Folk Gods of Kumaon

Kumaon is a region in the state of Uttarakhand, India, that is known for its rich cultural and religious diversity. Apart from worshipping the mainstream Hindu gods and goddesses, such as Shiva and Shakti, the people of Kumaon also have a tradition of venerating folk gods and goddesses, who are believed to be the heroes or heroines of some ancient or legendary events. These folk deities are associated with various aspects of life, such as protection, fertility, justice, health, wealth, and nature. They are also worshipped in different ways, such as through temples, shrines, festivals, rituals, and jagars (a form of ritual folk poem).

Some of the most popular and revered folk gods and goddesses of Kumaon are:

Naina Devi

Naina Devi is a name for the goddess Parvati, who is the consort of Shiva. She is also considered to be the patron deity of Nainital, a famous hill station in Kumaon. According to one legend, Naina Devi was established in Kumaon by the Katyuri queen Jiya Rani. According to another legend, Naina Devi is the place where one of the eyes of Sati, the previous incarnation of Parvati, fell down when Shiva was carrying her body after she immolated herself. Naina Devi is worshipped in a temple at the northern end of the Nainital Lake. You can learn more about Naina Devi temple here.

Nanda Devi

Nanda Devi is another name for the goddess Parvati, who is also known as the daughter of the Himalayas. She is the most popular goddess in Kumaon and Garhwal regions and has many temples dedicated to her. She is also celebrated in a grand festival called Nanda Devi Raj Jat, which takes place every 12 years and involves a pilgrimage to her sacred abode in the mountains. Some scholars believe that Nanda Devi is derived from the Greek goddess Nana, who came to the Himalayas with the Indo-Greek and Kushan kings. You can learn more about Nanda Devi Raj Jat here.

Bholanath

Bholanath is a folk god who is said to be an incarnation of Shiva. He is also known as Bhandari Golla or Badhan. He is worshipped as a protector of cattle and crops and a dispenser of justice. He is also associated with ghosts and spirits. According to legend, Bholanath was the elder son of Udai Chand, a Chand king of Kumaon, who was disinherited by his father due to his bad habits. He settled near Almora with his pregnant wife, but they were executed by his father. Their spirits became restless and started harming people until they were appeased by worship. The original temple of Bholanath is at Champawat.

Golu Devta

Golu Devta is also known as Gorilla or Gwalla or Golla. He is a folk god who is worshipped as a guardian of animals and forests. He is also invoked for prosperity and success. He is represented by banners and flags that are hung over many temples in his honour. He has temples at Champawat, Chitai, and Ghorakhal, among others. The most famous one is at Chitai, where people offer bells as a token of gratitude for their wishes being fulfilled. The legend of Gwalla tells about a local king who fell in love with a Brahmin woman named Bhana but faced opposition from his father and society. He left his home with Bhana and fought against his enemies until he was killed. His spirit became vengeful and started troubling people until he was pacified by worship. You can learn more about Gwalla here.

Other Folk Deities

Apart from these four main folk deities, many others are worshipped in the Kumaon region. Some of them are:

• Bhumia: Bhumia is a folk god who is worshipped as a protector of land and crops. He is also known as Bhumiya or Bhairav. He has many temples and shrines across Kumaon, where people offer him grains, fruits, flowers, and animal sacrifices. He is also invoked for rain and fertility.
• Nagnath: Nagnath is a folk god who is worshipped as a protector of snakes and serpents. He is also known as Nag Devta or Nag Raja. He has many temples and shrines across Kumaon, where people offer him milk, honey, flowers, and coins. He is also invoked for health and wealth.
• Narsingh: Narsingh is a folk god who is worshipped as an incarnation of Vishnu. He is also known as Narasimha or Narasingh. He has a famous temple at Joshimath, where he is believed to have appeared to save his devotee Prahlad from his father Hiranyakashipu. He is also invoked for protection and justice.
• Chhurmal: Chhurmal is a folk god who is worshipped as a protector of children and travellers. He is also known as Churmal or Chirmal. He has many temples and shrines across Kumaon, where people offer him sweets, fruits, flowers, and coins. He is also invoked for happiness and success.
• Ujyali: Ujyali is a folk goddess who is worshipped as a protector of women and children. She is also known as Ujala or Ujjwala. She has many temples and shrines across Kumaon, where people offer her oil lamps, vermilion, flowers, and coins. She is also invoked for health and beauty.
• Anyari: Anyari is a folk goddess who is worshipped as a protector of crops and animals. She is also known as Aniyari or Aniyara. She has many temples and shrines across Kumaon, where people offer her grains, fruits, flowers, and coins. She is also invoked for rain and fertility.
• Garh Devi: Garh Devi is a folk goddess who is worshipped as a protector of cremation grounds and ancestors. She is also known as Gauri or Gaura. She has many temples and shrines across Kumaon, where people offer her liquor, meat, flowers, and coins. She is also invoked for peace and salvation.

These are some of the folk gods and goddesses of Kumaon who reflect the rich history and culture of this region. They are still revered and celebrated by the people who seek their blessings and guidance in their lives.