Sacred Landscape

Unveiling the Changing Contours of Indigenous Beliefs in Select Himachali Short Stories.

Abstract

The Pahari community residing in the abode of the Gods, Himachal Pradesh, known as ‘Dev Bhoomi’, has its local deities called Devi and Devta. These deities are believed to be manifestations of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh, originating from the very roots of nature. The Devi/Devta hold strong dominance over the Pahari community, governing their social customs, activities, and destinies. It is believed that the Gods control their lives, and what they say cannot be disobeyed at any cost. The religious beliefs that play a central role in the community also impart livelihood to the Pahari people. However, the impact of new knowledge, personal experiences, and liberal attitudes has led to changes in indigenous beliefs among the Pahari people. This paper attempts to study two Himachali short stories, “Legacies” by Ratan S. Himesh and “Manglachari” by Sunder Lohia, translated by Prof. Meenakshi F. Paul in Short Stories of Himachal Pradesh (2007). These stories capture the linkages between resident deities and their underlying impact on the sociocultural fabric of the region. The paper aims to unveil the aspects of the governing power of the Devi/Devta and their relevance in contemporary times. Both stories illustrate the mystical nature of the control of Devtas, which plays a pivotal role in influencing the lives of the residents. The Devta communicates through the medium of a devised oracle, the gur. The stories highlight the ancient belief system of the Himalayan state.