KINNAUR

Like the Brahmins elsewhere he too is consulted in times of trouble and asked to diagnose the origin of any misfortune, which may occur in a family. If, as is usual, be traces this to any bhut (spirit) or devta suitable means of propitiation are adopted. Like the Brahmins elsewhere he too is consulted in times of trouble and asked to diagnose the origin of any misfortune, which may occur in a family. If, as is usual, be traces this to any bhut (spirit) or devta suitable means of propitiation are adopted.

As mentioned besides a large number of better known Hindu and Buddhist temples there are any number of villages Devtas in the shape of stones etc. At places there were human sacrifices common at one time. At Kamru village there is a temple of Bhim Kali where human sacrifices were definitely offered at one time.Vaguestories are current about occasional human sacrifice at other temples also but they are now abolished. Horns of some domestic and wild animals are taken to be sacred. Almost every top of the hill is held sacred and anyone passing must throw a stone or tie a piece of cloth somewhere.

The portion of Kailash known as Raldang Kailash is taken to be the home of Lord Siva and his consort Uma or Parbati the daughter of the Himalayas. Oath taken in the name of some supernatural force is known as Darohi and a Darohi has a tremendous impact. There is a peculiar institution in this district. Almost every important deity, Buddhist or Hindu or Animist has a man attached known as Grokech (mouth piece).

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