| The
Shirigul temple at village Manal has two fairs in the year. Men and women dance, the
"Gi" dance, which is absolutely local as a part of the fair. Shirigul has
several small temples in various villages of the Paonta tahsil, where small religious
fairs are held on particular auspicious days. The
Shirigul temple at Gagal Sakar has a legend. It is said that a sadhu came there
immediately before the Gurkha invasion and poisoned the water of a nearby tank causing the
death of all the Sirmur troops camped there to fight with the Gurkhas, as also of many of
the local residents.
Previously this village was called Dharam- pur, but, after this
incident, the name of Gagal Sakar was given to it, for a sizable part of the entire
village population had perished of the poison. At that time Shirigul is said to have
descended from Choor in order to save the inhabitants from complete destruction and total
annihilation. He assured the people of the fulfillment of all their desires if they pinned
faith and belief in Him. Thus the deity established Himself here. |
