SIRMUR

Gugga Pir has a temple at Nahan near the Circuit house where a fair is held every year on "Gugga Naumi" (ninth day of dark half of Bikrami month of Bhadon). Gugga's main worshippers are the Kolis and Dumras (Scheduled castes) and every village where there is a sizable Koli, or Dumra population there is expected to be a Gugga temple. The Kanets (a non - scheduled caste) also worship Gugga, who is supposed to cure snake - bite.

Nag-Naon temple at Purowala (tahsil Paonta) is an ancient temple damaged by floods now. When an old capital of erstwhile Sirmur State sank, the ruling dynasty became extinct. The royal priest, who survived the flood, brought from Jaisalmer a prince with his pregnant wife who gave birth to a son and a snake under a 'Dhak' (Butea frondosa) tree in village Purowala. The prince died in the way. The snake, left behind unattended also died and was buried and a temple was raised on its burial place.

As a consequence of neglect of the snake badness prevailed among the population. Then the snake on appeasement by the people restored sight to all. The surviving son of the prince founded the State with capital at Rajban. This dynasty ruled Sirmur till merger of the State intoHimachal Pradesh. Nag is the family deity of the ruling dynasty till today. The idol of the Nag at Purowala is made of "Dhak" wood. Regular daily puja is not offered.

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