Duryodhana Cult
From Uttarakashi to Kollam, a section of people venerate Dutyodhana as their king and protector, follow him with love and reverence, narrates Kartika Parida
Jarkol, Osla, Gangar or Datir. Ever heard of these village names? These picturesque postcard like villages sit on the lap of mountains standing tall in the enchanting valleys of Uttarakashi district in Uttaranchal state. What makes these villages famous is the practice of the cult of Duryodhana. Reverence, love is profound for this much talked about, infamous character of Mahabharata, as the inhabitants here consider Kauravas as their real ruler and Duryodhana as their protector hero.
“Har-Ki-Doon” Valley is a place, where Duryodhana is worshipped as any other deity. This wonderland is spread across Jaunsar-Bawar in Dehradun district and Rawain in Uttarkashi district. This entire region strewn with sporadic villages is considered to be the domain of Duryodhana Maharaj and Kauravas are recognized as the true rulers of Bharat.
There is a shrine for him at Saur village. He is worshipped in 13 shrines, the remaining twelve of these srines situated at Katgaon, Sidari, Khatmer, Gangad, Osala, Kherga, Paun-tala, Paun-Uporala, Jakhol, Dhara, Phetari and Lebadi. In these temples, and elsewhere, Duryodhana is referred as Sumeshu or Someshwar by devotees. Besides Saur, there are temples for Kauravas at Osla, Gangar and Datmircan.
According to legend, after travelling through Kashmir and Kullu, Duryodhana arrived at Hanol situated in Jaunsar-Bawar region. Looking at sheer natural beauty around, the mesmerized prince wanted to have the place as his domain. He appealed to the local reigning deity, Mahasu to grant him a piece of the valley which the deity accepted and bestowed upon him this region and the people living in it to be cared for and protected by him. To this day, people in this region only recognize Duryodhana as their revered king who protects and looks after them.
In this area flows two rivers: Tons (Tamasa) and Yamuna. Twin rivers, Rupin and Supin form a confluence at Netwar. From here, these two rivers flow as Tamasa or Tons that falls into Yamuna near Kalsi. According to the folklore, people cried so much after the demise of D
uryadhana that their tears gave birth to Tamasa (sad) river. Even to this day, people of this reason refrain from drinking water from Tamasa.
The main seat of Duryodhana is at Jakhol shrine where his idol is worshipped. Except in Sukkundi, Rekcha, Rala Sankari, Sauni, Saturi, and Panwari villages, all other villages have three chambered wooden shrines. However, these shrines do not have idols of Duryodhana. The icon is carried to each temple turn-wise in a ritual spanning and brought back to the main temple after the end of the customary sojourn. Duryodhana veneration is deep-rooted. A Naubati or traditional beating of drum is conducted thrice a day in honor of their beloved king in these shrines.
Duryodhana’s entry into this magnificent land is filled with myths and still sung by locals and narrated in Jaagars, by invoking the deities. The man on whom the spirit of Duryodhana is invoked is known as Malli. He issues orders which are carried out by his subjects, means, the villagers without any hesitation and question. People of this area hardly approach government agencies with their complaints. Disputes are resolved by the elderly village head called Sayanas. Yet, if disputes remain unresolved, King Duryodhan through Maali is approached during Jaagar, whose words of judgment are carried out without a flinch.
The tour of Duryodhana Maharaj’s idol Jakhol starts every year on the 21st day of Ashadha Month. Four days before the commencement of the tour, Sayanas from all villages along with Bajgis assemble at Jakhol to take part in the procession. Priests of the shrine belong to Khas Rajput clan of Jakhol and nearby Phitari village.
Starting the tour from Jakhol, the procession reaches Kotegaon on the 25th day of Ashadha, where he is welcomed by representatives from 21 villages. Maharaj’s arrival is celebrated by a three-day fair until 27th day of the month. Next day, the Doli procession leaves Kotegaon and heads towards Datmer village in Badasu belt, where a similar fair is organised. The 30th day of Ashadha, or Ashadha Purnima is the day for taking rest. During this journey, only Dhoop and deepa are offered. Arati is performed in the evening.
The first day in the moth of Shravana is the day of arrival of the caravan at Fitari village. Here, he is offered dishes cooked in milk and ghee. Next day, famous Soni fair attracts huge gathering of people. That evening, the Doli returns back to Jakholi. On the following two days, in a similar fair, people throng in large numbers and perform traditional dances. On the 6th days of the month of Shravana, the doli in a procession again moves out from Jakhol and arrives in Dhara village to the welcome of a fair. The Doli is finally carried to Osla on 19th day. A Fair is held, people gather in large numbers to sing and dance and merrymaking.
The second lap of this tour called Raksha Pher commences which follows a similar pattern. On the 15th day of Pausha, Duryodhana returns to his main seat at Jakhol. His arrival is celebrated with an euphoric festival with drinking, dancing by all young or old equally throughout the night.
The biggest festival related to Duryodhana cult is celebrated in the month of Baishakh. People observe Jaagran, a ritual in which the Maali, said to be under the influence of Duryodhana’s spirit visit the meeting point of the Rupan and the Supan river. On that location, a sort of spirit conference takes place. In this, spirits of other prominent Kaurava personalities are also invoked into other persons. The Maali gets briefed by these afflicted people about the affairs of his kingdom and dispenses justice. Cult followers offer sheep to their king, Duryodhana with the belief that he would protect them from evils.
Down South, a shrine dedicated to Duryodhana pays property tax in his name. The shrine, known as Poruvazhy Peruviruthy Malanada or Malanada built in Poruvazhy village in Kollam district of Kerala is dedicated to Duryodhana. As the chief deity of the Kurava community living in this area, he is worshipped as ‘Malayappooppam’. There is, interestingly no idol of Duryodhana in that shrine. Only a raised platform called Mandapam or Althara where devotees pray and meditate.
The legend on this says that Duryodhana wandered into this area in search of Pandavas. He was thirsty and asked a lady from Kurava community for some water. The lady offered him toddy (sweet coconut water). However, looking at his regal stature, the lady shrank fearing retribution as she belonged to a lower social order. When told about this, Duryodhana did not flinch, rather was touched by her concern and hospitality. To express his gratitude, he sat down there for a while and prayed for the welfare of the village people.
The lady was touched by the humility of Duryodhana, quite pleased with the fact that such a royal persona could receive drink from her and show gratitude. Later the villagers from this community built a shrine on the spot where Duryodhana sat for a while. They pay property tax in his name. The priest in the temple is from their community.