The tribal district of Himachal Pradesh, Lahaul and Spiti is famous worldwide for its beauty. However, nature has spent all its beauty in Lahaul Spiti. The snow-capped mountains of this area only attract visitors. But the identity of Lahaul Spiti is not only snow and mountains.
Lahaul Spiti is famous for another reason, and that is the temple of the deity ‘Raja Ghepan Ka Mandir’ here. The temple of King Ghepan is a big centre of faith in this valley. Devotees from far and wide reach here to have darshan of the deity King Ghepan. So let us tell you about this more than a thousand years old ‘Raja Ghepan Temple’.
Wishes come true
The devotees who come here say that whatever vow is sought from King Ghepan, it is fulfilled. The glory of King Ghepan is such that people from far and wide reach Lahaul-Spiti to see him. Even in the court of King Ghepan, there is no distinction of any caste or religion. In this temple of the deity King Ghepan, people of every faith bow their heads. This is the biggest temple of Lahaul.
History of the Temple
It is said about this time that there was a lot of terror of demons at one time. The demons used to trouble the local people a lot. Then King Ghepan destroyed the monsters in the valley. That’s why he has a lot of recognition here. Devotees tell that the demons used to do a lot of orgies here at one time. After the establishment of King Ghepan, peace came here.
Raja Ghepan’s only temple
Raja Ghepan’s temple, located in Sisu village of Lahaul, is his only temple. The deity King Ghepan is the most significant deity of Lahaul Spiti. He performs a grand Rath Yatra every three years and gives darshan to all his devotees living in the valley. This tradition of Rath Yatra is centuries old which lasts for more than two months. This year also this Rath Yatra is being organized.
During this Rath Yatra, it is believed that King Ghepan makes a security cordon for the residents of Lahaul. Through this circle, the devotees get protection till the next visit of King Ghepan. King Ghepan passes through many stages during his journey. However, this year due to Coronavirus, it is feared that the Rath Yatra of the deity King Ghepan will last as long as every time.
Fresh butter is offered in the prasad to the deity King Ghepan. Along with this, they also enjoy the fresh milk of the domestic animals of the area.