Folk Gods of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand, often referred to as the "Devabhoomi" or the "Land of the Gods," is not only blessed with breathtaking natural beauty but also steeped in a rich tapestry of folklore, mythology, and spirituality. The region's folklore is replete with tales of gods and goddesses who are believed to inhabit the mountains, forests, and rivers, and play a significant role in the lives of the people. These folk deities are revered as protectors, benefactors, and guides, and their stories have been passed down through generations, shaping the cultural identity of Uttarakhand. In this illuminating exploration, we will delve into the fascinating world of the folk gods of Uttarakhand, uncovering their origins, legends, and enduring influence on the lives of the people.

Jagar is famous in all over Uttarakhand. Jagar means awaking or inviting god, goddess and ancestors spirits for getting their blessing. There is different type of Jagars like Shiva & Shakti, Devi Maa, Narsingh Devta, Bhut Jagar and Pandav Jagar and many more. The instruments used are Dhol(Drum), Damua. Uttarakhand's believe in festivity and happiness, probably this is the reason of their connectivity and brotherhood. Although there are many folk deities are in Uttarakhand however few are mentioned here as per two main divisons of Uttarakhand. There are given here: 1. Golu Devta: The God of Justice Golu Devta, also known as Goljyu or Goril, is one of the most revered folk deities of Uttarakhand, especially in the Kumaon region. He is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva and is worshipped as the god of justice, righteousness, and protection. Legend has it that Golu Devta was a brave and righteous king who sacrificed his life to uphold truth and justice. His spirit is said to reside in the form of a stone idol, often depicted with a fierce expression and adorned with colorful cloths, bells, and garlands. Devotees offer prayers and sacrifices to Golu Devta to seek justice, protection from evil forces, and blessings for prosperity and well-being. The Golu Devta Temple in Chitai near Almora is a famous pilgrimage site dedicated to the deity, drawing devotees from far and wide. 2. Nanda Devi: The Goddess of the Himalayas Nanda Devi is a revered goddess in Uttarakhand, particularly in the Garhwal region, where she is believed to be the presiding deity of the Himalayas. She is worshipped as the goddess of fertility, abundance, and protection, and is often depicted as a benevolent mother figure holding a lotus flower or a conch shell. According to mythology, Nanda Devi is the consort of Lord Shiva and the sister of Goddess Parvati. She is said to reside in the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Kumaon Himalayas, where devotees undertake treacherous pilgrimages to seek her blessings. The Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, held once every 12 years, is a grand pilgrimage dedicated to the goddess, attracting thousands of devotees who trek to the Roopkund Lake to pay homage to the deity. 3. Bhumi Devta: The God of Land and Agriculture Bhumi Devta, also known as Barun Devta or Bhumia, is a revered deity in Uttarakhand, worshipped as the god of land, agriculture, and fertility. He is believed to be the guardian of the soil, forests, and natural resources, and is invoked by farmers and villagers to ensure a bountiful harvest and the prosperity of the land. Bhumi Devta is often depicted as a bearded man holding a plow or a sickle, symbolizing his association with agriculture and cultivation. His shrines can be found in villages and agricultural fields across Uttarakhand, where devotees offer prayers, rituals, and sacrifices to appease the deity and seek his blessings for agricultural success and prosperity. The Bhumiya Devta Temple in Chamba near Tehri Garhwal is a famous pilgrimage site dedicated to the deity, frequented by farmers and devotees seeking his divine intervention. 4. Kail Bisht: The Guardian of Mountains Kail Bisht, also known as Kail Bisht Maharaj, is a revered folk deity of Uttarakhand, worshipped as the guardian of mountains, forests, and wildlife. He is believed to be a benevolent deity who protects the natural environment and ensures the well-being of the flora and fauna. Kail Bisht is often depicted as a tall, muscular man with a stern yet compassionate expression, holding a trident or a bow and arrow, symbolizing his power and authority. He is worshipped by mountain communities, hunters, and forest dwellers who rely on the land for their sustenance and livelihoods. Devotees offer prayers, rituals, and offerings to Kail Bisht to seek his protection, guidance, and blessings for the conservation and preservation of the natural environment. The Kail Bisht Temple in Lohajung near Chamoli is a prominent pilgrimage site dedicated to the deity, where devotees gather to pay homage and seek his divine grace. 