Baukh Nag/ Bokh Naag, Baba/ Devata
Briefly
Village Kapnoul, Uttarakhand, has a well called Ringada Pani from the east whose water never dries, no matter how much water is removed from it. But even then, the time remains full, it is believed that Baba Baukh Nag is the originator of the deity from the same water well, because now a huge grand temple of Baba Baukh Nag has been built on top of the well and some from the village of Kapnaul There is a place called Naska on the distance from where Baba Baukh Nag's statue was available,
It is believed that Baba Baukh Nag is an incarnation of Shiva, the first fair of Baba Baukh Nag ji starts on the solstice of Asad month, after that in the whole Asad month. Baukh Nag's Dholi Village revolves around the village
YEAR-WISE DEVELOPMENTS
2023/ Deity’s wrath for razing temple led to tunnel collapse: Villagers
Abhyudaya Kotnala, Nov 16, 2023: The Times of India
Deity’s wrath for razing temple led to tunnel collapse: Villagers
Abhyudaya.Kotnala@timesgroup.com
Uttarkashi : A few days before Diwali, the day when 40 workers were trapped inside the Silkyara-Polgaon tunnel, a temple devoted to a local deity Baukhnaag Devta, considered the region’s guardian, was razed for work at the temple site. Villagers now allege “the wrath of the deity is the reason for the tunnel collapse”.
Dhanveer Chand Ramola, a 40-year-old resident of Silkyara village, said, “Before the project was initiated, asmall temple was built near the tunnel entrance. Respecting local beliefs, former officials and workers used to offer prayers there before starting the day’s work. A few days ago, the new man agement removed the temple from the spot, resulting in this mishap.”
Another villager, Rakesh Nautiyal (45), said, “We asked construction company officials not to damage the temple or at least build another one in a nearby place before doing so. But they ignored our warnings, thinking we’re superstitious. Parts of the underground tunnel had collapsed earlier but not a single worker had been harmed as religious practices were being followed.”
Even though over 150 personnel from several agencies have been working tirelessly and high-power auger machines have been transported for the rescue operation, villagers believe that “unless the deity is pac ified, these efforts will not yield any results”.
Ganesh Prasad Bijalwan (55), a priest of Baukhnaag Devta, said, “Uttarakhand is aland of gods. It’s a tradition to set up a small temple of a local deity before constructing any bridge, road or tunnel to seek blessings of that particular god or goddess.”
He added, “The construction company has made a grave mistake by ignoring local traditions. Another temple needs to be built with proper prayers. Once the deity is pleased, the operation to evacuate labourers will succeed.” Meanwhile, teams engaged in rescue work have started offering prayers inside the tunnel for the past two days.
(With inputs from Shivani Azad)
