Sacred verdict: Kullu valley deities draw divine red line

The deities of Kullu valley have issued a resounding directive to stop construction of the Bijli Mahadev ropeway, declaring their opposition during a Chhoti Jagati (divine assembly) held yesterday on the premises of Lord Raghunath in Sultanpur. Convened under the guidance of Mata Hadimba, the gathering reinforced the age-old divine injunction against any interference with temple sites or sacred grounds.

Maheshwar Singh, Chharibardar (chief caretaker) of Lord Raghunath, said the gods, speaking through oracles, conveyed sharp displeasure at ongoing encroachments. “They warned of grave consequences for those tampering with temple sites and ordered an immediate halt to activities at Dhalpur grounds, considered holy by generations,” he said. “We have also prayed to the deity to punish offenders who disregard these sanctities.”

The deities’ pronouncement was unequivocal: The Bijli Mahadev ropeway must not proceed, as the sanctity of spiritual spaces is inviolable. Singh added that the state government has been informed and appears inclined to respect the divine directive.

The Jagati also issued a caution to the Kardar Sangh, the association of temple caretakers, urging them to shun political involvement and safeguard the purity of temple affairs. This recalls earlier instances where divine opposition forced the cancellation of major projects, such as the Rs 1,800-crore ski village that was rejected following a similar assembly.

For the people of Kullu, such convocations are far more than ritual. They are moments when oracles and priests act as vessels for the gods, delivering guidance in times of crisis. Two types of Jagatis are observed — Badi Jagati, held at Naggar Castle with 18 Kardu deities, involves a symbolic ritual using cow dung laddoos in water, while the Chhoti Jagati deals with urgent concerns. The verdicts are accepted as binding, especially in matters of natural disasters, temple sanctity, or communal challenges.

The message of the latest Jagati was firm: preserve shrines, avoid mixing faith with politics or commerce, and honour traditions above development ambitions.

Meanwhile, the Bijli Mahadev Sangharsh Samiti, supported by local Hariyans, has postponed its protest at Jantar Mantar due to blocked road links between Kullu and Mandi. Samiti president Suresh Negi confirmed that demonstrations will resume once connectivity improves.