Devta Bondra is the main deity of the Mandalgarh Valley in Rohru, known for his annual territorial tour of some 40 villages, marked by fairs like the Kim-Kupad (Dhara)and Thirshu, where local shepherds bring the aromatic herb “Nesar”. The history of Devta Bondra and his associated temples, which feature unique structures like the “Kothi” or Tower at Devra, Bacchunch, are rooted in local traditions, rituals, and the stewardship of the deity’s territory.
History of Devta Bondra :
The history of devta sahab goes like this:
According to the old stories of the Mandalgarh area,once there was a king of Nadaun area of Kangra(old name Trigarth/Kangarh).In the year 1100 A. D. he had 3 sons and a daughter namely as:1.
Sh. Virender Singh(Devta Bendra Ghayal,Kotkhai)
2.Devi Nandan(Kotkhai)
3.Sh. Vijender Singh(Devta Bondra Bachunch,Rohru)
4. Sh. Dhan Singh/Deo Dhan(Bihar village below Khalini, Shimla)
After ruling the area,the 4 siblings left for agyatvas into the forests.Their descendants later made the capital Sujanpur Tihra and Kangra.Taposthali was chosen at Giriganga near Kharapathar, where they prayed their Kuldevi Mata Brajeshwari Kangrawali and Kul Isht Shivji.Mata Brajeshwari and Shivji gave them darshan and made them devta.
Then they got ashtashidhi at Choordhar,Sirmaur.Elder sibling and sister selected Kotkhai and settled there. Middle brother selected Bachunch(Rohru) and yonger one at Bihar village of Shimla.Lord Shiva on behalf of himself did choose 3 siblings as his representative to collect a part of new crop or the agricultural produce of 6 months of these areas. And also gave them right to be prayed in these areas. They collect the part of 6 months crop and give them to lord Shiva and Mata Parvati or Brajeshwari.
According to another story, once at Arhal village of Rohru,a farmer was ploughing his field. Suddenly his oxes stopped and started running backwards. He dug his field and found an idol (ashtadhatu).He kept it at his home. Unfortunate things started happening. He consulted a pujari and then devta told him to move the idol to Bachunch village as devta wanted a secluded place for himself.Locals took the idol under a tall baan tree and started worshipping it as a local deity.Local people gave him the name as devta Bondra of Bachunch(owner of 5 lambardari and 40 villages) .As the time passed on,a small beautiful temple was made with big chimes(ghantiya) tied on the ceiling.
One day,a Bushahr king was patrolling that area and saw the temple.One of his minister told him that the beautiful temple looked alike his palace.Hearing this the king in arrogance,ordered his men to set the temple on fire.After being burnt the idol flew to the field known as Ladot(now a beautiful apple orchard is maintained by the temple committee at Ladot).Some of the brave men of local village(Bashla) with their bare hands tried to save the idols of devta sahab from the ashes(which were later called as khunds for their bravery).Their hands got burnt while rescuing devta sahab and to relieve their hands from the pain of heat and to save idols from fire,they started sinking their hands into a bawdi which was later known as ‘debo re beh’.
After the king reached his kingdom.He started getting stomach pains and even vaid(local ayurvedic doctor) was not able to detect the cause.Output of every work was becoming unsuccessful. Then he consented with a Lama of Kinnaur who told him about his wrong doing. Realizing about his misdeed , he at once ordered his men to rebuild the finer temple.And one of the finest craftsman(mistry) was appointed which gave the temple the present look.The new temple (now called Deorha)was made near the old burnt temple around a tall baan tree .It is said the temple was made around that tree and that craftsman also died falling off the temple after completion, whose footprints(padchinha) are incarved in stone. A rope was tied around the temple known as Barut. With the rope a story goes that once it transformed itself into a large snake and tried to escape. A villager from Khangteri village saw it and offered a sacrifice. It then again transformed itself back into the rope which can still be seen tied around the temple which was replaced with a new rope during the famous Bhunda Narmedh Mahayagya of 2005.
Key Aspects of Devta Bondra’s History and Culture:
Territorial Deity: Devta Bondra is the primary deity for the Mandalgarh Valley in Rohru, with his territory encompassing around 47villages.
Annual Tour and Fairs: The deity undertakes a comprehensive tour of his villages annually, typically during the months of July, August, and September (Shawan-Bhado).
Key Fairs:Kim-Kupad Fair: This fair, held at Dhara village in April (Jaith), marks the beginning of the deity’s territorial tour.Thirshu Fair: This takes place at Andreothi village after the Kim-Kupad fair.
Aromatic Herb “Nesar”:During these fairs, an aromatic herb called “Nesar” is offered to the deity, brought by shepherds from the Kewali, Bajaishal, and Pekhadhar regions.
“Laman” Songs:During the deity’s tours, villagers, particularly women, sing “Laman” songs in the local dialect to show appreciation.
Temple Structure :
The history of Devta Bondra also includes his associated temples.Devra, Bacchunch: A unique temple that resembles a “Kothi” or Tower, featuring a green stone believed to have been brought by the Bushar ruler.Dakhul Kot, Diswani: Considered an early structure in the region, with “Dakhul” meaning “open door,” symbolizing openness to all.Rahipaan Kot, Chingchwari: A structure still used by the people who care for and worship the deity, requiring them to keep a fireplace flame burning continuously.
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