Dev Bhoomi of Shimla, how Devta influence daily life in the hills.

SHIMLA: We  come from the beautiful region of Shimla, fondly known as Dev Bhoomi, the Land of Gods.

Here, every village has its own devta mandir, a temple dedicated to a deity that our ancestors have worshipped for generations.

Among these deities, some are known as Kuldevta, the family deities, who are worshipped daily.

Take Mahasu Devta, for instance, who is revered as an incarnation of Lord Shiva.

This tradition isn't new; it's been passed down through the ages, with each generation faithfully participating in monthly Sakranti rituals and annual ceremonies.

Alongside the Kuldevta, we have Gunn devs, the divine generals like Narsing, Kalu, Bir, and Pakhu.

These deities, with their smaller mandirs, hold immense power and are quick to express their pleasure or displeasure.

Some are Bhumi Devta, gods of the land, while others watch over animal husbandry.

Our Devi-Devta philosophy is deeply intertwined with agriculture.

Every sowing and harvesting season begins with a puja to seek their blessings, reflecting how central they are to our region's horticultural economy.

In our community, no family function is complete without first inviting the devta ji.

Skipping this step is considered bad luck and can invite suspicion.

Personally, the Narsing-Kalu mandirs, situated on my ancestral land, have always provided me with prosperity and protection. 

Living in Dev Bhoomi means carrying forward the rich traditions that honor our deities.

It's a life where spirituality and daily existence are seamlessly woven together, ensuring that the blessings of the gods are always upon us.