Nag, Narsingh deities in British Garhwal

British Administration in Garhwal   -184

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History of British Rule/Administration over Kumaun and Garhwal (1815-1947) -204

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            History of Uttarakhand (Garhwal, Kumaon and Haridwar) -1037

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                              By: Bhishma Kukreti (History Student)

  

        Hardship by hills, snow and tigers influenced the religious rituals in Uttarakhand.   There were dangerous snakes everywhere in Garhwal. Dr. Dabral informed that large size cobras were also found in Tungnath at 12000 feet height besides in Bhabhar. there were deaths of hindered of humans and hundreds of domestic animals due to snake bites.

    Man-eater (Maiswag) tigers were found commonly. Villagers used to stop all works after sun set due to danger from man-eaters. It was difficult for farming, plowing, taking animals out for grazing due to fear of man eaters.

        Therefore, people used to worship Narsingh deity and still do so. It was /is belief that if a person sees snake in dram it means nag deity is unhappy. When a person sees tiger in dream that means Narsingh deity is unhappy.

       In every village under a tree or inside a small temple ( two feet high and two feet wide) , there used to images of nag and Narsingh. Trident, two mouthed iron snake and iron lamp wre the main images of Nag deity. Trident was symbol of Narsingh. There used to be rituals for making happy Narsingh and nag deities. Seem Mukhim was main worshipping place for nag devotees and Joshimath Narsingh temple was main worshipping place for Narsingh devotees. Dalya used to take nali (grains ) for Narsingh satisfaction.

    

    

References  

1-Shiv Prasad Dabral ‘Charan’, Uttarakhand ka Itihas, Part -7 Garhwal par British -Shasan, part -1, page- 343-456

2- Atkinson, Himalayan Districts Vol.3

 3- Asiatic Researches Vo.l 6

4- Pannalal , Customary law in Kumaon page 6 to 8

5- Joshi Khas Family law

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Copyright@ Bhishma Kukreti Mumbai, India,bjkukreti@gmail.com 26/9/2017 History of Garhwal – Kumaon-Haridwar (Uttarakhand, India) to be continued… Part -1038

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*** History of British Rule/Administration over British Garhwal (Pauri, Rudraprayag, and Chamoli1815-1947) to be continued in next chapter

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(The History of Garhwal, Kumaon, Haridwar write up is aimed for general readers)

 History of British Garhwal, History of Devalgarh Garhwal; History of Badhan Garhwal; History of Barasyun Garhwal; History of Chandpur Garhwal; History of Chaundkot Garhwal; History of  Gangasalan Garhwal;  History of Mallasalan Garhwal;  History ofTallasaln Garhwal; History of Dashauli Garhwal; History of Nagpur Garhwal; Sociity  in British Garhwal. History of British Garhwal, History of Social Structure and Religious Faith in Chamoli Garhwal, History of Social Structure and Religious Faith of Pauri Garhwal ,  Social and Culture History of Rudraprayag Garhwal