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Chamba |
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۞ About Chamba: |
Locked in between four major mountain ranges (Shivalik, Dhauladhar, Pir Panjal, and the Greater Himalayas), the region of Chamba is often referred to as the lap of the Himalayas. At an altitude of 990m,Chamba is high enough to escape the scorching Punjabi heat, but remains warmer and drier than Dalhousie or Dharamshala. The town, filled with porticoed houses and hidden temples, stretched along the slopes that rise above the Sal and Ravi Rivers. It was founded in AD 940 as the new capital of an older princely state ridges, isolation, altitude, and wily diplomacy have kept the Chamba Valley pretty much independent ever administered from Bharmour. |
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Mountain since.The Mughals never managed to reach this far, and Chamba's temples were spared the miserable fate of so many Hindu shrines in other parts of the country. Improved roads have brought new residents, but Chamba has maintained its individuality. The trademark styles of cooking, handicrafts, and art that developed over the centuries can be seen in the town's restaurant rants, craft shops, and museum. Town spirit peaks in early August, when residents celebrate a riotous week-long harvest festival, Minjar.
Situated 56 km from Dalhousie, on
beyond Khajjiar, Chamba is at 926
metres quite a bit lower than
Dalhousie so it's rather warmer in
the summer. Perched on a ledge, high
above the river Ravi, it has often
been compared to a medieval Italian
village and is famed for its many
temples. Three of these carved and
engraved temples are dedicated to
Shiva and three to Vishnu. Chamba
also has the Bhuri Singh Museum with
an interesting collection relating
to the art and culture of this
region particularly the miniature
paintings of the Basoli and Kangra
schools. The Rang Mahal palace in
the upper part of town has been
badly fire damaged. Some of its
murals are now in the museum.
Chamba has a grassy promenade known
as the 'chaugan' it's only 75 metres
wide and less than a km long. The
village is a busy local trading
centre for villagers from the
surrounding hills and each year is
the site for the Minjar festival in
August with a colourful procession
and busy crowds of Gaddi Churachi,
Bhatti and Gujjar people. An image
of Lord Raghuvira leads the
procession and other gods and
goddess follow in palanquins.
Chamba is the centre of the Gaddis,
traditional shepherds who move their
flocks up to the high alpine
pastures during the summer and
descend to Kangra, Mandi and
Bilaspur in the winter. The Gaddis
are found only on the high range
which divides Chamba from Kangra.
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۞ How To Reach : |
Buses go to: Bharmour ; Dalhousie; Dharamsala; Manali; Pathankot Khajjian . With the exception of Bharmour buses, all buses stop in Baniket.
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۞ Orientation : |
Most businesses are concentrated around Court Road, which runs from the crowded bus stand area in the south of town along the eastern side of the Chaugan, Chamba's grassy mall and cricket ground. Court Rd. becomes Hospital Road and then loops back through chicken shacks and liquor counters as Museum Road Uphill from Court Rd., past the Chaugan, is Temple Road, which leads to the Laxmi Narayan Temple and into alleys packed with ancient shrines. Mani Mahesh Travels, next to the entrance to Laxmi Narayan Temple, is very helpful with train reservations, treks, and temple info. Farther down, on Hospital Rd., the Punjab National Bank changes traveler's checks. Pharmacies line Hospital Rd. There is a District hospital. There are also a few private clinics.
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۞ SightSeeing In Chamba: |
Laxmi Narayan Temple: The largest temple complex in Chamba is the Laxmi Narayan Temple, up Temple Rd., opposite the Akhand Chandi Palace. The shrines in the complex date from the 9th to the 10th centuries, when Chamba's founder commissioned the main temple and the statue of Laxmi Narayan (Vishnu asleep on the cosmic ocean) inside it. The copper statue of Gauri Shankar is an excellent example of metal work in Chamba. The Hari Rai Temple on Museum Rd., next to the red gate, was built in the shikkara style during the 9th century and is covered with Kama Sutra carvings. |
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Durga Temples: A walk along the outskirts of town will take you past several other important holy sites. From the bus stand, a short climb south and east leads to the long staircase up to Chamunda Devi Temple. Chamunda Devi is a form of the goddess Durga in a wrathful temper; the brass bells are meant to clear your head of worldly scheming. At the northern edge of Chamba, above the road to Sahoo, is the ancient temple of Vajreshwari. Tradition has it that this is the oldest temple in Chamba, a thank-you gift from Raja Sahil Varman to the family who denotes the land for the town. Although a number of stone carvings have been loooted from the sides of the main shrine, finely crafted images of Durga, Undavi (the goddess of food), and other deities grace its walls. |
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Shri Radhakrishna Temple: Witin Lakshminarayana Temple complex, erected as late as 1825 AD by Rani Sarada, Queen of Raja Jeet Singh.
