Why Are ‘Mysterious’ Heaps of Pebbles Seen on Mountain Roads?
Cattle herders in the hills use small stone heaps as route markers when travelling through foggy mountain forests, helping them avoid losing their way. These heaps are also regarded as divine blessings for protection and safe journeys.
During the rainy season, large stones often roll down from the mountains, sparking concern among locals. Yet, for generations, such stones have been surrounded by beliefs and legends deeply rooted in hill traditions.
Kanchan Negi, a resident of Uttarakhand, explains that when cattle herders take their animals into the forest for grazing, fog and mist—especially during the rains and winter—can obscure the paths. To ensure they can find their way back to the village, they place flat stones on rocks, creating route markers.
For mountain communities, nature is revered as divine. These heaps of stones, often seen along winding hill roads, are not random arrangements or children’s playthings but markers with spiritual significance. Travellers believe they invoke the blessings of local deities for protection on their journey.
Prayers and Local Beliefs
Locals say the heaps are dedicated to area deities such as Bhumiyaal Devta. In some regions, they are also seen as tributes to departed souls, placed to bring them peace and ensure the safety of travellers. Certain stones are even worn as talismans or rings to ward off evil and bring good fortune.
In several mountain belts, naturally formed stones resembling Shivlingas are worshipped as symbols of Lord Shiva. Around Kedarnath Dham, pilgrims stack stones while making wishes to Baba Bholenath. Some also believe that building these heaps is part of a vow to construct a house.
Whether as waymarks in misty forests or as silent prayers along the roadside, these stone heaps remain a living reminder of the blend of practicality, faith, and tradition in India’s hill culture.
