The magnificent Dronagiri

Another trek. Another mountain with a mythological reference.

I did the Kuari pass trek with Indiahikes in December and to say it was an amazing experience would be an understatement. The trek offered views of the gorgeous Himalayan peaks almost all the time and as a resident of a concrete jungle (read Hyderabad) this was a welcome and much needed change.

One such mountain peaks was Dronagiri. Towering majestically against the gorgeous blue skies at 7066 meters, Dronagiri is equal parts beautiful and intimidating. During the trek, our guides told us of the unique history of Dronagiri and the fascinating story behind why the villagers in that area do not worship lord Hanuman.

Legend has it that the Dronagiri produces many plants with medicinal properties, especially the Sanjeevani - a legendary herb with the miraculous power to cure even the most severe ailments and even bring back someone who is at the brink of death.

According to the Valmiki Ramayana, during the war of Lanka, Lakshmana is struck with a devastating weapon by Indrajit, Ravanas son. Lakshmana is very grievously injured and in an attempt to save his life, Hanuman is summoned to retrieve the Sanjeevani from Mount Dronagiri.

Despite the many obstacles during his journey, Hanuman makes it in time to Dronagiri to retrieve the Sanjeevani. However to his dismay, he finds that the mountain slopes are covered with a wide variety of herbs and plants and he has no way of identifying the Sanjeevani. Unable to single it out, he resorts to an extraordinary feat of strength and devotion, he breaks off the top part of the mountain and carries lifting it back to the battlefield. This heroic act ensures that Lakshmana is revived and nursed back to health.

Now as to why the villagers are upset with Lord Hanuman - it is said that for the residents of this village, the Dronagiri is their main deity and they worship the mountain. Hanuman, in an attempt to save Lakshmana's life, broke off the top of the mountain to source the Sanjeevani and left the mountain flat topped. The residents of the village have been upset with Hanuman for breaking a part of their deity, so upset that anyone found worshipping Hanuman is banished from the village entirely!

While the authenticity of these folktales may be questioned, one cannot deny that stories like these add to the charm and beauty of these grand mountains.