Under the sixty eighth series of its online exhibition, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya today presented online the Gugga Dev, a mythological trail in the Open Air Exhibition with its basic information and photographs and videos.
About this exhibition, Praveen Kumar Mishra, Director, IGRMS said that located in the midst of the snow laden Himalaya the state of Himachal Pradesh is named thus because of its location. According to ancient Indian mythology, the Himalayas were born from the tresses of Lord Siva. They were created to protect the earth from Ganga when the great river flowed down to earth. Himachal Pradesh is a treasure trove of rich local heritage, as manifested in its traditions, art and culture. Focus on native gods and goddesses is an important aspect of this heritage, which is still an integral part of the belief system of the inhabitants of this mountain land.
About the Gugga Dev Smt. Garima Anand Dubey, Museum Associate told that – Gugga or Guga Dev is one amongst the various folk deities having shrine in Sirmour and Kangra districts in Himachal Pradesh, Churu of Rajasthan and some places in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The temple of Gugga Dev consists of a single small room and deity housed there. Guggaji or Gugga Dev was brought there from Rajasthan some 150 years ago. Every year, on the night of the full moon of Shravan (Rakshabandhan) or Shravan Poornima, Guggaji is taken out of the temple for a week long yatra (procession).
On the seventh day he returns and the eight night is celebrated as Jagarata begins with holy fire. Gugga Nawami is said to be the birthday of Gugga Dev as he returns on this day after the curse of his mother.