5. Chaumu: The Protector of Villages Chaumu, also known as Chaumu Devta or Chaumasa, is a revered folk deity of Uttarakhand, worshipped as the protector of villages, communities, and households. He is believed to be a powerful deity who safeguards the people from evil spirits, diseases, and calamities, and ensures their well-being and prosperity. Chaumu is often depicted as a fearsome warrior wielding a sword or a spear, symbolizing his role as a defender and protector. His shrines can be found in villages and hamlets across Uttarakhand, where devotees offer prayers, rituals, and sacrifices to appease the deity and seek his blessings for protection and prosperity. The Chaumu Devta Temple in Bageshwar is a famous pilgrimage site dedicated to the deity, where devotees from far and wide gather to seek his divine intervention and blessings. 6. Nagnath: The Serpent God Nagnath, also known as Nag Devta or Nag Raja, is a revered deity in Uttarakhand, worshipped as the serpent god and the guardian of rivers, streams, and water bodies. He is believed to be the ruler of the underworld and the protector of the Nagas, serpent beings who inhabit the subterranean realms. Nagnath is often depicted as a serpent with multiple heads, symbolizing his divine power and authority. His shrines can be found near water bodies, caves, and sacred groves, where devotees offer prayers, rituals, and offerings to appease the deity and seek his blessings for protection from snake bites, diseases, and misfortunes. The Nagnath Temple in Pithoragarh is a famous pilgrimage site dedicated to the deity, frequented by devotees seeking his divine grace and protection. 7. Kalinka Mata: Kalinka, also known as Kalinka Devi or Kalika Mata, is a revered folk deity of Uttarakhand, worshipped as the goddess of forests, wildlife, and natural abundance. She is believed to be a fierce yet benevolent deity who protects the forests and ensures the well-being of the flora and fauna. Kalinka is often depicted as a dark-skinned goddess with wild hair, adorned with garlands of flowers and leaves, symbolizing her association with nature and fertility. Her shrines can be found in remote forested areas, where devotees offer prayers, rituals, and sacrifices to appease the deity and seek her blessings for the conservation and preservation of the natural environment. The Kalinka Devi Temple in Champawat is a famous pilgrimage site dedicated to the deity, where devotees gather to pay homage and seek her divine grace.

8. Bagheshwar: The Tiger God Bagheshwar, also known as Bagh Devta or Baghesur, is a revered folk deity of Uttarakhand, worshipped as the tiger god and the guardian of forests, mountains, and wildlife. He is believed to be a powerful deity who protects the natural environment and ensures the well-being of the flora and fauna. Bagheshwar is often depicted as a tiger-headed deity riding a chariot drawn by tigers, symbolizing his association with the jungle and its inhabitants. His shrines can be found in forested areas, where devotees offer prayers, rituals, and sacrifices to appease the deity and seek his blessings for protection from wild animals, diseases, and calamities. The Bagheshwar Temple in Bageshwar is a famous pilgrimage site dedicated to the deity, where devotees from far and wide gather to seek his divine intervention and blessings. 9. Devi Danu: The Goddess of Rain Devi Danu, also known as Danu Devi or Danu Mata, is a revered deity in Uttarakhand, worshipped as the goddess of rain, fertility, and abundance. She is believed to be a benevolent deity who brings rain and nourishment to the earth, ensuring the fertility of the soil and the prosperity of the crops. Devi Danu is often depicted as a beautiful goddess with a pot of water or a pitcher in her hands, symbolizing her association with rain and water. Her shrines can be found in agricultural fields, where farmers offer prayers, rituals, and offerings to appease the deity and seek her blessings for timely and bountiful rains. The Devi Danu Temple in Champawat is a famous pilgrimage site dedicated to the deity, where devotees gather to seek her divine grace and blessings. 10. Dhari Devi: The Guardian of River Ganges Dhari Devi is a revered goddess in Uttarakhand, worshipped as the guardian deity of the River Ganges and the protector of the region from natural calamities. She is believed to be a fierce yet benevolent deity who safeguards the river and its devotees from floods, landslides, and other disasters. Dhari Devi is often depicted as a stone idol of a goddess with a fierce expression, seated on a lion or a tiger, symbolizing her power and authority. Her shrine is located on the banks of the River Alaknanda near Srinagar in Garhwal, where devotees offer prayers, rituals, and sacrifices to appease the deity and seek her blessings for protection and prosperity. The Dhari Devi Temple is a famous pilgrimage site dedicated to the deity, attracting devotees and tourists who come to pay homage and seek her divine intervention. Folk gods of Uttarakhand are an integral part of the region's cultural heritage, revered by the people as guardians, protectors, and benefactors. Their stories and legends have been passed down through generations, shaping the beliefs, values, and traditions of the people. As Uttarakhand continues to evolve and modernize, the folk gods remain a source of inspiration, faith, and resilience, reminding the people of their deep connection to the land, nature, and spiritual heritage.