TUTELARY DEITY OF THE ERSTWHILE CAPITAL OF KULLU, NAGGAR, HP.

Goddess Tripura is the tutelary deity or ‘Ishta Devi’ in the area. People in the region have faith that it’s Goddess who protects and will always protect them from harms, inner or outer. It’s a common belief in the region that Naggar Village in Kullu valley was inhabited at Divine Will of the Goddess.

Tripura Sundari temple is an old shrine situated in Naggar, Distt. Kullu of Himachal Pradesh located at the altitude of 1900M/6250ft This was constructed by Raja Yashodhapal of Kullu. The temple is a three-storey structure, probably one of the best examples of pagoda style of architecture in Himachal Pradesh. This historic temples in Naggar are built in Pagoda and Shikhara architectural styles. 

There are the stone idols of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, and Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati inside the temple. A small idol of Tripura Rakshasa (demon) is also there in the temple. A fair is organized in the honor of Tripura Devi here in May every year.

The temple stands as a massive wooden structure, exhibiting the local architecture and art of carving. The architectural design and style of Tripura Sundari temple is inspired by the Hadimba Devi temple in Manali, one of the best examples of pagoda style in India. An ancient belief associated with the temple suggests that it was built by the Goddess herself, after she turned into a spider and this is why it has the shape of a web. 

Tripura Devi visits the local territories when out on her periodical sojourn and reaches Kullu. The worshippers carry her idol in a well decorated palanquin along with their conventional musical instruments. On the way, the palanquin of the goddess is greeted by people who receive rice as a token of her blessings and protection.

Copy Right: Dr Lalit Mohan
Dr Lalit mohan acknowledge http://theoktravel.com/temple-of-tripura-sundari-supreme-hindu-goddess-in-the-erstwhile-capital-of-kullu-naggar/2224/ and reference therein for text material. 

DIVINITY FOR WORSHIP OF LOCAL DEITY IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

DHANERA: A INCENSE POT

Dhanera/ Incense pot is a silver pot on one side and a handle on the other side. Dhanera is used for worship the deity by placing "Ghee" and fragrance plant leafs over the burning charcoals in incense pot. 

MACE: POWER AND AUTHORITY

The mace represents the Royal authority and Sovereignty of local deity. The Mace is carried in front of the local deity procession during fair/festival/fest. The Maces symbolizes the power and authority of local deity over the villages and independence from external authority.
           

NARSINGHA:

Nar-Singha also called Ransinga which is an ancient and royal instrument and played in all part of Himachal Pradesh during the procession of deities and their worship. It is made of metals like brass or silver, it has the shape of the English letter 'S' consists of two parts which are joined together. Both two parts are of the shape of English alphabet 'C'.  Ran-Singa produce all the seven "Swaras". This musical instrument is known by various names in different parts of Indian States. As the name signifies the instrument is in the shape of serpent and the flare is the face as also the hood with an open mouth including the split tongue.    

KARNAL:

Karnal is also a royal instrument of divinity and played most part of the Himachal Pradesh. This musical instrument is very ancient and used like the Ransinga. It has a straight body made of brass, copper or silver. Only two and three high notes can be played on it. It has a prominent bell resembling a datura flower. It is used during deities processing and local the occasions of local marriages.

SHEHNAI:

Literally Shehnai means "the Emperor of the Wind instruments" and is the perfect musical instrument, capable of producing the subtlest notes. It is made of wood or metal. It is played during marriages and local deities procession.     

       

NAGARA:

Narara is made of copper and is covered with goatskin that is tightened with the strings running across the body to produce a heavy and deep sound. The Nagara is played with two sticks and is played on deities worship, festival/ fairs/ fest, social occasions (marriages).   

                                            DHOL:

Dhol is a very popular musical instrument also played during deities worship, festival/ fairs/ fest, social occasions (marriages). It has big round hollow body and is made either of wood/brass/silver. Both the open ends are covered with goatskin that is tightened with the strings running across the body of the Dhol. It is played with hand and stick.                                                            

PC: Dr Lalit Mohan