Amidst the spectacular views of the Himalayas, there is a small hamlet, Sangrali, in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. The village deity is the famous Kandaar devta. Kandaar devta is revered and celebrated for his miracles. I received an invite to the Mela (village fair). It was a blessing to witness this auspicious Mela.

History

Based on the history and forefathers of the village, a few eons ago, there was a monarchy of a great king. One day, a farmer accidentally found a magnificent Ashtadhatu statue while plowing a field near Uttarkashi town. Considering the sacredness of the idol, the farmer turned it over to the king. The king was pleased by the discovery of the sculpture. He then ordered the figure to be moved to the Parashuram temple. Recognizing the statue’s uniqueness, the priest of Parshuram temple proposed locating it atop Varunavat mountain, distant from the city.

Devotees visiting the temple celebrate the mystics of Kandaar Devta by carrying the doli on their shoulders. Kandaar devta guides the community in all decisions which concern the local community, health, and finalizing auspicious dates. Whenever someone asks a question to the diety, Kandaar devta communicates his decision through the doli by vigorously moving and shaking, resulting in lines on the ground. The priests and elders of the village later interpret these lines. Devotees consider the Kandaar Devta temple as a court. Here the verdict is pronounced through the means of the doli of the Kandaar deity.

Kandaar Devta

Shri Kandaar Devta, the revealer of the past, present, and future, is the protector of Sangrali, Pata, Gangori, Bagyal, Laksheshwar, Barahat (Uttarkashi), and other nearby villages. He is believed to be the manifestation of Lord Shiva. Due to the heavenly form of the Shri Kandaar devta, the traditions have lived for eons and are still alive in the village of Sangrali atop Varunavat mountain. Another unique thing abut Kandaar devta is, that he never travels on any kind of vehicle, so be it Gangotri, Haridwar, Kedarnath or Badrinath, he always travels on doli carried by people on foot.

The men, women and the kids dress in colorful clothes. There is an astute interest and energy among the villagers. The Kandaar devta temple is at the other end of the village. Kids surround the delicious food stalls selling hot jalebis and various fries as they choke the narrow pathways leading to the temple. Young men take turns to perform seva (selfless service) at the temple.

The Mela begins with the sound of Nagada, Dholak, and Sringa. Slowly the Kandaar devta comes out on the doli from his sanctum to the courtyard outside the temple. The red and yellow sheets of the doli with its base and gopura made of silver decorate the top. The doli is sturdy and made of bamboo logs.

One after the other, young and old, take turns to lift the doli and dance to the beats of the Nagada, Dholak, and Sringa. It is a n unique experience to witness. The children take turns to fan the doli with Chamara. The women get together on the premises to view the procession.

Devta Temple

Kandaar devta temple in Sangrali village is nearby to the main town of Uttarkashi and is well connected by road. There is a second temple of Kandaar devta near the main town for people who cannot visit Sangrali everyday, and the main idol is taken to this temple on special occasions. Uttarkashi is a marginal district located 160 kilometers from Rishikesh and 140 kilometers from Dehradun towards Gangotri.

How to reach Uttarkashi, Kandaar Devta temple?

By Road: There are frequent buses and shared taxis from Dehradun and Rishikesh bus terminal to Uttarkashi. The following roads connect Dehradun to Uttarkashi:
– Mussoorie Suwakholi (150 Km. approx.)
– by way of Rishikesh (240 Km. approx.)
– via Vikasnagar Barkot (230 Km approx.)
By Rail: Dehradun has the nearest railway station. The railway station in Dehradun connects to practically every area of the country.
By Air: The nearest airport is Dehradun’s Jollygrant Airport.

Check out the helicopter services as well – Click here for the details

---

---