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This region was a sort of deitydom. The decision of the deity takes precedence in every aspect of the villages here and the people have to oblige the village god/goddess. The belief is strong and to the core among them. They won't do anything to earn the fury of village devta. There are many Mahasu Devta Temples in this region and the ones at places like Kotua, Laksiyar, Bisoi, Buraswa, etc are popular
About Mahasu Devta, the South Indians have not heard of such village gods of the northern states. Comparison with 'Ayyanar worship' or 'Kaaval Devyam' worship in villages is not a good bet and it is different from Mahasu Devta worship. In the world of innumerable indigenous gods and goddesses, Mahasu Devta, it is said, is not only supreme but also the sole arbiter over the mortals. With respect to matters of religion, rituals and secular aspects of the people of this region, his authority and religious dispensation can not be either questioned or overlooked. An interesting tradition here is in case of dispute between two people, the matter is amicably settled through a unique 'Lota Pani' adjuration - a sort of taking oath. The challengers are asked to drink the water ritually kept in the metallic container (lota) in the name of Mahasu Devta by the judge. The contender who has given the false statement will suffer upon drinking the water.
During the colonial rule, the officials did not accept the legality
of this age-old theocratic dispensation of justice and governance of Mahasu Devta by way of chanting ''mantra''- ''Om Shree Mahasu Devaye Namah''. In the early 1820s the English company officials tried their level best to get rid of the authority of Mahasu Devta. The company was interested in taking over the tribal lands with permission from the local community in this Deitydom. They considered the deity worship a ''great nuisance' to them. They also concluded that it was exploitative and burdensome to the locals and common man. EIC officer young took special powers and banished Chalda Mahasu and his deputy attendants (birs) from Jaunsar and Bawar parangna. The people never paid any attention to that order. To them, ''the deity's decision is always regarded as final and irrevocable''.
When it comes to gold or silver ornaments, etc, it is a sensitive matter and Mahasu Devta has full control over them. The disposal of gold or gold ornaments by anyone in this region to outsiders is an offence, a sort of taboo. This will end up in the loss of property, contracting disease, or even life. The remedy is retrieving it and depositing the ornaments, etc in the treasury of deity. This may reduce the sin a bit. If such gold goes outside the deitydom, the offender will earn the ire of Mahasu Devta, the village deity. It is therefore imperative that silver or gold articles must stay within the confines of the Deitydom.
The major festivals are Bissu, Basant Panchami, Diwali, Paush ki Dhaal and Holi. A unique aspect of this temple is there are two spherical rocks about one foot in diameter. A man must lift these rocks on your shoulder and head and then throw them to the ground. It is believed that only a man of true devotion and piety
can achieve this feat. Thousands of devotees from various places visit Mahasu Devta Temple to seek the deity's blessings. Mahasu Devta or Lord Mahasu is worshiped as a ''God of Justice'' and
his decision was believed to be acceptable by natives and local rulers.
The Mahasu Devta fair at Hanol – held every year in August – is the best venue/opportunity to get to know the cultural heritage and traditions of local tribes.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahasu_Devta_Temple
https://www.apnisanskriti.com/temple/mahasu-devta-temple-hanol-uttarakhand-334
https://www.apnisanskriti.com/temple/mahasu-devta-temple-hanol-uttarakhand-33433
About Mahasu Devta, the South Indians have not heard of such village gods of the northern states. Comparison with 'Ayyanar worship' or 'Kaaval Devyam' worship in villages is not a good bet and it is different from Mahasu Devta worship. In the world of innumerable indigenous gods and goddesses, Mahasu Devta, it is said, is not only supreme but also the sole arbiter over the mortals. With respect to matters of religion, rituals and secular aspects of the people of this region, his authority and religious dispensation can not be either questioned or overlooked. An interesting tradition here is in case of dispute between two people, the matter is amicably settled through a unique 'Lota Pani' adjuration - a sort of taking oath. The challengers are asked to drink the water ritually kept in the metallic container (lota) in the name of Mahasu Devta by the judge. The contender who has given the false statement will suffer upon drinking the water.
During the colonial rule, the officials did not accept the legality
of this age-old theocratic dispensation of justice and governance of Mahasu Devta by way of chanting ''mantra''- ''Om Shree Mahasu Devaye Namah''. In the early 1820s the English company officials tried their level best to get rid of the authority of Mahasu Devta. The company was interested in taking over the tribal lands with permission from the local community in this Deitydom. They considered the deity worship a ''great nuisance' to them. They also concluded that it was exploitative and burdensome to the locals and common man. EIC officer young took special powers and banished Chalda Mahasu and his deputy attendants (birs) from Jaunsar and Bawar parangna. The people never paid any attention to that order. To them, ''the deity's decision is always regarded as final and irrevocable''.
When it comes to gold or silver ornaments, etc, it is a sensitive matter and Mahasu Devta has full control over them. The disposal of gold or gold ornaments by anyone in this region to outsiders is an offence, a sort of taboo. This will end up in the loss of property, contracting disease, or even life. The remedy is retrieving it and depositing the ornaments, etc in the treasury of deity. This may reduce the sin a bit. If such gold goes outside the deitydom, the offender will earn the ire of Mahasu Devta, the village deity. It is therefore imperative that silver or gold articles must stay within the confines of the Deitydom.
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| Mahasu Devta temple, Uttrakhand Fiveprime com. |
can achieve this feat. Thousands of devotees from various places visit Mahasu Devta Temple to seek the deity's blessings. Mahasu Devta or Lord Mahasu is worshiped as a ''God of Justice'' and
his decision was believed to be acceptable by natives and local rulers.
The Mahasu Devta fair at Hanol – held every year in August – is the best venue/opportunity to get to know the cultural heritage and traditions of local tribes.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahasu_Devta_Temple
https://www.apnisanskriti.com/temple/mahasu-devta-temple-hanol-uttarakhand-334
https://www.apnisanskriti.com/temple/mahasu-devta-temple-hanol-uttarakhand-33433
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