Shri Shiva temple of Chander Gupta within Lakshminarayana Temple complex built by Raja Sahil Varman.
Sri Gauri Shankar Temple within the Lakshminarayana Temple complex. Built by Sahil varman son of Yugkarvarman. The temple of Lakshminarayana continued to be embellished by the Rajesh who succeeded to the throne of Chamba, Raja Balabhadra Verma perched the metallic image of Agruda on a high pillar at main gate of the temple. Raja Chhatra Singh pladed gilded pinnacles on the temple tops in 1678 as a reaction against the orders of Aurangazeb to demolish the temples. Later Rajas also added a shrine or two thus enriching the complex.
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Champatati Temple: (This temple is located behind the city police post and Treasury building). The temple was built by Raja sahi Varman in memory of his daughter Champavathi who is believed to have beeninfluenced her father to setup chamba at its present location. The temple is in the Shikara style with elaborate stone carving and the wheel roof. The size of the Lakshminarayana Temple.
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Sri Vajreshwari Temple: The ancient temple is behind to be 1000 years old and is dedicated to Devi Vajreshwari goddess of lightening. The temple is situated on the northern most corner of the town at the end of Jan Sali Baza. There are two other minor temples on the either side of the main shrine.
Shri Sri Mata Temple: This temple can be divided into three parts which are physically spread out apart. The temple srimata is on an elevation of shah Madar Hill.
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Chamunda Devi Temple: The temple is located on the spur of the shah Madar hill over looking the town and to its south east. The temple stands on a raised platform. The temple has good carving on its lintel, pillars and the ceiling behind the main temple there is a small shrine Lord Shiva. There is another platform in front of this temple where two very old peepal trees provide shelter to the visitors, the temple is approached by road from Chamba (Distance Kms). School going children and piligrims prefer to take the flight steps from Sapri to this temple. These steps were got constructed by Raja Raj Singh (1764 - 1794) AD
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Shri Hari Rai Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and dates back to 855 to 883 AD. It was probably built by Raja Satavahana. This temple lies in the north –west corner of the main Chaugan.
CHAUGAN : The Chaugan is the heart and hub centre of all activities in Chamba. According to Dr.J.Hutchison, the town is built on two terraces, the lower is the Chaugan, a fine grassy sward, about a half kan long by 75 meters broad. Tradition is silent as to its use as a pologround and the name is etymologically district from chaugan, the persian name of polo. These large green spaces are unique because of their vastness in hill station. In 1980 the levelling of the chaugan was done. It became a public promenade and cricket ground for the British. Annual MINJAR Mela is held in the Chaugan and this is closed for public after Dushera to April to Crryout maintenance.
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AKHAND CHANDI PALACE : Construction of its residential building of the chamba family was started by Raja Umeed singh between 1748-1764 AD. The place was rebuilt during the Reign of Raja Shamsingh with the help of British Engineers. The Darbar Hall (Marshal hall) was built in 1879 by capt. Marshal and the Zannana Mahal was added in the of Raja Bhuri Singh in 1958. The palace was sold by the Royal Descendants to the Himachal Government. The latter made it over Education Department for the purpose of college and district Li-brary. The beautiful structure of the pal-ace with its painted walls and glass works, ceiling, intricate wood work are fast dete-riorating.
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RANG MAHAL : One of the largest old monuments Rang Mahal is located in
Surara Mohalla. The foundation of Raj Mahal was laid by Raja Umed singh (1748- 1764) The Super structure of Rangamahal
-Which is in bricks is probably of a later date with its southern portion built around 1860 by Raja Sri Singh. This palace was the residence for a brandch of the Royal family. Its fort like looks seen justified as Royal granary and treasury were on its western side.
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BHURI SINGH MUSEUM : The Bhuri Singh Museum at Chamba opened formally on 4-9-1908 is named after Raja Bhuri Singh who ruled Chamba from 1904-1919. He donated his family collection of paintings to the museum. These inscriptions mostly in Sarda script shed important light on the medieval history of Chamba. These major items of collection are coins, hill jewellery and constumes both tradition and Royal arms and Armour, Musical instruments, Paintings of Kangra and Basholi School of Arts.
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CHURCH OF SCOTLAND : This is hundred years old Church. This church was founded by a mission of church of Scottland. The church lies hidden from the public eye on teh Eastern side of the Chaugan town towards Northern end. The church tower is how ever visible from the Chaugan. This church is remarkable for its fine stone work and butresses and lancer arch windows. The church was founded by its first missionary the Rev.William Ferguson in Chamba from 1863 to 1873. The land for the Church was granted by Raja Sri Singh. Its first missionary Rev. Ferguson brought two bells from England, one of which was installed in the church and other were donated to Chamuda Mata temple. Service is conducted once in a week on Sunday.
