Pithoragarh "The Heart of Kumaon"

The Folk Gods of Kumaon

Though Kumaon is well known for the worshippers of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the people of Kumaon also have a famous custom of worshipping folk deities. Folk gods of Kumaon are popular and they have a rich history. The folk deities are the heroes of the early times who have a separate story attached to their existence and each one is represented and worshipped through a Peak, Jagar( a ritual of the poem) or a Temple constructed and devoted to them. In ancient writing, it is found that Kumaon had a tradition of worshipping Yaksha and Naag (snake) which depicts giving respect to braves.

Apart from worshiping the usual gods and goddesses of the Hindus, the people of Kumaon also worship Kul Devatas (family gods), Naga Devatas (snake gods), Gram Devatas (village gods), Bhumi Devatas (land gods) and Veers (the brave heroes).

There is a famous saying in Kumaon “खड़न खड़न माटो, गड़न गड़न देवता।" which means – just as we get only soil on digging the earth no matter how much deep, in the same way, the number of deities are uncountable.

So I’ll talk about only the most popular ones, pardon me Pahadi people if I miss your Isht dev, may their grace be with all. This blog is highly researched on facts and all the information is gathered through credible sources if still, I’m wrong with my facts,do comment your views.

Goljyun (गोल्ज्यू )

The Goljyu (Goluji) the legendary, historical and mythological King of the 14th century, believed to belong to the Katyuri dynasty, revered as the ‘Divine Judge’ of Kumaun, is also the most widely worshiped deity of the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand. Whether people invoke him, or revere him, or simply live in fear of him, this deity is a highly formidable force in Kumaun. It’s not for nothing, that this spiritual and mystical power center at Chitai, near Almora, is hailed as the ‘High Court of Divine Justice’

The Chitai Goril Devta Temple, Almora
Source: Google

Gangnath (गंगनाथ)

Gangnath was the son of the then famous king of Vaibhav Chand of Doti (Nepal). Gangnath has a brute fight with his father and so he left his home in a rage and while his wanderings, he found a girl with whom he fell in love. The girl was Joshi Brahmin Lady named Bhana. But Bhana’s father did not like it and got Gangnath murdered by a Blacksmith. Hereafter, Gangnath became spirit and started harming people and in fear, people started worshipping him and Bhana

Kotgari Devi (Kokila Devi) (कोटगाड़ी)

Kotgari Devi is believed to be the goddess of justice. Her temple is situated at Pankhu, 71 km from the district Pithoragarh on the Thal-Bageshwar route. The devotees write their problems in the form of letters and stick them in the temple unless they're resolved by the Goddess.

The Kotgari Temple, Pankhu (Pithoragarh)
Source: Google

Bhanaria (भनरिया)

It is considered to be the staple of Goddess Kothgadi. When a person makes a request in the temple of the Goddess when he/she is suffering, then the act of punishing the victim is done by 'Bhanaria'. Some people also call the fiery form of Goril as Bhanaria.

Airy (ऐडी)

Airy is another God who is largely preached by inhabitants of Kumaon. He is similar to God Shani and has his eye on the top of his head. The attendants of the God “Sau” and “Bhau” ride on dogs. Airy god is said to take care of animals and is worship in that form. There are numerous temples of Airy but its main temple is in “Byandhura”.

Malaynath (मलयनाथ)

Malaynath was the son of Bhaglinga. He was a disciple of Guru Gorakh Nath. Golju was his classmate along with Bhagyalaxmi (who became the wife of the mighty king of Chhiplakote). Malaynath Ji is the Isht deva of all the peoples of Digtar (Didihat). His temple is situated on the top of Seerakot (सीराकोट), near to the Didihat Pithoragarh.