KINNAUR

At Kanum, about, half-way between the northern and southern frontiers, the sacred books are in Tibet, and Lamas are there first met with; but kine are venerated, and some, attention paid to the distinction of castes; thus partially amalgamating the two creeds. At Hungrung, on the northern frontier, the religion is pure Lamaic Buddhism . . . . . . "

Hinduism did exist from before as the very area is taken to be the abode of Lord Siva and his spouse Parvati or Uma or Durga. Mythological legends associate this area with the Kinnars or Kimpurushas (what kind of human beings?). It may be mentioned here that from time immemorial Kinnars or Kinners have been mentioned in almost every ancient book of religion of Hindus. Ajanta Frescoes have made the Kinners immortal.

But the Hindu priests being rare, Lamaism did spread later. That is why though Hindus predominate (90%) Buddhism has been peacefully flourishing there. Many village entrances have got very old small walls of stones with the inscription "OM MANE PADME HUM". These sacred stones are vaguely described as Mane and they are very common. The Mane has to be kept on the right hand while passing. Chosten and Donktens are very small structures dedicated to god or the evil spirits.

Almost every village has one Labrang (a place of worship). Lopchas (squarepiece of stones on the tops of the houses), Darchhot (a pole erected at one corner of the house to which a flag is attached printed with- "OM MANE PADME HUM" and Dumgyars (a large praying wheel) are common.

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