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SHRI BATALWAN TEMPLE : 4 kms from Chamba is the very famous Tantrik temple at village Betalwan. The temple is dedicated to Jalpa Devi. There is a very old Deodar tree round which a Chabutra has been cosctructed for the visitors.
SAHO : 20 kms from Chamba Saho is famous for its temple dedicated to Lord Chandra Shekhara i.e. Moon-crowned God, Shiva. The temple is hidden behind the locality in a tree grove. Two magnificent images of Shiva can be seen at the entrance and a huge Shivaling is enshrined in the Sanctum facing the temple is a life size Nandi bull built with fine details in 10th century.
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SAROL : 10 kms from Chamba, Sarol is a beautiful picnic spot on the right bank of river Ravi. A tourist can visit the sprawling Horticulture farm with many species of Citrus plants, Sheep breeding farm, Poultry farm, Bee keeping farm and Canning unit of Sarol.
KTASAN DEVI TEMPLE : 25 kms from Chamba, a popular temple of Chamba District. A large number of devotees visit this Goddess. From its premises a full view of Chamba valley is visible.
LAXMANA DEVI & SHAKTI DEVI TEMPLE :
(8th Century ): This famous temple of Laxmana Devi and Shakti Devi temple of Chatrani situated on way to Bharamur. The brass idol of the Goddess is in the Kashmiri style.
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BHARMOUR : 65 kms from Champa is the land of legendary Gaddies i.e., Bharmour, known as Brahmpur in the 6th century AD. It was the seat of power of Chamba state for some 400 years till 920 AD, when a new capital was founded at Chamba by Raja Sahil Varman. Bharmpur is known for some very old archaeological remains primarily the temples. All these temples started on a level of which is called the Chaurasi. After the 84 Siddhas who are believed to have been meditated in Bharmour over a 1000 years ago. These Siddhas hailed from Kurukshetra and visited Manimahesh.
Once called Brahmpura, as the original capital of Chamba state, it is situated at a height of 2195 metres. Bharmour is known as the Homeland of the Gaddis who reside on the snowy anges..
SALOONI: 56 kms from Chamba with a panoramic view of the surrounding hills Salooni is located on a ridge at the entrance to Bandal valley.
BAN DAL : 22 kms from Salooni ( A lush green) is the meeting point for the borders of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu Kashmir.
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MANIMAHESH : ( 4170 metres ) : Manimahesh is a sacred place for piligrims as it has a holy lake. The Chhari is taken to the sacred lake of Manimahesh, which is one of the Chief Thirthas in the district. Off late people from North India and beyond have started visiting this sacred lake. The lake is a tarn in the Manimahesh Kailash peak. The devout attribute the failure to the divine prowesses of the holy mountain. On the margin of the lake is a small marble shivalinga called the Chaumukha.
NAHAN : The first in the triangle is the town of Nahan. The picturesque capital of the former princely state of
Sirmur. The city was founded as a capital by Raja Kama Prakash in 1621. Another version recalls a saint who lived with a companiable Nahan on the site where the Nahan palace now stands Nahan means Lion and probably the town takes its name from this saint.
Nahan celebrated Bawan Dwadashi towards the end of the monsoon where 52 idols of the Gods are carried in procession to the Jagannath temple where they are floated ceremoniously in a pool and are restored at midnight to their riches. In the heart of the Nahan town there is Ranital, where a big temple and a tank from the days of Ex-rulers of Sirmaur state. Nahan 88 kms from Solan. 103 kms from Ambala.
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| PLACES OF INTEREST: |
SUKETI FOSSIL PARK : The park is first of its kind in Asia to be developed at the actual site where fossils were discovered at a distance of 21 kms from Nahan. Located on the bank of the Markand river. They are in the museum.
GIRINAGAR : 7 kms from Dhalakakhan, this town has a power house. Giri river through a 6 kms tunnel.
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PAONTA SAHIB: Paonta Sahib is located on the river Yamuna, 45 kms from Nahan a city sacred to the memory of Guru Govind Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs. Paonta Sahib is a basti, a township with growing industries. It is one of the important places for the sikhs. It retains tangible memories of Guru Gobind Singh in the form of his weapons and majestic Gurudwara. It recalls his presence even in the name of the city which is derived from Paonta, meaning "Foot".
QURUDWARA: Over looking the Yamuna river is Gurudwara where Guru Gobind Singh held court and wrote the major portion of the Dassam Granth. There is historical temple of Yamuna besides it the Yamuna Pal park. Ashoka pillor overlooking the town and the river can be seen. The other side of the Yamuna river is in Uttar Pradesh.
