Lahaul’s deity Raja Ghepan begins return journey after historic Malana visit

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Manali, August 6

Revered Lahaul deity Raja Ghepan has begun his return journey to Lahaul after completing his sacred visit to Malana, where he met his elder brother, deity Jamlu, in a traditional ceremonial gathering. The deity is receiving a grand welcome in several villages across the Manali region as devotees gather to seek blessings.

Raja Ghepan visited Malana after a gap of nine years. During the pilgrimage, rituals were performed to prepare the deity’s new chariot, including the ceremonial felling and worship of a sacred tree. Following the rituals, Raja Ghepan was seated on the newly built chariot and commenced the journey back to Lahaul.

After leaving Malana, the deity reached Sharan village and is scheduled to halt overnight at Khakhnal village near Manali, where local residents have arranged community meals for devotees.

Former Palchan Panchayat Pradhan Sunder Singh Thakur said the pilgrimage began on July 24, with the deity crossing the Rohtang Pass and Chandrakhani Pass before reaching Malana. He added that Raja Ghepan received a grand welcome in Malana and is expected to return to his temple in Lahaul by August 15.

Sahil, the Gur of Goddess Tilo, who is accompanying the pilgrimage on foot, said Raja Ghepan is deeply revered across Kullu, Manali and Lahaul, and devotees believe the deity blesses them with peace and prosperity.

Devotee Shruti, who travelled from Kullu with her family, said she never misses an opportunity to seek Raja Ghepan’s blessings whenever the deity visits the region.

Another devotee, Rajiv, said Raja Ghepan had instructed all followers to undertake the pilgrimage on foot. He added that traditional rituals were performed in Malana before the deity began the return journey to his shrine in Lahaul aboard the newly consecrated chariot.