Devbhhomi title is not only used by HP, UK but also by Kerala. Each side has vedic references. Well whole India is land where God himself took form and walked length and breadth ofnthe country in various avatars. The whole country is sacred divine Dev bhoomi. But since you asked about Himachal, Himachal is place to many holy sites with many shaktipeeths and other important vedic places. Here is reading from chat, websites collated together manually-
Himachal Pradesh has deep-rooted connections with the
Vedic period,
prehistoric times, and the
epic narratives of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The region, part of the western Himalayas, has been traditionally known as
“Dev Bhoomi” (Land of the Gods) due to its strong association with sages (Rishis), ancient spiritual practices, and mythological events.
Here’s a detailed overview of the
Vedic and mythological significance of Himachal Pradesh, supported by references from scriptures, archaeology, and tradition:
1. Prehistoric and Protohistoric Himachal
- Archaeological Evidence:
- Sites in the Kullu, Mandi, Bilaspur, and Kangra districts have yielded tools and artifacts from the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods.
- Pong Dam Reservoir (Kangra) has shown Paleolithic settlements.
- This suggests continuous human habitation since prehistoric times, possibly by tribes mentioned in early Vedic texts like the Dasas and Nishadas.
- Archaeological evidence suggests human presence in Himachal Pradesh, India, dating back about 2 million years, with the earliest settlements in the foothills of the Himalayas. The Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods saw the use of stone tools and early human activity, with evidence found in areas like Bangana and Sirsa valleys. Later, the Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished between 2250 and 1750 BCE, pushed the original inhabitants of the Ganga plains, known as the Kolorian people, towards the hills of Himachal Pradesh.
Reference:
- Sharma, B.D. “Prehistoric Himachal” – Himachal State Museum Bulletin.2
- ASI excavation reports on Guler and Bangana.
2. Vedic Period and Rishi Tradition
Himachal Pradesh is considered a sacred region in the Vedas and later scriptures due to its connection with numerous
Rishis (sages) who performed tapasya (penance) here.
Notable Rishis and Their Tapobhoomi:
- Rishi Vashishta:
- Associated with Vashisht Kund near Manali (Vashishta village).
- Said to have meditated here after renouncing royal life.
- Vashishta Gufa is considered a sacred place.
- Rishi Parashara:
- Father of Ved Vyasa (author of Mahabharata).
- Believed to have lived near Parashar Lake (Mandi district).
- The lake and temple are dedicated to him.
- Rishi Vyasa (Ved Vyasa):
- Born to Rishi Parashara and Satyavati.
- As per local tradition, stayed in the Beas valley (which derives its name from Vyasa → Beas).
- Markandeya Rishi:
- Mentioned in the Mahabharata and Puranas.
- Said to have meditated at Markandeya Parvat, near Bilaspur.
- Lomas Rishi:
- Believed to have meditated at Lomas Rishi Cave near Manikaran.
References:
- Rigveda, Mandala 10: Contains hymns attributed to Vashishta.
- Skanda Purana, Markandeya Purana.
- Himachal Gazetteers and folk oral traditions.
3. Ramayana Connections
- Lord Rama’s Journey:
- While Ramayana doesn't directly mention modern-day Himachal, oral traditions claim Lord Rama passed through Chamba and Kullu regions during his exile.
- Rishi Shringi:
- His ashram is believed to be in Banjar Valley (Kullu).
- He performed the Putrakameshti Yagna for King Dasharatha, leading to Rama's birth.
- Hanuman:
- Local beliefs say Hanuman brought the Sanjeevani herb from the Dronagiri ranges, which may include parts of present-day Chamba/Lahaul–Spiti as he flew across the Himalayas.
Reference:
- Valmiki Ramayana, Balakanda and Yuddhakanda.
- Regional folklore and temple legends of Kullu and Chamba.
4. Mahabharata Connection
- Pandavas’ Exile and Wanderings:
- According to legends and local traditions:
- Pandavas stayed in Sirmaur, Chamba, and Kullu during their exile.
