Deity Siraj Pal

Location:

Nestled amidst the sacred landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, in the tranquil yet spiritually vibrant region of Kohila Panchayat, located in Tehsil Anni, District Kullu, resides an ancient and revered local deity— Deity Siraj Pal Ji, also historically known as Chhraji. The temple is situated approximately 100 kilometers from the Kullu district headquarters, making it a spiritually significant yet remote pilgrimage site. Associated with divine justice, spiritual protection, and Rudra-like energies, this deity holds a unique place in the hearts of devotees, blending ancient mysticism with deep-rooted Himalayan traditions.

🌄 Divine Origin of Deity Siraj Pal Ji

Deity Shri Siraj Pal Ji, the master of infinite powers, is believed to have originated from the sacred land of Kailash. According to local traditions, the deity embarked on a divine journey from Kailash in search of a rightful place to establish his presence. Passing through regions like Kinnaur, Lahaul, and Spiti, he gradually extended his spiritual dominion, appointing other deities as his representatives in various areas. Eventually, Siraj Pal Ji reached the renowned Kullu deity Bijli Mahadev. It is said that the two deities engaged in a prolonged game of chausar (a traditional dice game), where victories alternated between them. Ultimately, Siraj Pal Ji triumphed by winning sixteen sauniya, symbolizing sixteen divine powers. With honor, he took leave from Bijli Mahadev and resumed his quest for a sacred abode. Though worshipped under different names at various places he visited, Siraj Pal Ji finally chose Kohila as his permanent seat, where today a beautiful temple stands in his reverence.

✨ Divine Leelas and Manifestations of Deity Siraj Pal Ji

During his divine journey, Deity Siraj Pal Ji revealed several miraculous acts (leelas), the memories and physical evidence of which remain alive even today. One such leela occurred when the deity arrived at Kohila. Taking the form of a humble cowherd, he felt thirsty and struck the ground three times. Miraculously, three water springs (bawadiyas) emerged at that very spot—these still exist today as sacred testimony to his divine powers.

In his sacred teachings (Gur Vaani), the deity proclaims, "Chona Goji Baitha Patla, Joon Bola Pathre Rekha", meaning “The moment the deity speaks at this place, every word becomes an eternal line on stone—unchangeable and absolute truth.” To further demonstrate his power, the deity manifested massive deodar trees overnight. It was then that Deity Siraj Pal Ji appeared in his full divine glory.

His original and most powerful form is represented in the deity’s temple (deohra), where a radiant ten-armed idol, adorned with divine weapons and armor, is enshrined. This idol emanates an otherworldly aura. Alongside him is his divine mount, Nandi Maharaj. Deity Siraj Pal Ji is regarded as a Rudra form of Lord Shiva, a truth reflected in both his form and his vehicle Nandi, affirming his divine essence and supreme powers.

🕉️ The Divine Identity of Siraj Pal Ji

Locally addressed as "Drakas", Deity Siraj Pal is considered a rare divine entity who embodies both divine and fierce aspects—bearing qualities that resemble both a deity and, in another dimension, a demon-like force. This complex character reveals his role as a protector, enforcer, and a judge in the spiritual domain.

The ancient name Chhraji reflects his deep historical roots in the region. Over time, the name evolved into Siraj Pal, influenced by the area now known as Siraj (or Saraj).

🔱 A Rudra-Like Power: Connection to Lord Shiva

Deity Siraj Pal Ji is not just a village deity; he represents a fierce and divine force akin to Lord Shiva in his Rudra form—a manifestation of cosmic fire, discipline, and spiritual justice. Like Rudra, Siraj Pal Ji is believed to carry the power to destroy negativity, cleanse impurity, and bring balance to the natural and moral order.

Deity Siraj Pal Ji is regarded as the chief among the divine powers that accompany Shamshari Mahadev, the revered deity who is himself a manifestation of Lord Shiva. In the sacred hierarchy of the region’s Devtas, Siraj Pal Ji holds a position of great spiritual authority and responsibility. Many of the divine tasks, decisions, and interventions associated with Shamshari Mahadev are carried out through Siraj Pal Ji’s active power and presence.

Acting as a fierce protector and enforcer of dharma, he executes the will of Lord Shiva in matters of justice, protection, and spiritual purification. His role signifies not just companionship, but a sacred duty bestowed upon a trusted warrior of the divine realm.

His presence is not only venerated but also feared, as such powers are not taken lightly in Devbhoomi traditions. He is known to punish the wicked, protect the innocent, and restore harmony wherever dark forces threaten to unbalance the spiritual fabric of the community.

⚖️ The Justice Deity: Symbol of Dharma and Order

Siraj Pal Ji is regarded as a Justice Deity—a devta who upholds truth (satya), righteousness (dharma), and accountability. In traditional Himachali belief systems, such deities play an active role in village life—presiding over disputes, guiding decisions, and protecting the moral and spiritual well-being of the people.

