Himalayan Cults : A Study of Lesser Known Religious Cults in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand

Contents: Introduction. I. Jammu and Kashmir: 1. The Naga cult of Kashmir/Badrinath Bhat. 2. Vasuki Nag cult in Bhaderwah/Gagan R. Charak. 3. Shrines of Vasuki Nag in Jammu Hills/Virendra Bangroo. 4. Baba Vasuki Nag/Swarn Singh Kohistani. 5. Mata Alakh-ishwari Roop-Bhawani/Chander Mohan Dhar. 6. Nidhan Kak-the Yogi-Raj of Harapora, Murran, Pulwama/Badri Nath Bhat. 7. Bhagwan Gopi Nath, Kashmir/B.N. Handoo. 8. Baba Jitto, Jammu/Rajinder Bhat. II. Himachal Pradesh: 9. Immortal story of Supreme sacrifice of Suhi Mata/Rajesh Sehgal. 10. Falaitar Jaatar or fooll Jattar of Pangi/Rajesh Sehgal. 11. Jamlu Devta-Jamdagni Rishi and his cult in the Himalayas/Hemant Anant Sant. 12. Jamlu Devta cult in Kullu/Virendra Bangroo. 13. The Shirgul Devta of Sirmaur/Surat Thakur. 14. Faith and following of Gauhari Devta in Kullu region/Surat Thakur. 15. God, Deities and worship of Uttrakhand tribes/Shekhar Chandra Joshi. 16. Nanda Devi/Hemant Sant. 17. The cult of Pandavas and Kauravas in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh/Richa Kamboj. 18. Cultic traditions of Mahasu Devata/Madhu Jain. 19. Lal Singh Devta of Tehri, Garhwal/vidhya Sagar Nautiyal. 20. A symbol of devotion and faith-the Gollu Devta of Uttarakhand/Chandrika Joshi. 21. Raja Haru, the Lord of justice/Renu K. Sharma. 22. Chandika Banyath (Divara) : Village Arkhund Malla Nagpur/D.S. Bisht and Aekta Bisht. 23. Guru Kaila Peer/Meenakshi Nauityal. 24. The cult of famous and popular Golu Devta of the Himalaya with special reference to the temple at Chitai/Vasudha. 25. Changing scenario of the cult of Pokhu Devta of Uttarakhand/Richa Kamboj. Index. The entire Himalayan range is dotted with pilgrim places. The mighty silver lined peaks of this range are revered as the abode of Gods. The tranquil atmosphere in the geo-cultural pockets of the Himalaya has given birth to many cults, which are manifestations of human endeavour and attainment towards Godhood. All through the centuries, these cults have influenced the life style of the indigenous folk and have played a predominant role in shaping societies and enriching culture. In this volume there is a focus on the lesser known religious cults prevalent in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The human endeavour, ever since remote past, has been directed towards leading a peaceful life and to be in unison with the nature. This is reflected and is deep rooted in the teachings of these cults. There can be no global sustainable model of development and the developmental strategy has to be area specific. Same is true about the cults which fulfill the local aspirations, beliefs and practices. This publication is an effort to bring forth the lesser known cults in the Himalayan region and celebrate the plurality. (jacket).…