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About Devi Pashakot Temple
Devi Pashakot Temple is an ancient, revered temple located in the Chauhar Valley of the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. Known locally as Dev Pashakot or Pashakot Devta, it is considered the main deity and guardian of the region. Dev Pashakot is particularly worshipped as the God of Rain (“Rain God”) and “Bazir-e-Chauhar Valley” (Guardian of Chauhar Valley). Dev Pashakot is also called the deity of “bakarwals” (shepherds). The name “Pashakot” is derived from “pashu” (animal).
Location and architecture of the temple
The main temple is located in Manthi Bajgan village (Tarswan Gram Panchayat). It is built in traditional Himachali architecture, with beautiful use of wood and stone.
There are many temples of Pashakot Devta that are located at Naldehrah (near Tikkan village), Devta Dhank (on the Jhatingri-Barot road), Silh Dehra (Barot), and Marad (near Poling village, Chhota Bhangal). However, Marad is believed to be the original place of Dev Pashakot.
Temples are usually located on the banks of a river, at the foot of a mountain, or in a very peaceful and natural environment. There is also a sacred tank (Sarova) near the main temple.
Religious significance and beliefs
Dev Pashakot is considered the supreme deity and “Mountain Minister” of the Chauhar Valley. Local people seek his blessings for the fulfillment of their wishes, settlement of disputes, and solutions to everyday problems.
There is a special belief related to the construction of the temple that, as per the order of the deity, the construction work was done on an empty stomach (in fasting). Construction was not allowed after eating food, due to which the construction took more time than usual.
Worship and Traditions
Many traditional rituals, fairs, and Rath Yatras take place in the temple. A sacred chariot (Cheriat) of the deity and a storehouse (Bhandar Ghar) are also preserved in the temple, which are used in the festivities.
In some temples, entry of women is prohibited, as Lord Pashakot is considered a celibate (non-marrying) deity.
On some occasions, the practice of animal sacrifice is also observed, which is prevalent in many traditional shrines of Himachal.
Route to reach the temple
The temple is accessible from Barot or Tikkan. From Tikkan, there is a road as well as a walking path to the temple, which involves crossing a river and then climbing a hill. The temple is a little off the main road, and it required about 15-30 minutes of trekking.