Religion

Pagan beliefs are still strongly present in the rituals and traditions of highlanders. Their shrine is called a khati (which is a literary icon). The highlanders associate it with God’s children, who once were corporeal creatures (humans). After their demise, they became angelic beings. As humans, they lived in mountains (e.g. such heroes as Kopala, Lakhsari, Pirkushi) and fought against human enemies—the mythical evil forces: Devs. Due to their deeds they were transformed into holy spirits. Deities were grouped according to a hierarchic ladder and their function. Each deity had its own sphere of influence, for which only it was responsible. Every deity had a servant who fulfilled its master’s orders and will. Khevsurs frequently called upon deities to assist them in their everyday endeavors.
Shrine locations (sabrdzanisi) are protected in the region and the local population holds shrine festivals (khatoba) to this very day. The location of a shrine and its structures represent a sacred and inviolable place. Shrines are frequantly surrounded by oak or ash trees. The most sacred space place where the shrine resides (nish-sabrdzanisi), which is a rectangular structure built of dry slabs of stone. The treasury of the shrine (kvrivi) also stands nearby, which only servants of the shrine are allowed to access. The sacred grove (shrine forest) is also inviolable. A belfry (sazare) stands near the grove, which is a four-pillar structure with several bells hanging from it. Old sazares have slabstone pyramidal roofing, while relatively newer ones often have a cross-shaped ending.
Every shrine ensemble has its own area for beer brewing called a salude, which is a log earth-room containing large copper pots to boil wort along with other relevant tools: presses, jars, plates, etc.

Separate buildings like sabero—a place where the local khevisberi stays and sajare—a spot where the community stayed overnight during festivals is also an inseparable part of the shrine ensemble.
In addition to common Pshav shrines (Lasharis Jvari, Sakvirao, Tamar-Ghele, Damasturi), every community has its own tribal village shrine (Adgilis Deda). There are many sanctuaries: Lakhsiri, Shuapkhoshi (Kist community), Kopala in Udzilauri (a Pshav community); Mtavarangelozi (archangel) in Tsburta and Matura; and Pirkushi in Akhadi. There are also many others.
The most venerated of Khevsureti shrines were called Gudanis Jvari. These particular shrines had God-granted power and a lakhti (belt) to exterminate devils and Devs. Other shrines called Pirimze functioned to address issues related to the heavens and clouds. There were shrines dedicated to Khakhmatis Jvari, the patroness of women; Anatoris Jvari, the protector of game (wild goats, deer, chamois and other animals); and many others.
One of the largest and most popular folk festivals in Khevsureti is Atengenoba. It is held during the second half of July, when not only locals but also those who migrated to the lowland come back to the mountains to celebrate.
The legend about Lasharis Jvari says that in the 13th century, during the last years of Queen Tamar’s reign, Pkhovs still followed their pagan religion and venerated the Angel of the Oak. According to the legend, this oak was standing on the top of a dry hill and was the main shrine of the local community. Queen Tamar ordered that a church be built over the shrine and donated a silver cross in the name of her son, Lasha Giorgi, to the church. Since then the hill has been known as Lasharis Jvari.