- Caves and temples in these areas are said to be linked to their travels.
- Hidimba Devi:
- Kullu Valley was home to Hidimba, a Rakshasi who married Bhima.
- Hidimba Temple in Manali is dedicated to her.
- Their son Ghatotkacha was born here.
- Arjuna and Kirat Battle:
- Local traditions associate Arjuna’s battle with Lord Shiva (as a Kirata) with Kinnaur region.
References:
- Mahabharata, Vanaparva (Book of the Forest).
- Local folk epics (e.g., Pandav Nritya in Kullu).
5. Sacred Geography and Mythical Sites
| Site | Association |
|---|
| Manikaran (Kullu) | Sought by Shiva and Parvati; known for natural hot springs |
| Parashar Lake (Mandi) | Sage Parashara meditated here; temple dates to 13th century |
| Renuka Lake (Sirmaur) | Associated with Renuka Devi, mother of Parashurama |
| Churdhar Peak (Sirmaur) | Associated with Shiva and Bhima |
| Hatkoti (Shimla) | Shaktipeeth of Goddess Durga; mentions in Devi Mahatmya |
6. Vedic Rivers of Himachal Pradesh: Overview with References
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1. Sarasvati River (Vedic Name: Sarasvatī)
Vedic Reference:
Rigveda 6.61.8 — “Ambitame Nadītame Devītame Sarasvati” ("Best of mothers, rivers, and goddesses").
Origin & Location:
Believed to rise from the
Shivalik Hills, near Adi Badri, at the border of Himachal Pradesh and Haryana.
Himachal Connection:
Early tributaries and flow paths pass through southern Himachal.
2. Sutlej River (Vedic Name: Sutudrī)
Vedic Reference:
Rigveda 10.75.19 — cited among sacred rivers.
Modern Name: Sutlej
Originates near Rakshastal, close to Mount Kailash.
Himachal Connection:
Flows through Kinnaur, Shimla, Bilaspur, and Mandi districts.
Historical Importance:
One of the Sapta Sindhu rivers, crucial in Vedic geography.
3. Beas River (Vedic Name: Vipāś)
Vedic Reference:
Mentioned in Rigveda 7.18.12 as Vipāś, a swift and nourishing river.
Source:
Beas Kund near Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh.
Himachal Connection:
Flows through Kullu Valley.
Cultural Significance:
Important for Vedic Aryan settlements in the region.
4. Ravi River (Vedic Name: Paruṣṇī)
Vedic Reference:
Called Paruṣṇī in Rigveda 10.75.9.
Source:
Originates in Chamba district, Himachal Pradesh.
Himachal Connection:
Flows through Chamba and Kangra districts.
Significance:
One of Punjab’s five rivers, vital to Vedic culture.
5. Chenab River or ChandraBhag river (Vedic Name: Asiknī)
Vedic Reference:
Known as Asiknī in Rigveda 10.75.8, meaning "dark-colored."
Source:
Formed by confluence of Chandra and Bhaga rivers in Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh.
Himachal Connection:
Tributaries arise in Himachal’s high mountains before flowing into Jammu & Kashmir.
Importance:
Part of the ancient northern river system in Vedic geography.
Suggested Readings & Sources:
- Himachal Pradesh: History, Culture & Economy – S.R. Bakshi
- Himachal Pradesh District Gazetteers – Govt. of India publications
- Sacred Complex of Himachal – R.C. Dogra
- Skanda Purana (Kedar Khand) – Describes sacred Himalayan tirthas
- Mahabharata (Vanaparva, Adiparva) – Translations by Kisari Mohan Ganguli
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View attachment 38177
. not saying they cant use uttarakhandi song, but himanchal hv themself many beautiful himanchali songs. just in case we r seeing many himanchali r using uttarakhand "devbhoomi" name for himanchal also now a days
about their own identity from uttarpradesh.
