In a country where Hanuman is not just worshipped as a deity but is an emotion and a symbol of faith, temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman can be found across cities, towns and remote villages. However, there’s one Himalayan hamlet in Uttarakhand which is often known for its natural beauty, and another unusual reason. Villagers here traditionally do not worship Hanuman, and there is no temple dedicated to him in the village.Now there’s a very interesting reason behind it which lies in a centuries-old belief associated with the Ramayana and the Sanjeevani booti. Welcome to Dronagiri Village, a remote mountain settlement in Chamoli district.Location
Trekkers in Chamoli (Canva)
Situated at 3,658 metres above sea level, Dronagiri is known for its old stone houses and high-altitude trekking routes. But besides its landscape, the village also offers a fascinating travel experience for those interested in India’s lesser-known cultural and religious traditions.Why is there no Hanuman temple in Dronagiri?Legend has it that when Lakshmana was wounded during the battle between Lord Rama and Ravana in Lanka, then Hanuman was sent to the Himalayas to find the life-saving Sanjeevani herb or booti. When he reached the Himalayas, he was not able to identify the correct medicinal plant. So Hanuman lifted the entire mountain and carried it to the battlefield in Lanka.But people in Dronagiri know this story differently.
Locals of Chamoli (Canva)
According to local belief, the mountain involved in the episode was Dronagiri Parvat, a sacred peak revered by the villagers. The story holds that Hanuman damaged or removed a portion of their holy mountain while searching for the herb. What is celebrated in many parts of India as an extraordinary act of devotion and courage is viewed here as an injury to a sacred landscape by locals here.This is the main reason why locals have historically refrained from worshipping him, and the village is widely known for having no Hanuman temple.A Himalayan village where mythology shapes everyday life
Dronagiri Mountain (Canva)
The village is associated with Bhotiya cultural traditions. There are traditional stone houses with slate roofs. People here depend on agriculture and animal husbandry to support life.Dronagiri’s cultural identity attracts travellers because it shows how the same mythological story can have completely different meanings in other parts of the country. While Hanuman’s journey for Sanjeevani is remembered as an act of extraordinary devotion and courage, the locals here differ.What can travellers explore around Dronagiri?When here travellers can explore Dronagiri Parvat, the mountain linked with the Sanjeevani booti story in the Ramayana. Then there is Bagini Glacier which is a high-altitude trekking destination. Nandi Kund is another must visit attraction which is a sacred glacial lake associated with Nandi, Lord Shiva’s bull.How to reach
- By air: The nearest airport is situated in Dehradun, Jolly Grant Airport.
- By rail: Haridwar and Rishikesh are among the nearest major railway access points.
- By road and trek: Travel to Joshimath, continue by road to Jumma and proceed on foot through Ruing to Dronagiri.
Before planning, visitors should confirm current weather and trail conditions. It is suggested to hire an experienced local guide to explore the village and nearby region.
