Nanda Devi: Sacred Himalayan Goddess of Uttrakhand
Introduction
Nanda Devi is a form of Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva, who is worshipped as the daughter of the Himalayas. Nanda Devi mountain is one of the highest mountains in India, with two peaks and many other famous mountains, including Drongiri and Trishool. In every festival, celebration, marriage, and auspicious occasion, the goddess is remembered first, and all the works are successful.
Today she stands as a symbol of purity, power, and divine connection with nature, which is deeply rooted in the culture and tradition of Uttrakhand.
Who is Nanda Devi?
As the Kuldevi of Uttrakhand, Nanda Devi is worshipped as a Shakti and Himalayan Goddess. In any crisis, she is worshipped by the people of Uttrakhand as a protector who keeps the devotees and the state safe. It is said that the Himalayan princess Nanda Devi gave up all the worldly pleasures to worship Lord Shiva. Nanda Devi has a very important place in Uttarakhand. She is not just a goddess but also the soul of the mountains and the identity of the people here.
Legend of Nanda Devi, the Goddess of Uttrakhand
- Nanda Devi as Shakti: The Slayer of Mahishasura
According to the mythological tale, a fierce demon named Mahishasura harassed and tortured the gods, saints, and the public. After then, Goddess Nanda killed Mahishasura by taking on the form of Shakti. Nanda Devi took on the persona of Maa Durga in this story, who vanquishes injustice and evil. - Protection from Enemy Kings: The Goddess Saved the Village
According to the folklore of Uttarakhand, a long time ago some powerful forces attacked a village in Uttrakhand, then Nanda Devi changed her form and faced those forces as a warrior woman and saved the village. - Nanda and Sunanda: Two Sisters in Divine Form
Since ancient times, Sunanda Devi has also been worshipped along with Nanda Devi. It is said that both of them are real sisters, and together they protect the people of Uttrakhand and the Himalayas. Therefore, even today Nanda Sunanda fairs are held at many places. - The 12-Horned Ram and the Mystery of Nanda Devi
In the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, 12-Horned Ram, also known as Chausinghaya Khadu (चौसिंघया खाडू), goes along with the palanquin of the goddess. It is said that this sheep is the sacred sheep of the goddess, which goes till the last stop of the journey and then disappears, or you can say that after meeting the goddess, it merges into nature.
Temples of Nanda Devi and the Sacred Geography of Uttrakhand
Many ancient temples and religious places related to Nanda Devi of Uttrakhand have their own mythological stories. There are many temples of Nanda Devi in the Kumaon and Garhwal divisions of Uttrakhand, the main ones being Bageshwar, Kausani, and Almora.
Every year a fair is organized here on the occasion of Nanda Ashtami, in which people remember the goddess as their daughter and family deity.
Nanda Devi’s Sacred Yatra
Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra is considered one of the most sacred and religious pilgrimages of Uttrakhand. This Yatra is organized every 12 years and starts from Kurson village in Chamoli district. This yatra is a 19-day-long journey that involves forests, rocky paths, and rivers. During the yatra, Nanda Devi’s palanquin is decorated with full decorations, which is seen as a farewell to a daughter. This journey is a confluence of pain, devotion, and faith.
In this journey, a 12-horned sheep (Chausinghaya Khadu) also walks along with the palanquin of the goddess. Which is considered to be the messenger of the goddess. This Khadu Yatra continues with the palanquin of the goddess till the last leg of the journey, and finally the Nanda Devi ceremony takes place, which makes this journey even more spiritual and mysterious.
This faith of the people towards Nanda Devi of Uttrakhand makes her even stronger as their Kuldevi.
Spiritual Importance of the Nanda Devi Pilgrimage
Nanda devi is the Goddess of Uttrakhand She is not just a goddess; she is the protector and the goddess of faith of the entire Uttarakhand and the mountains. The goddess is described in the folk tales of the mountains. Whenever there is any natural calamity, disease, or any other problem, people pray to Nanda Devi. When the goddess is prayed to and worshipped with a true heart, she protects everyone and keeps her blessings on them. Every year, lakhs of devotees visit the Mata temple in Almora, Munsiyari, and Bageshwar for darshan. Nanda Devi has a very old and deep relation with the culture of Uttarakhand. Whether in happiness or sorrow, this goddess is remembered first. The goddess is remembered from the beginning to the end of the journey.
Nature and Divinity in Worship of Nanda Devi
The natural environment of Uttrakhand holds a special place in Nanda Devi’s heart. She is a type of nature in addition to being the daughter of the Himalayas. Yes, you can say that nature is created by her. She has a high position in the folklore of Uttrakhand. The goddess is believed to reside in the snowy mountains, lush green forests, and holy rivers. The name of the goddess is associated with Nanda Devi mountain, which is the highest and holiest mountain or peak of Uttarakhand and is situated around this peak. The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, a nature reserve named after her and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, proves that her name continues to be a source of inspiration for nature conservation.
In India, nature is given the status of goddess and is worshipped. This view is called Nature as Goddess
