Bagwal Mela: The Stone-Pelting Ritual, Varahi Worship of Devidhura You Won’t Believe Exists
Did You Know About Stone Pelting Event of Bagwal Mela, Raksha Bandhan and Varahi Tantrik Worship at Devidhura?
Devidhura is a Shaktipeeth on the banks of Sukhnoi River in Mukundpur about 75 kms distance from Champawat district of Uttarakhand, dedicated to Goddess Varahi, among the Sapta Matrikas. Lord Varaha is believed to have reached Patal Lok through the tunnel located in this temple and gave salvation to Hiranyaksha.
Did you know the devotees used to pelt stones at each other on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan?
AstroPuja takes you through Varahi Worship, Raksha Bandhan, Bagwal Mela and other interesting facts about this ancient Tantric Practice. Read on!
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Who is Goddess Varahi – The Fierce Faced Protector Among the Saptamatrikas?
Among the formidable Saptamatrikas or Seven Divine Mothers, Goddess Varahi stands out with her unique form and unyielding energy. Worshipped in Soumya, Shakteya and Tantric traditions, Varahi is often revered as the Goddess Dandini—the commander of the divine forces, the one who carries out the punishment of the wicked and the upholding of Dharma.
She is said to represent the feminine counterpart of Varaha and is said to have emerged from his divine energy to combat the Asuras (demons) alongside other Saptamatrikas—Brahmani, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vaishnavi, Indrani and Chamunda.
Appearance of Goddess Varahi
Her appearance is defined as a boar headed Goddess with human body, riding a buffalo. She carries a Halayudha (Plough), Gada (Mace), Pasha (Noose) and a Kapaal (Skull) in her hands giving Abhaya (Protection).
According to Tantric principles, the skull is said to be used for the removal of negative Karmas and ego. Goddess Varahi is an important deity, offered worship to address Shatru Badha or the obstacles and problems due to enemies or the rivals in business-life.
Where is Varahi Temple in Devidhura?
Varahi Temple in the village of Devidhura, on the banks of Sukhnoi River, is situated about 75 Km from Champawat district in Uttarakhand state. This temple is famous for the Bagwal Mela that takes place in the month of Shravan.
What is Asadi Koutik or the Bagwal Mela held on Raksha Bandhan?
The historic Bagwal Mela or the Bagwal Fair of Devidhura is also famous by the name of Asadi Kautik. Bagwal is played every year on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. It is played between people of four Khams and seven Thoks. It is believed that this game of Bagwal is being played in Devidhura since ancient times.
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The word 'Bagwal' means 'fight with stones'. Every year during the preparations for Raksha Bandhan, Champawat district of Uttarakhand is filled with the colours of love and merriment because of the Bagwal fair which is held in the month of Shravan.
In the month of Sawan Shukla Paksha, Bagwal (stone throwing war) takes place here between the clans called Gahadwal, Chamyal, Walik and Lamgadiya Khams.
Mythological Background of Bagwal
The folklore in Champawat region is that, there was a tradition of human sacrifice every year to the Goddess Barahi or Varahi by the people of Kham.
Once, the turn came to an old woman who had only a grandson which she reluctantly accepted to sacrifice for the appeasement of the Goddess. But Barahi appeared in the old woman’s dream and gave her the option to grant life to her grandson if she could offer the same amount of blood as an average man.
Since then, the people of Kham had been celebrating this sacrificial ceremony in a usual manner to offering blood to Barahi by pelting stones on each other. There are four Kham who has their own group to participate in this ceremony where every group protect themselves by farra (a wooden shield).
Bagwal Mela in Modern Times
This event sees four local clans—the Chamyal, Gahadwal, Lamgadiya, and Walig—engaging in a ritual battle using fruit and flowers instead of weapons.
Bagwal Ritual Highlights
- Participants gather at Barahi Temple courtyard.
- A mock battle takes place where people throw fruits and small stones, protected by shields.
- Bloodshed, though symbolic, could occur, and is considered auspicious.
- The ritual is conducted under the supervision of priests and village elders.
Bagwal Mela 2025 Date
Bagwal Mela will be held on 7th August, 2025 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, which is largely popular as the Rakhi festival, when sisters tie a sacred thread on the wrist of their brothers. There are many stories connected with this practice. Brothers grant a wish to the sister/s and offer many gifts.
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Seek the blessings of Goddess Varahi in Devdhura, participating Online in Varahi Havan performed on 24th August, 2025 with AstroPuja.
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