Deity Gadumi Nag
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| DEITY GADUMI NAG |
Introduction— Deity Gadumi Nag holds a special place among the revered serpent deities of Himachal Pradesh. He is believed to be the son of Maa Budhi Nagin, a powerful and widely worshipped goddess in the Seraj and Kullu regions. As one of her eighteen Nagas (serpent sons), Gadumi Nag is part of a sacred divine lineage deeply rooted in local mythology.
What makes Deity Gadumi Nag particularly unique is the story of his birth. According to traditional beliefs, Maa Budhi Nagin considered him her "Ulta Jaya"—a term used to describe a child whose birth did not occur in the usual way. This extraordinary birth is seen as a divine sign and adds to the mystical aura surrounding Gadumi Nag, setting him apart even among his divine siblings.
His origin reflects both spiritual uniqueness and the mystic depth of the local faith system, where unusual or miraculous births are often tied to higher cosmic purposes.
Location -The sacred Gadumi Nag Temple is situated in the serene village of Kutwa, which falls under the Kohila Panchayat in Anni Tehsil, Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by the majestic Himalayan landscape, the temple rests peacefully amidst pine-covered hills and terraced fields, offering visitors both spiritual peace and breathtaking natural beauty.
While not widely known outside the local region, this temple is a vital religious and cultural landmark for the villagers and devotees in the Anni and Seraj regions. Its peaceful surroundings and untouched setting make it not only a place of worship but also a hidden gem for seekers of solitude and divine energy.
Festivals & Rituals at Gadumi Nag Temple
Worship at Gadumi Nag Temple is deeply rooted in local traditions, with vibrant festivals and sacred rituals observed throughout the year. Some of the most important ones are:
🔸 Shalnu Mela – June 30 & July 1
One of the grandest celebrations dedicated to Deity Gadumi Nag is the Shalnu Mela, held annually on June 30 and July 1. This traditional fair brings together villagers from surrounding areas in joyous devotion. Devotees gather with offerings, traditional music (nati), folk dances, and processions honouring the deity. The mela is a symbol of unity, culture, and faith, reviving old traditions and celebrating Gadumi Nag’s divine presence. The dates of festivals can be shifted forward or backwards by one day
📖 Origin of the Shalnu Festival – A Prayer That Saved Lives
The Shalnu Festival has its roots in a time of difficulty, faith, and divine intervention. One of the villages in the Kohila Panchayat is believed to have been ravaged by a devastating epidemic long ago. The deadly outbreak caused the tragic loss of many lives—both human and animal. Fear and sorrow spread across the region as people felt helpless against the unknown disease.
The villagers turned to the gods in their hour of need and prayed fervently to Gadumi Nag Ji, praying for his protection and mercy. It is believed that the deity, moved by their sincere prayers, intervened, calmed the epidemic, saved the remaining population, and brought peace to the land. In gratitude for this divine act, the people of the village decided to dedicate a special festival to honor and thank Gadumi Nag Ji. This marked the beginning of the Shalnu Mela, a tradition of faith and thankfulness that has been celebrated every year since then.
The festival is still observed not just as a ritual but also as a living reminder of divine protection—a reminder that even the worst disasters can be overcome with the blessings of their deity when people come together in faith.
🔸 Jatheri Festival – January 26
Another major occasion is the Jatheri festival, held every year on January 26. This winter gathering has spiritual and cultural importance. Families perform rituals seeking protection and blessings from Gadumi Nag for the coming year. Despite the cold climate, the spirit of the festival is warm and vibrant.
🔸 Year-Round Rituals
Apart from these two major events, numerous small rituals and poojas are performed across the year. Devotees come to the temple during important life events, agricultural seasons, and times of illness or crisis, seeking Gadumi Nag’s divine protection and healing power. The temple becomes a center for prayers, offerings, and storytelling—keeping age-old traditions alive through regular devotion.
🌩️ Divine Powers & Local Beliefs
Deity Gadumi Nag Ji is not only worshipped as a guardian deity but is also believed to possess extraordinary control over nature and weather. For generations, villagers have turned to him during times of distress—and their faith has been rewarded with divine intervention. God Gadumi Nag Ji is considered to be endowed with seven divine arts.
🌧️ Controller of Weather
It is widely believed—and witnessed by many—that Gadumi Nag Ji has the power to influence rain and weather conditions:
During times of drought, villagers offer special prayers and rituals at the temple, asking for rain. Miraculously, rain often follows their sincere devotion.
During heavy rains or storms, when there’s fear of destruction, devotees pray for calm weather—and the skies are said to clear.
This divine ability to balance the natural elements has earned him the title of “Weather Protector” in the region.
The Benefits of Parenthood. There are touching accounts of couples who had struggled to conceive, particularly sons, visiting the temple and receiving Gadumi Nag's blessings. After praying with devotion, many have returned to the temple to offer thanks, grateful for the miraculous birth of a child believed to be a gift from the deity himself.
🛡️ Protector from Negative Energy
Locals also believe that Gadumi Nag Ji protects his devotees from evil spirits, black magic, and negative energies. People who feel mentally or spiritually disturbed often visit the temple for relief, and many claim to experience peace and healing after seeking his blessings.
These divine qualities have made Gadumi Nag not just a deity but a divine guardian of the people, nature, and spiritual well-being of the entire region.
🛕 Pilgrimage to the Sacred Peak of Gadumi Nag
Reaching the main shrine of Deity Gadumi Nag is not just a journey of distance—it is a spiritual and physical pilgrimage of faith.
The temple lies approximately 100 kilometres from the Kullu district headquarters, and it is accessible by road up to Panchayat Kohila, Tehsil Anni. The actual pilgrimage begins there. Gadum's The Sacred Peak The main shrine of Deity Gadumi Nag is located at the top of a steep mountain peak, a place locally known as Gadum. It is believed that the name ‘Gadumi’ itself is derived from this sacred place.
From Kutwa village, devotees must hike nearly 3 kilometers uphill to reach the Gadum shrine. The path is steep, rugged, and physically demanding, but the journey is considered highly sacred. Despite the difficult terrain, hundreds of faithful climb this mountain every year, especially during major occasions .
At the summit, surrounded by pure mountain air and panoramic views, lies the ancient and revered shrine of Deity Gadumi Nag. The atmosphere is serene, the silence broken only by the wind and the occasional sound of temple bells or chants of prayer.
Many say that the more effort the devotee puts into reaching the peak, the stronger the spiritual connection they feel upon arriving at the shrine.
🌄 Conclusion: A Deity Who Lives in Devotion and Nature
Deity Gadumi Nag is more than a local god—he is a living force of nature, protector of villages, and symbol of faith in Himachal's rich spiritual heritage. His influence is profound across the hills of Seraj and beyond, from his miraculous birth to his control over the rain and fertility blessings. For those willing to undertake the steep climb to Gadum, the reward is not only a view of the majestic landscape but a chance to touch the divine—to stand in the presence of a god who still listens, still protects, and still performs miracles.
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