KINNAUR

Another local deity Ukha goddess is located in a temple at village Nachar of a tahsil of the same name about 208 kilometers from Simla on the oldHindustan Tibet road. Nachar is now theheadquarters of a sub-division and has beautiful scenarios with less than 2000 population. Animals like bear, goral, and antelope abound. The temple of Ukha has a remarkable large gate with a wooden door mounted by a plate of brass on which various deities are depicted. Ukha is said to be Usha (Dawn).

It is said that Usha was utilized by Indra to break the tapashya (Meditation) of Ahan a sage who worshipped Brahma for one million year and acquired tremendous spiritual power. Indra sent Usha to disturb Ahan who created the Sun and Usha had to disappear at the advent of the Sun. Indra continued sending Usha after Usha. But eventually the weaker side of Ahan was separated from the saintly side and was called Vahan i.e. the chariot of Asur.

The desire in Ahan named Banasur, a separate entity took the shape of another man and eventually married Usha. It is also said that in a moment of righteous indignation Banasur cut off his own head in front of Usha or Ukha and so a temple was raised to Usha. Banasur could not become a god for committing a suicide. This deity has also a mouthpiece and themouthpiece in trance gives out Chironing with fierce gestures and postures.

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