NĀGA WORSHIP IN HIMACHAL PRADESH: SOME OBSERVATIONS

Abstract

Himachal Pradesh is widely popular for its devatā-culture. Due to the uniqueness of this culture, it has remained a popular academic attraction for the researchers of different disciplines. People are deeply connected with their ishta-devātas or their local deities. They adherently followed the suzerainty of their local deity only. The law made by their deities are supreme for them. Rituals and traditions associated with these deities are continuously followed by the followers. Nāga worship is also an important part of this devatā-culture. People worship these Nāga deities for different purposes. The focus of this study is to explain the reasons why these deities are worshipped. The famous Nāga deities of Himachal Pradesh and the location of their shrines have been also highlighted along with their impact on the village communities.