Gangnath Devta

The land of Uttarakhand is rich in folk tales and the stories of gods and goddesses, which not only symbolize religious faith but are also an integral part of our cultural and historical heritage. The story of Gangnath Devta is one such immortal love tale, offering profound lessons on love, sacrifice, separation, and forgiveness. This story is associated with the Almora district in Kumaon, where Gangnath Devta is still worshipped with reverence and respect.

Birth and Prophecy of Gangnath Devta

Gangnath Devta was born as the radiant prince Ganga Chand in the Doti region of Nepal. As a child, astrologers predicted that he would become a mighty ascetic who would understand the sorrows of the world and help alleviate them. Ganga Chand, however, was always troubled by the pains of life and thus became detached from the material world.

One night, Ganga Chand had a dream in which a young maiden named Bhana from Joshi Khola in Almora called him. This dream marked a turning point in his life, and he decided to leave everything behind and embark on a journey to Almora.

Gangnath Arrival in Almora

During his journey, Gangnath faced several challenges but gained deeper spiritual insights at each turn. Near the Kali River, he encountered a Masaan (spirit), and during the battle with it, the divine intervention of Lord Goria (Golu Devta) helped him defeat the spirit. Afterward, he went to Haridwar and took initiation from Guru Gorakhnath. Once initiated, Gangnath began his wandering as a beggar and eventually arrived in Almora. Using his newfound powers, he started alleviating the sufferings of the people, but still, he did not find peace.

Love and Separation

As Gangnath continued his travels, he learned that Bhana was waiting for him. Bhana, who was married to the mentally disturbed brother of King Deewan Kishan Joshi of Joshi Khola, had always been his true love. One day, Gangnath and Bhana reunited, and they began living together in a hut in Danya. This news spread throughout the village, causing Deewan Kishan Joshi to grow furious. He plotted to kill Gangnath.

The Murder of Gangnath and the Curse

On the day of Holi, Deewan Kishan Joshi, along with his brother, killed Gangnath. Upon seeing his lifeless body, Bhana, who was pregnant at the time, became enraged and cursed the village with destruction. Soon after, livestock began to die, and crops were ruined. In their distress, the villagers called upon Baba Gangnath through the tradition of Jagar and sought his forgiveness. Baba Gangnath, in his divine mercy, pardoned everyone, and peace was restored to the village.

Legends of Gangnath Devta

Gangnath Devta’s story is told through several legends that are prevalent in the Kumaon region. Each legend highlights different aspects of Gangnath’s life, revealing his divinity, love, sacrifice, and struggles.

Legend 1: The Love Story of Gangnath and Bhana

One of the most famous legends about Gangnath is that when he turned 12, he saw a girl in a dream, and a love bond was formed between them. The girl’s name was Bhana, and she was from the village of Kurkoli in Danya, Almora district. Gangnath and Bhana became romantically involved. One day, while crossing the Panar River, Gangnath reached Bhana’s village, where she pulled him into her room using a rope. The villagers saw this and informed Bhana’s parents.

After consultation, the village Brahmins decided to kill Gangnath. Following his death, Gangnath turned into a ghost and began tormenting the villagers. To alleviate the trouble, the villagers built a temple for Gangnath and started honoring him as a deity.

Legend 2: Gangnath’s Sacrifice and Deification

Some historians believe that this legend is not entirely true and suggest that in the 17th century, Uday Chand, a ruler from the Chanda dynasty of Kumaon, invaded the region. During this war, Gangnath sacrificed his life to protect his kingdom. According to the customs in Uttarakhand and Nepal, soldiers who die in battle are believed to attain divinity.

Following this tradition, when a soldier dies in battle, his wife or mother is honored. She is invited to the capital, where the king honors her, and she is paraded throughout the city, showered with flowers. Land is given to her as a reward, and she is acknowledged for her sacrifice. Following Gangnath’s death, he was revered as a god, and a temple was constructed in his honor.

Legend 3: Gangnath and His Tamsik Enemy

In another version of the legend, Gangnath faced a different kind of challenge. It is said that one day Gangnath fought a battle with a demon at the Kali River. During the battle, Lord Golu Devta (Goriya) came to his aid. After defeating the demon, Gangnath continued his journey and reached Haridwar, where he received initiation from Guru Gorakhnath.

Afterward, Gangnath returned to Almora and began seeking alms. He used his powers to alleviate the suffering of the locals, but still, he found no peace. Then, he learned about his dream, which led him to Bhana’s village. Upon meeting Bhana, they started a peaceful life together.

These kinds of legends are closely associated with Gangnath’s bravery, devotion, and struggles, which elevated him to the status of a great deity.

The Temple of Gangnath Devta

Gangnath Devta is worshipped with great devotion in the Almora region of Uttarakhand. His famous temple is located in Takula, about 4-5 km from Almora, where the deities of Baba Gangnath, Bhana Bamni, and their son are worshipped. This temple is not only a religious site but also a symbol of Gangnath Devta’s love story and sacrifice.

The Message of Gangnath’s Story

The story of Gangnath Devta teaches us the true message of love, sacrifice, and forgiveness. His life illustrates that love is pure, regardless of its form. It also shows that life may present us with hardships and pain, but with forgiveness and compassion, we can overcome these challenges. The worship and story of Gangnath Devta remain deeply embedded in the hearts of the people of Uttarakhand, guiding them in all aspects of their lives.

Gangnath Devta’s story has become an integral part of not only the Kumaon region but also the cultural heritage of the entire state of Uttarakhand, a tale that will live on for generations to come.