets that are passed on from generation to generation and are preserved and protected by the people of the same bloodline. The question of how ancestors hold the position of Pitra Dev finds its answer in the beliefs and folklore of Uttarakhand.  People who have served as spiritual healers and worked for the betterment of humanity, or who were war heroes in the local community, are given the status of Pitra Dev after their death. Small temples carved out of stones are built to honor them. During "Jagar" ceremonies,...

BHAIRAV In the mountainous region, the concept of Devi and Devtas is widely prevalent among the people. They preserve them as their family members, but how do they do it? Is it just a myth or an ancient science that most of us are unaware of? Before delving deeper into this, we must understand how it works. There are special people called Gurus who have been carrying this ancient science for generations. The key point is that they learned it through verbal communication from their forefathers, as there are no written documents. This ancient technique helps preserve our connection with Devi and Devtas. But who are these people? They generally come from the underprivileged class in society, and throughout ancient times, the art of preservation was passed down to them. The artisans and ironsmiths were believed to have a deep connection to the elements of nature, embodying them in their work. Similarly, the deities we worship are also seen as a combination of these elements, reflecting the...

  SAIM DEVTA During the reign of the Katyuri king Pithorashahi, his son Dulashahi, and his grandson Malushahi, the folklore of Saim Devta began to gain popularity among the local people of the Kumaon region. This period marked the widespread acceptance of Saim Devta as the "Kuldevta" among the people. According to folklore, Saim Devta is believed to have been a student of Guru Gorakhnath, the son of Kalitara, the grandson of Raja Nikandar, the uncle of Gauriyal, and the brother of Hari Chand, also known as "Haru". Another legend suggests that Saim Devta was born in 1389 and remained notable until 1424, a period that coincided with the decline of the Katyuri Dynasty in Uttarakhand. Subsequently, during the Chand Dynasty's rule over Kumaon, the folklore of Saim Devta spread in regions such as Katyuri, Bairat, and Chipal kot. Saim Devta's political struggle is intricately linked to the rise of the Chand Rajvash in Kumaon. Historical Background The birthplace of...

In Uttarakhand, the rich folklore provides a deep insight into the cultural heritage of the region. The people of Uttarakhand hold a strong connection to their "Kuldevi" and "Kuldevtas," which are revered as ancestral deities. However, there's a noticeable shift, especially among the younger generation, as they seem to be gradually moving away from these traditional cultural practices in favor of modern lifestyles. The decline of a system that has been established for over a millennium is evident, and it's disheartening to observe the increasing disconnection of people from their cultural roots. Many individuals are now unaware of their lineage and the significance of their heritage. Delving into the history of Uttarakhand and the reverence for Devi and Devta, one can marvel at the meticulous design of the system, which aimed to provide a profound sense of belonging for every individual within the community. The timeless legends of Devi and Devta continue to...

Masaan Devta Now, let's shift our focus from the demigods (Devi and Devta) to the Masaan (मसाण) spirits, which are believed to rule both worlds. Some people consider them as the spirits residing in the regions of Uttarakhand, while others place them in the category of local devtas. There is a popular saying among the locals living in the area. कितना ही शहरों में रह लो मसाण पूजने घर ही आना पड़ेगा लिख के लेलो In Uttarakhand, people are afraid of Masaan spirits. These spirits are often found in deep forests near small water streams (Gadh and Gadhere), at "Sangams" where two rivers meet, and near cremation grounds. It is believed that passing by these places, especially at night, makes individuals vulnerable to being possessed by Masaan. "In local folklore known as "Jagar," there is a famous incident involving Gangnath Devta, a local demigod who, at the age of 13, was believed to have been possessed by "Masaan of Kali Ghat." According to the folktales...

