The Abode of Mahashiva: Cults and Symbology in Jaunsar-Bawar in the Mid-Himalayas

abstract According animals architectural Aryans aspect associated beliefs Brahminic Buddha Buddhist called century character characteristics circle classical communities complex concept considered cosmic creative cult cultural decorative deity Delhi depicted developed Devta temple district divine early elements entire entities essentially established evidences example existence expression fact goddess gods hand Handa Hanol Himachal Pradesh Himalayan Hindu houses human identified important Indian influence interesting Jaunsar-Bawar region Khashas known Lakhamandal later living Lord lotus magic Mahasu Devta manifestation material motif mountain Naga native nature numerous origin period Plate popular practices primitive pure regarded religious remained represents rise rituals Rudra sacraments seen Shaivism Shaivite Shakti Shimla Shiva shrine significance social socio-cultural stone structural suggest symbol symbolises tantric temple tion traditional tree triangle tribal tribes universal Vajrayana various Vedic village Vishnu vogue worship