As indicated before they are between Lamaism and its various debased
manifestations merging -into superstitions and Hinduism where priests and true
interpretations are rare and superstitions more and also oppressed with the idea of a
world of ghosts. The economic stagnation of the people, the long chilly evenings in winter
months when outside physical activities are impossible, keen wrangle for physical
survival, prevalence of diseases which hardly could be mitigated by a few Vaids scattered
here and there, wild animals, risky outings could explain why the Kinnauris try to make up
the large gap by belief in so many cults, deities, ghosts, and superstitions and worship
in so many temples.
Along with temples, legends multiply. The lush coniferous
forests, the snowy peaks, the meandering rivers which suddenly become swollen and rush,
the beautiful birds and the variety of animals, the proximity of Tibet and some of the
lesser developed areas of India on the border have helped the growth of legends, some of
which are of Hindu origin, some Buddhist and some of probably pure fantasy. |
