"From the time immemorial Himachal Pradesh has become well-known as "Dev Bhumi" or "the land of the Gods". It has also become known as "the Valley of the temples". In those temples the Brahmenical, the Buddhists at the Vaishnava gods and goddesses were eushrimed and those were worshiped by the worshipers from a very long time. The people of Himachal Pradesh are Hindus and they have a firm faith in the village cities. Every village has a temple and the people come there to worship the gods and goddesses.

In this work the author has tried to describe the Brahmanical and the Buddhist gods and goddesses in Himachal Pradesh, the important role played by the people of Himachal Pradesh for their enrichment in the temple and the development of Brahmanism and Buddhism there under their patronage. These two religions existed side by side there and the people of both the faith worshiped the Brahmanical as well as the Buddhist gods and goddesses there. Based on extensive research works by scholars, the author not only gives a comprehensive survey of the religious history of Himachal Pradesh but also tries to show the clear picture of the rise and growth of Brahmanism and Buddhism in this hill state. It is no doubt an important contribution to the study of Himachal Pradesh religious history. This detailed account will help scholars who denote themselves to the study of the Brahmanical and the Buddhist gods and goddesses and also the temples of this region."
                                                                                                                 [from Blurb]

Contents

Maps

Preface

Abbreviations

1. Brahmanism in Himachal Pradesh

2. Buddhism in Himachal Pradesh

Key to Map

Chronology

Bibliography

Plates