Blog

Locals believe that before removing the mountain, Hanuman did not seek the permission of the local deity, Latu Devta, who was in deep meditation on that very mountain. In doing so, he inadvertently uprooted the deity’s right arm, a mythological reference to violating a sacred site without consent. Their sacred mountain, worshipped, revered, lived beside, was torn from the earth by a god in a hurry. To this day, the Dronagiri mountain carries a scar: it has a flat top, and the villagers believe this is where Hanuman broke off the summit. Every time a villager looks up at that mountain, they see the evidence of what was taken. And so the grudge endures. Since then, villagers feel betrayed and have not forgiven Hanuman for the act, despite acknowledging his role in saving Lord Ram’s brother.