Dev Pashakot: The Rain God of Chauhar Valley, Worshipped for Generations

Himachal Pradesh, known as the land of gods, is home to countless sacred temples where faith and devotion intertwine with rich cultural heritage. Among these revered deities, Dev Pashakot holds a special place in Chauhar Valley, where he is worshipped as the “Bajir-e-Chauhar Valley”—the guardian and protector of the region.

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Mandi district’s Padhar subdivision, Dev Pashakot’s temples are scattered across the valley, each with its own history and significance. His primary temple, built in traditional Himachali architectural style, is located in Manthi Bajgan village under Taraswan Gram Panchayat. This ancient shrine not only houses the deity’s idol but also preserves his sacred chariot and storeroom (Bhandar Ghar), essential for rituals and festivals.

The Sacred Temples of Dev Pashakot

Apart from his main shrine, Dev Pashakot’s presence is deeply rooted in Chauhar Valley, with multiple temples dedicated to him. Some of the most prominent ones include:

• Naldehra, near Tikkan village, at the confluence of Uhl and Thaltukhod rivers, where a Pahari-style temple stands, along with a sacred pond (Al).
• Devta Dhank, located along the Jhattingri-Barot road, attracting devotees year-round.
• Silh Dehra in Barot, another historically significant temple where rituals are performed with great reverence.
• Marad near Poling village in Chhota Bhangal, believed to be Dev Pashakot’s original abode and one of the holiest sites for worshippers.

Set against the backdrop of lush green forests and pristine rivers, these temples are not just religious centers but also symbols of Himachal Pradesh’s deep-rooted traditions and spirituality. Interestingly, the land surrounding these sacred sites is owned by the deity himself, and it is believed that no one can touch a single tree without his divine permission.

The Grand Chariot of Dev Pashakot: A Symbol of Faith

One of the most fascinating aspects of Dev Pashakot’s worship is his sacred chariot, which holds immense spiritual significance. Unlike traditional temple idols, Dev Pashakot’s quadrangular chariot is considered the physical representation of the deity and is paraded through villages during major festivals and fairs.

This grand chariot is adorned with:
✅ A golden dome and a turban on the top
✅ Four divine effigies crafted with gold, silver, and the sacred Ashtadhatu (eight-metal alloy)
✅ Intricate wooden supports, known as Agal, used for lifting and carrying the chariot
✅ Vibrant colors of white, yellow, and red, symbolizing different divine energies

Accompanied by traditional musical instruments like dhol, kansi, turhi, narsinga, and shehnai, the chariot embarks on an annual journey to various fairs, including:

🎡 Mandi’s International Shivratri Festival
🎡 Jogindernagar’s State-Level Mini Shivratri Fair
🎡 Local fairs like Galu Jatar, Mala Mela, and Sair Mela

During these grand processions, nearly 45 devotees (Devlus), including priests, flag bearers, and musicians, accompany the deity, chanting hymns and performing rituals. Devotees offer prayers, seek blessings, and make vows for the fulfillment of their wishes.

The Rain God: Worshipped for Rain and Protection

Dev Pashakot is widely revered as the God of Rain. The people of Chauhar Valley turn to him whenever there is a drought, seeking his blessings for rainfall. Interestingly, if excessive rain causes floods or landslides, devotees also pray to him to calm the skies and stop the downpour.

Apart from controlling the weather, Dev Pashakot is also believed to protect his devotees from supernatural forces, illnesses, theft, conflicts, and personal hardships. His divine justice system is said to be strict and unwavering, and every follower must abide by his sacred code of conduct.

How to Reach Dev Pashakot’s Temples?

For those wishing to visit these sacred sites, here’s how you can reach them:

🚗 By Road: The temples are accessible via well-connected roads.

• The first temple at Devta Dhank is 9 km from Ghatassani on the Pathankot-Jogindernagar-Mandi National Highway.
• The second temple near Tikkan village (Naldehra) is 15 km from Ghatassani.
• The Silh Dehra temple in Barot is around 25 km from Ghatassani.
• The original abode at Marad (Chhota Bhangal) is 35 km from Ghatassani.

🚆 By Train: The nearest railway station is Jogindernagar.

✈️ By Air: The closest airport is Gaggal (Kangra).

A Divine Connection That Transcends Generation

Dev Pashakot is more than just a deity for the people of Chauhar Valley—he is a guardian, a protector, and a symbol of unwavering faith. His temples, festivals, and rituals have kept the region’s rich cultural heritage alive for centuries, passing down traditions from one generation to the next.

For devotees and travelers alike, a visit to Dev Pashakot’s sacred sites offers not just spiritual solace but also an enchanting experience of Himachal’s divine landscapes and deep-rooted traditions.