The Snake Temple Tour
A unique cultural and mythological journey across the valley, tracing the legend of Bhuri and the Snake Mother through local temples, villages, forests, and rivers. You may choose to do one, two, or all three days of this tour depending on your time and interest.
A unique cultural and mythological journey across the valley, tracing the legend of Bhuri and the Snake Mother through local temples, villages, forests, and rivers. You may choose to do one, two, or all three days of this tour depending on your time and interest.
The Legend of Bhuri and the Snake
In the nearby village of Chadhyana, nestled on the edge of the Kalala forest, lived a poor woman named Bhuri. In her time, the area was far from the apple orchards seen today. People lived simply, growing what they could on narrow terraced fields.
Bhuri’s story took a mythical turn when she gave birth to a snake. She kept this secret, hiding the snake in the obra—the traditional lower floor of a rural Himachali house used for cattle—and fed him in secret.
As he grew, the snake spoke:
“I know you are afraid, but you shouldn't be. I can help you. Sweep the threshold after I leave, and you’ll find gold coins. But do this only once.”
Bhuri obeyed and found gold coins. But greed overcame her, and she swept the threshold again. The angered snake flicked his tail, hurling her across the valley to Bhumrara, several kilometres away.
Left alone, the snake began feeding on milk from the neighbours' cows. They, fearing him, eventually cut him into three pieces. The tail, middle, and head slithered off separately and came to rest in Baginala, Ghunda, and Bhumrara respectively—each now home to a temple.
In the nearby village of Chadhyana, nestled on the edge of the Kalala forest, lived a poor woman named Bhuri. In her time, the area was far from the apple orchards seen today. People lived simply, growing what they could on narrow terraced fields.
Bhuri’s story took a mythical turn when she gave birth to a snake. She kept this secret, hiding the snake in the obra—the traditional lower floor of a rural Himachali house used for cattle—and fed him in secret.
As he grew, the snake spoke:
“I know you are afraid, but you shouldn't be. I can help you. Sweep the threshold after I leave, and you’ll find gold coins. But do this only once.”
Bhuri obeyed and found gold coins. But greed overcame her, and she swept the threshold again. The angered snake flicked his tail, hurling her across the valley to Bhumrara, several kilometres away.
Left alone, the snake began feeding on milk from the neighbours' cows. They, fearing him, eventually cut him into three pieces. The tail, middle, and head slithered off separately and came to rest in Baginala, Ghunda, and Bhumrara respectively—each now home to a temple.
The Forest Road & Temple Today
In the early 1980s, while a forest road was being built above Chadhyana, work was halted when a snake (or several) appeared. Locals believed this was the Snake Mother’s doing, and resolved to build a new temple in her honour. Today, it hosts seasonal festivals and Navratri feasts.
Snake (Nāg) deities in Himalayan belief are protectors and bringers of rain. Temples to snake goddesses are often found near water sources, and their mythology is richly documented in Puranic literature.
(Subhashini Aryan)
In the early 1980s, while a forest road was being built above Chadhyana, work was halted when a snake (or several) appeared. Locals believed this was the Snake Mother’s doing, and resolved to build a new temple in her honour. Today, it hosts seasonal festivals and Navratri feasts.
Snake (Nāg) deities in Himalayan belief are protectors and bringers of rain. Temples to snake goddesses are often found near water sources, and their mythology is richly documented in Puranic literature.
(Subhashini Aryan)
The Serpent and Kundalini
In Kundalini yoga, the snake represents latent spiritual energy coiled at the base of the spine. When awakened, this energy rises, transforming the self.
“The image of the snake symbolises the raw inner energy within each of us.”
(Ashley Jones)
This ancient symbolism ties subtly into the Snake Mother’s myth—a story of transformation, power, and consequence.
In Kundalini yoga, the snake represents latent spiritual energy coiled at the base of the spine. When awakened, this energy rises, transforming the self.
“The image of the snake symbolises the raw inner energy within each of us.”
(Ashley Jones)
This ancient symbolism ties subtly into the Snake Mother’s myth—a story of transformation, power, and consequence.
Tour Details
You may choose one, two or all three days.
Day One is included in the stay price.
Day Two and Three require taxis:
Itinerary
Day One: The Forest Walk & Temples
Walk (approx. 3 hours) through forest and orchards to Chadhyana.
Visit the original Snake Mother temple, Bhuri’s home,
The new temple built in the 1980s.
Picnic in the forest.
Return via road (30 min) or forest hike with stops at a century-old Forest Rest House & an ancient stone stepwells (bauri).
Day Two: Head of the Snake
Although Bhumrara is just across the valley, it’s a 90-minute (30 km) drive.
Visit Bhumrara temple, where the Snake Mother’s head came to rest.
Drive to Koti, a riverside shrine.
Swim and picnic by the river.
Day Three: Middle & Tail
A 90-minute scenic drive to two more sacred sites:
Ghunda: Traditional village with a temple marking the snake’s middle.
Baginala: The site where the tail came to rest.
Picnic en route through forested hills.
You may choose one, two or all three days.
Day One is included in the stay price.
Day Two and Three require taxis:
Itinerary
Day One: The Forest Walk & Temples
Walk (approx. 3 hours) through forest and orchards to Chadhyana.
Visit the original Snake Mother temple, Bhuri’s home,
The new temple built in the 1980s.
Picnic in the forest.
Return via road (30 min) or forest hike with stops at a century-old Forest Rest House & an ancient stone stepwells (bauri).
Day Two: Head of the Snake
Although Bhumrara is just across the valley, it’s a 90-minute (30 km) drive.
Visit Bhumrara temple, where the Snake Mother’s head came to rest.
Drive to Koti, a riverside shrine.
Swim and picnic by the river.
Day Three: Middle & Tail
A 90-minute scenic drive to two more sacred sites:
Ghunda: Traditional village with a temple marking the snake’s middle.
Baginala: The site where the tail came to rest.
Picnic en route through forested hills.