Bukhal Kali Mata Temple Connect with me and I will guide you towards the true origins of the facts. Throughout history, stories have been passed down from generation to generation in Uttarakhand through local folk songs known as "Jagar," separating myths from facts. While some may not believe these stories, it's important to understand that they are not just tales to be heard, but experiences to be lived. For example, the history of the Bukhal Kali Mata temple dates back to 1800, but its origins are believed to be even older.   Historical Back Ground In the district of Pauri Garhwal lies a town called "Tharali Sain," where there is a small village called "Chopara." In this village, there is a forest called "Bukhal." The temple in this forest is a center of spirituality, trust, and faith for the local people. The tradition of "Bali Pratha" existed before 2014 but ended due to animal protection laws. The temple was built in 1800 and h...

MAA RAJ RAJESWARI (Kuldevi of Garhwal Rajvansh) Maa Raj Rajeswari is celebrated as one of the foremost yogic goddess lineages, known for her self-willed and independent nature. She is revered under different names such as Lalita, Kameshwari (Empress of Desire), and Tripura Sundari. She is also known as the devoted wife of the Supreme Lord Shiva, symbolizing pure consciousness and existing in a perpetual state of perfect harmony. Additionally, she is referred to as the cosmic goddess, embodying immense significance and divine power. Maa Raj Rajeswari (Kuldevi of Garhwal Raj Vansh) The historical significance of Maa Raj Rajeswari "Kuldevi of Garhwal Raj Vansh" is truly remarkable. Nestled amidst the enchanting pine woods of "Devalgarh village," the ancient temple dedicated to Maa Raj Rajeswari holds a timeless allure, symbolizing an ethos of spirituality and cultural heritage. Maa Raj Rajeswari embodies spiritual diversity and is deeply intertwined with the illustriou...

Bhairav and Garhwal The historical and cultural significance of Bhairav among the people of Garhwal is quite evident. Delving into the local folk tales, it becomes clear that Bhairav was especially revered by those who were marginalized and vulnerable in society. This is particularly noteworthy in the context of the prevailing caste consciousness in the Uttarakhand region. It's interesting to observe that the popularity and influence of Bhairav were more pronounced in Garhwal as compared to Kumaon, indicating a strong connection between Bhairav and the Garhwal region. Numerous folk tales and songs testify to the immense importance of Bhairav in the local and mountainous areas of Garhwal.   Evidence of Bhairav in the folks of "Garhwal" Folk Story-1 During his extensive research, William Sax uncovered numerous folk stories that shed light on the origins of Bhairav. One prevalent tale, widely sung throughout the Garhwal region, recounts a time when the affluent Mayur clan as...

"Bhairav and Garhwal" As we journey into the breathtaking region of Uttarakhand known as "Garhwal," we encounter small temples nestled atop majestic mountains, at times appearing isolated from civilization. These temples are dedicated to lesser-known deities and are not widely recognized beyond the region. Typically, they are modest structures located near babbling brooks referred to as "Gadh" or "Gadhera" in the local dialect, or along the narrow paths threading through villages. Constructed from roughly hewn stones of varying sizes and shapes, many of these temples exhibit a rustic, unrefined charm. Some are even fashioned from rudimentary materials like cement, lacking the grandeur and precision associated with more elaborate architectural designs. The majority of temples are devoid of idols, presenting empty interiors. As I delved deeper into my exploration of Bhairav, I unearthed additional information. The Bhairav revered in the Garhwal re...

"Bhairav and Kumaon"   As we look ahead, it's important to recognize the deep cultural and historical significance of the ancient city of Almora in the Kumaon region. In the Kashya Parvat mountain, Almora holds great spiritual importance and is known for its rich ceremonial traditions. The town is encircled by the temples of "Nine Durgas" and "Eight Bhairavs," it is believed that the eight entrances to the town are guarded and protected by the Bhairavs. Almora has been referred to as the town of Shiva and Shakti in ancient scriptures due to its spiritual heritage and the presence of various temples throughout the city that offer glimpses of the influences of Shiva and Shakti. Each year, on the auspicious occasion of "Bhairav Ashtami," people from all corners of the town gather at the eight different Bhairav temples to participate in religious ceremonies. Bhairav is revered for strength and power, but there are deeper dimensions to Bhairav bey...