A Tale Passed Down
It was a quiet evening, and the sun was setting behind the mountains when my grandmother began one of her favorite stories. “Do you know why these hills are called Dev Bhoomi?” she asked, her voice as calm as the breeze brushing through the trees. “This land was once a refuge: a sanctuary for those who sought both safety and spirituality.”
Her words felt like a window into another time. As I listened, I could imagine the people who made their way to these mountains, leaving behind lives of hardship and fear. The story of Dev Bhoomi wasn’t just about geography; it was about hope, faith, and survival. Let me take you back to that time, and perhaps, like me, you’ll see this sacred land in a new light.
The Exodus to Dev Bhoomi
In ancient times, the plains, known as Karma Bhoomi (कर्मभूमि) or the land of action, were places of turmoil. The powerful ruled cruelly, and the weak had little choice but to endure or escape. Many chose to leave, seeking refuge in the towering Himalayas. Above Haridwar, the mountains were called Dev Bhoomi (देवभूमि), the sacred land where sages meditated and divine energy flowed.
As my grandmother told me, “People believed the mountains could protect not just their lives but also their souls.”
The journey wasn’t easy. They traveled through dense forests, across rivers, and over treacherous trails, driven by the hope of a better life. Among these pilgrims of faith and determination was a group that would settle on the shoulder of a mountain called Bhrigu Parvat. This sacred peak is where Bhrigu Rishi (भृगु ऋषि), one of the seven great sages and a revered figure in Hindu mythology, meditated. Here, these settlers founded Bhatt Gaon, a village steeped in devotion and legend.
The Founding of Bhatt Gaon
The Brahmins of the Bangura (बंगुड़ा) community, originally from South India, were among the migrants who found solace on Bhrigu Parvat . They believed the mountain, blessed by the presence of Bhrigu Rishi, was a place of unmatched spiritual energy. It was said that meditating here brought clarity and divine guidance.
The village they established, Bhatt Gaon, became a center of culture and faith. Its name carried the legacy of the Brahmins who brought with them not only their knowledge but also their unwavering devotion to South Kali, a goddess they held dear.
“Why are they called Bangura?” I once asked my grandmother. She smiled and said, “Some say it’s because they came from Bengal, though their roots were farther south. It’s not just a name; it’s a reminder of their journey.”
In Bhatt Gaon, their devotion to South Kali would lead to something extraordinary: a divine encounter that would transform their lives and the history of this land forever.
Why the Mountains?
The Himalayas weren’t just a physical refuge; they were a spiritual sanctuary. For centuries, sages like Bhrigu Rishi had meditated here, and the mountains were considered the abode of gods. For those fleeing oppression, Dev Bhoomi wasn’t just a safe haven, it was sacred ground where they could reconnect with the divine.
Even today, when I stand in Bhatt Gaon and look at the slopes of Bhrigu Parvat, I feel a profound sense of peace. It’s as though the whispers of those ancient travelers still echo in the breeze, reminding us why this land has always been special.
My grandmother’s story ended with a question that lingered in my mind: “What happens when a goddess chooses to reveal herself?” It was in Bhatt Gaon that the devotion of the Bangura community led to a miraculous event; the birth of Maa Dudhyadi Devi. This is where the story truly begins, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
I am very lucky that I was born in the land of Gods, Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand is a paradise, which is know for its devotion,beauty, faith and simplicity. Through this article of yours, I got to know more about my Uttarakhand. It is very well written.👍