Sacred Ecology
From prior exploitation to partnership with nature
Religion and Sacred Ecology
Here, mountains, rivers, forests, and lakes are living abodes of gods. Sacred groves (Devbans) protect venerable deodars and yews near temples and villages. Along forest trails, sacred trees bear brass mohras—the metal faces of local deities—where travellers bow before beginning a long climb. The artistry of mohras, parasols, and palanquins reflects a refined religious aesthetic and a community’s shared wealth and identity.
A Devta Tree at the base of Nada climb
Painted Facade of Gushaini Temple
Residents and priests of Shakti and Marore visiting village deity.
Sacred Grove of Ringoo Van in GHNP ecozone
Deity of Shakti in Sainj Valley
Festivals and fairs animate this sacred geography. The Gur—the human spokesperson of the deity enters trance, hears people’s questions, and offers counsel. Village gods travel in procession to seasonal gatherings and to the headwaters of the Sainj, Tirthan, JiwaNal, and Parvati rivers. In October, during Kullu Dussehra, deities from inner valleys assemble in Kullu town for a week-long celebration as autumn sets in.
Gur, villagers and Shakti Devta
Deities from inner valleys of Kullu assembling for Dushehra
Shastriji in his cave at Shakti village
In Shakti village, a teacher known as Shastriji began classes in a cave in 1989—teaching students from Grades I–V until a school building arrived in 2002. His story, and the cave above the Sainj River, capture the resilience that runs through these valleys.