Sacred goat marks Mahasu Maharaj’s first entry into state

Devotees in the remote Pashmi village of Shillai tehsil in Sirmaur district witnessed an extraordinary moment of faith and cultural significance as the sacred dev-chinnah goat (Ghanduaa Baakra) of Chalda Mahasu Maharaj reached the area after advancing silently from the Koti–Kanasar belt of Uttarakhand.

According to ancient beliefs and divine traditions, the holy goat travels independently during the annual dev-yatra, choosing its path without human guidance and arriving at places destined for the deity’s onward spiritual journey.

Residents of Tyuni tehsil in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun district reported that the sacred goat moved from the Chalda Mahasu Maharaj Temple a few days ago, quietly making its way through an unfamiliar forest route of about 100 kilometres before entering Himachal Pradesh. Its arrival in Pashmi village triggered a wave of devotion across the region. Locals regard the goat not as an ordinary animal but as the divine embodiment of Mahasu Maharaj’s will, carrying the deity’s message of blessings and direction.

In a historic development, elders and priests confirmed that this is the first time in recorded history that Chalda Mahasu Maharaj will cross the Tons river and enter Himachal Pradesh. As indicated by the dev-chinnah goat, Mahasu Maharaj will reside in Pashmi village for the next one year from December 14, giving the region a rare honour and spiritual significance.

This year, the sacred journey of Mahasu Maharaj will commence on December 8 from Uttarakhand. The deity will advance through the traditional forest routes and on December 13, Mahasu Maharaj will cross the Tons river and enter Himachal Pradesh. The procession will halt for the night at Drabil and, on December 14, the deity will reach Pashmi village.

Amid the unfolding developments, Shillai MLA and the state’s Minister for Industries, Parliamentary Affairs, Labour and Employment, Harshwardhan Chauhan, is personally overseeing all preparations. He has been coordinating with the local administration and community members to ensure that all arrangements are made in advance. With an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 devotees expected to accompany the deity during the yatra, the minister has taken direct charge to make sure the historic event remains smooth, disciplined and safe.

Villagers believe that whenever the sacred goat steps into a place, it ushers in peace, prosperity and auspicious times. The goat’s self-directed pilgrimage is regarded as a divine signal indicating the deity’s chosen place for residence.

Ceremonial prayers, dhol-nagaada performances, offerings at local dev-sthals and other cultural rituals have begun across the area. Devotees are gathering sacred items required for the upcoming ceremonies. The atmosphere in Pashmi and surrounding villages has transformed into one of deep faith, anticipation and gratitude as people prepare to welcome their revered deity for a historic year-long stay.