| The monks sit
cross-legged on the red divan in the nave between the wooden pillars supporting the roof.
Hangings, painted banners and pennants are added to decorate the ball and create an
appropriate atmosphere for prayer and worship. We cannot forget the fringe population who
are still animistic and have a store of superstitions to fill up their life. As a matter
of fact their beliefs have been largely incorporated in the life and religious beliefs of
the more sophisticated Hindus and Buddhists. The
Naga Cult, and Gugga worship, is common to the Hindus. The fringe population has more or
less, animistic beliefs. The Siva cult encourages the Naga worship. Lord Siva has always
garlands of snakes. Vaidya observes that "Nagas are but the later manifestation of
Siva and similarly the Devis are that of Kali." Without fully concurring with Vaidya
about Nagas as we do not know of any authority or argument for this conclusion we agree as
to the great hold of the Serpent-worship in this region.
Kamarn Naga, an ancient deity has a stone idol at Nachan
and a shrine in Sanor Valley in Mandi district. Mahuna Naga is worshipped widely in Simla
and Sirmur districts. Very often an earthen replica of a serpent is taken to represent the
serpent deity. In epidemics and in the season when snakebites are common, serpent worship
has a premium. There are a large number of Naga temples particularly in Kulu district. The
following is the legend about Kelang Naga in Chamba district : |