God Siraj Pal Ji is revered above all as the supreme giver of justice. When someone is wronged and sincerely seeks his intervention, his response is swift and unwavering. Known for his fierce commitment to righteousness, Siraj Pal Ji does not tolerate injustice. When he rises to punish the wicked, he manifests his fearsome Drakās (demonic-destroyer) form, embodying a divine wrath that is unstoppable. In this powerful state, no god, demon, or force of nature can halt his path until justice is fully served and dharma is restored.

His presence is both awe-inspiring and deeply protective, making him not just a guardian of moral order, but a living testament to the power of divine justice.

Locals often approach the deity in times of crisis or injustice, offering prayers for truth to prevail. His decisions, often communicated through oracles (gurs or bards), are respected as final, and any defiance is considered both spiritually dangerous and socially unacceptable.

🛡️ Protector from Evil and Negative Energies

Deity Siraj Pal is also deeply revered for his role as a guardian against negative energies, black magic, and unseen forces. Devotees believe that his presence in the village acts as a spiritual shield, protecting homes, families, cattle, and crops from malevolent influences. His rituals are often invoked to cleanse spaces, ward off illness, and ensure peace in the surrounding region.

🛕The Divine Powers Associated with Deity Siraj Pal Ji

Deity Siraj Pal Ji is not only a powerful Drakās (divine-warrior entity with fierce protective qualities), but also revered as an independent Shakti-swaroop (self-manifested power deity). Deeply rooted in the ancient Shaivite tradition, Siraj Pal Ji embodies the fierce and justice-giving form of Lord Shiva, much like Rudra, the destroyer of evil and purifier of the cosmos.

Siraj Pal Ji’s divine presence is closely associated with other celestial powers, forming a spiritual pantheon in the Siraj region. These include:

• Devta Panchveer – The five divine warriors who support justice and dharma.
• Jogni – The fierce feminine energies, often seen as protectors of the land and destroyers of evil intentions.
• Kali – The goddess of time, destruction, and transformation, whose energy often complements the Rudra aspect of Shiva.

Together, these deities form a protective divine coalition, constantly active in destroying asuric (demonic) forces, negative karmas, and disturbances that threaten the dharmic balance of nature and society.

Deity Siraj Pal Ji is known as a Nyay Devta (Justice Deity), who punishes the wicked, clears the spiritual path for devotees, and ensures that the laws of cosmic justice are upheld in the human realm.

The worship of Siraj Pal Ji reflects a profound ancestral connection to nature, morality, and spiritual warfare—where divinity does not only bless, but also fiercely protects, purifies, and restores harmony.

🌾 Festivals, Rituals, and Devotion

The temple of Deity Siraj Pal Ji is a sacred center of vibrant festivals, rituals, and spiritual justice throughout the year. Among the most significant celebrations is the Kohila Shalnu festival, which is primarily dedicated to Deity Gadumi Nag Ji, yet Deity Siraj Pal Ji also plays an equally divine role in this event. Both deities reside in the same Panchayat (Kohila) and are revered with equal devotion by the local community and neighboring regions. The harmonious presence of both deities reflects the spiritual unity and deep-rooted Dev Sanskriti of the area. Numerous rituals, including seasonal offerings, and ceremonial processions, are performed annually in the temple of Siraj Pal Ji. Importantly, people also visit the temple to seek divine justice, as Siraj Pal Ji is known to resolve disputes and punish wrongdoers through spiritual means. These festivals and rituals are not just cultural events, but living traditions that connect the people to their ancient faith and divine protection.

🌄 The Living Faith of Devbhoomi

The worship of Deity Siraj Pal Ji is not a passive ritual but an active relationship between the divine and the community. Like many Kuldevtas (ancestral or regional deities) in Himachal Pradesh, Siraj Pal Ji represents more than a god—he is a guardian, a witness to generations, and a living force in the everyday life of the people.

The landscape of Devbhoomi is filled with such hidden, powerful devtas—each with their own personality, legacy, and divine role. In the case of Siraj Pal Ji, his blend of justice, protection, and Rudra-like energy makes him one of the most mysterious and awe-inspiring deities of the Kohila region.

📿 In Conclusion: Honor Through Awareness

As modernization spreads and ancient traditions risk being forgotten, it becomes all the more vital to document, honor, and share the stories of these local deities. Deity Siraj Pal Ji, with his fierce energy, protective grace, and divine sense of justice, stands as a powerful reminder of the spiritual depth of Himachali culture.

🕯️ Jai Devata Siraj Pal Ji!
📍 Location: Kohila Panchayat, Himachal Pradesh
🔗 Divine Allies: Deity Gadumi Nag Ji, Shamshari Mahadev Ji