Bridging Great and Little Traditions: Gīhn Nāga as a Symbol of Western Himalayan Religious Synthesis

Author(s)	Roshni Devi
Country	India
Abstract	This paper explores the mythological, historical, and cultural dimensions of the worship of Gīhn Nāga. This deity revered across the Mandi and Suket regions of Himachal Pradesh. Regarded as an incarnation of Śeṣanāga and a manifestation of the Pāṇḍava spirit, Gīhn Nāga represents the synthesis of the Epic, and regional western Himalayan religious folk traditions. Through the study of local legends, temple traditions, and ritual practices, this research paper highlights how the deity embodies both pan-Indian mythic elements with unique local identities. The paper also examines Gīhn Nāga’s role in shaping regional heritage, sacred geography, and the continuity of Nāga worship as a vital strand of Himachal’s cultural identity till today.
Keywords	Gīhn Nāga, Nāga tradition, Mandi, Suket, Pāṇḍavas, Mahāsū Devta, Himalayan culture.
Field	Sociology > Archaeology / History
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 1, January-February 2025
Published On	2025-02-22

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