The Hidden Folk Gods of the Himalayas Who Guard Your Path

This is a short yatra where you will visit Kedarnath and Badrinath. Most of the times people prefer to go for the Do Dham Yatra from Haridwar as this allows them to explore the road route with some other temples as well. 

This is a sacred yatra. It will cover Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. It is not open throughout the year. The idols are shifted to their winter homes during the cold season. Also, pre-booking and registration are important when you are planning for this yatra.  

You will see that there are two temples common for both. But when you explore, there are certain temples on the way which are considered to be the guardians. These not only secure your journey but also provides you the power to complete the same in a proper manner. 

Bhairav is one of the most powerful guardians. You will find his small temple just behind the Kedarnath shrine. The local believe that he is the one who protects the temple when its cold. 

Some even say that they can hear the sound of the bell and winds through the valley. This is the sign of his presence. before starting the journey, people visit here. They offer their prayers and in return seek the blessings. It is believed that this gives them courage to complete their yatra with peace.

You will find the temple in the Kumaon region. Here, Golu Devta is known as the god of justice and faith. His temple in Almora. It is covered with thousands of bells tied by devotees. Once the prayer is fulfilled, the bell is tied by the devotee. 

It is a belief to write a letter with the wish and tie them to the temple wall. All this is done before starting the yatra. Many drivers and guides on the Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar keep Golu Devta’s image with them. It is said that he protects them from the sharp curves and rock mountains. Once the wish is fulfilled pilgrims travel back to thank and tie a bell as a sign of belief

Nanda Devi is one of the strongest deities that you will visit. She is the protector of the nature. It is said that if she is angry, you will find disasters happening. But she is also one who brings in joy for all. She teaches us to live in peace with nature.

To celebrate and seek her blessings, there is a festival. This happens every 12 years with yatras and everything. This is known as the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra. People take part in this as a sign of their belief and trust. It is believed that the disasters happen when she is not happy. Also, these are considered as her signs for us to live in harmony.

This is the temple which is near Badrinath. It is said that no prayer can be completed without remembering him. During the winters, he is here to protect the temple and people alike. It is the time when the main temple doors are closed.

Locals believe that he watches them through the mountains and protects them from the unseen. People also visit his temple to seek blessings before they start their yatra. 

He is the protector of the hills. He is worshipped in the villages near Uttarkashi. He is known to keep the forests, roads, and travellers safe. Pilgrims visit his temple before they start on your yatra. It is said that he is the one who keeps their path safe. He also ensures good weather.

His festivals are quite unique in nature. You will see them full of colours, songs, and the sound of drums. People who visit his temple say that it is divine. Not just the air feels lighter but also the environment feels happier altogether. 

Bhumiyal Devta is called the god of the land. You will find his small shrined around the open areas like fields, rivers, or paths where travellers walk. People offer flowers and seek blessings from him as they start the yatra. He is the one who keeps the land calm and ensure you have a strong but effective journey.

Any earthquake or a landslide is his sign for us. Locals believe through this he is helping us to recall the value of land and nature. It is a sign to ensure proper care and avoid harsh methods that can cause imbalance. 

Every path in the Himalayas has a Kshetrapal. He is the one silent guard who protects that stretch of land. There are usually no specific shrines or temples but you can still find their temple. These are like small piles of stones or a red flag. 

All you need to do is wait and fold your hands with belief. It is said if you visit here, you will have a great and simple journey. But if not, you will find the journey a bit harder. He is gentle but is one who can guide you through the land.