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OLD TEMPLE : Patlien Jyotirling temple said to have been worshipped by Maharishi Patajali. a) Siva temple b)Bhadrakali temple c) Tigarthi Gurudwara at Bhagani and Gangavaha Tirth across the Yamuna where Ganga creed over the Yamuna river to please Rishi Gautama, the husband of the legendary Sati Ahalya. At Paonta Sahib, to the right of Yamuna bridge stands the Dei-ka-Mandir. Constructed about a century ago by the sister of the then Raja of Sirman to propitiate Lord Rama, the family deity of Suryavanshi Sirmanrimayuri Rutung. |
SAHASTRADHARA : This place is a confluence of river Yamuna and Tons. KHODRIDAK PATHAR : It is a beautiful palace, 25 kms from Paonta. At this place the territorial river Yamuna has been tamed into an artificial lake.
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RENUKA : Renuka the most important place in Sirmaur and the third point of this triangle is the sacred pictures, the lake of Renuka is 45 kms from Nahan. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in Himachal Pradesh with its crystal clear water. It is shaped like a sleeping woman. Renuka was killed by her own son, the legendary Parasuram in obedience to the orders of his father, the sage Jamadagni. After the deed was done, Lake Renuka was formed, surrounded by stepped fields of Golden corn.
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WILD LIFE PARK : Among Renuka lake there is a wild life park which has a number of Sambhar, Chitas, Barking Deer and Hot Deer. These animals can be seen in the morning and evening. Lions can also be seen from the closed jeep and Camel driven cart.
GAYATRI TEMPLE : On the left bank of the Renuka lake, there are three Ashrams run by Sadhus. Gayatri temple has a 1.60 metres high Panch-Mukhi, Gayatri marble statue, marble idols of Ganapati, Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma and Lord Indra have also been installed here. This temple has been dedicated to Sri Ma Gayatri the mother of Vedas.
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RENUKA SANCTUARY : 42 kms from Nahan, the sanctuary also has a large number of Black Bear, Barking Deer, Goral, Jackal and Leopard besides it has a large number of birds and fishes like Paraker, Barbet, Wild Fowl, Water Hen, Common Cort, Wood Pecker, King Fisher, Red Fowl.
RAMPUR : Rampur is one kms from Shimla located on the bank of river Sutlej is one of the biggest commercial town of Himachal Pradesh. A Buddhist temple with a very big prayer wheel and Hindu Temple, situated besides the palace of Raja of Rampur Bushan Rampur has night halt for trekkers. The river Sutlej rises from Manasarovar in Tibet and crossed the Indian Border at the Shipkipass.
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TRILOKPUR TEMPLE : It was built in 1573 by Raja Dip Prakash. It is situated at a distance of 33 kms from Nahan. Trilokpur is a place of great religious importance. The temple of the Godess Mahamaya Balasundari.
DAULAKHAN: 20 kms from Nahan, there is Kastasan Devi temple where Raja Jagannath Singh defeated the advancing army of Gulam Quadir Rohittan in a great battle. The victory is commemorated in the Devi Temple, built in gratitude by the Raja Dhaula Kahan. There is fruit canning factory of various kinds of Juices, Jams, Pickles and Canned fruit, Citrus plants and Mangoes also.
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Look for the Tibetan-style demonic faces at the back of the main shrine—their presence here is a mystery.
Rang Mahal And Himachal Emporium. When they weren't trying to keep (In the gods happy, Chamba's 18th-century elite retired to the Mughal-style corri-dorsi of the Rang Mahal ("Old Palace"). Dominating the upper center of Chamba, the palace houses the Himachal Emporium, a shop selling rumals,Hand-woven shawls, candle holders, and brass plates. Ask the shopkeeper to see workshop upstairs.
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۞ Treks From Chamba |
There are a
number of interesting treks from
Chamba, both short out-and-back
treks and longer treks to places
like Dharamsala. Shorter treks
include the eight km walk to Sarol,
24 km to Bandal or the 40 km trek to
Chhatrari. The temple of Devi Adi
Shakti here is dedicated to the
goddess of primaeval energy.
Chhatrari is on the route to
Brahmaur.
Brahmaur (Brahmpura)
Vehicles can cover the whole 65 km
from Chamba to Brahmaur although the
last 16 km from Kharamukh is either
4-WD or foot. Buses run the first
distance. Also known as Shivbhumi
this is the heart of the Gaddi's
land. There are some very old
temples grouped in a compound known
is the chaurasi in Brahmaur and
accommodation is available in a
Forest Rest House.
From Brahmaur it is about 80 km to
Dharamsala and tikes about six days
to walk:
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Day 1 |
Brahmaur-Chinota |
22 km |
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Day 2 |
Chanota-Kuarsi |
13 km |
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Day 3 |
Kuarsi-Chatta |
13 km |
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Day 4 |
Chatta-Lakagot |
10 km |
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Day 5 |
Lakagot-Triund |
06 km |
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Day 6 |
Triund-Dharamsala |
13 km |
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The Chatta to Lakagot
sector crosses the 4300 metre
Indrahas Pass with fine views over
the Kangra Valley. From Brahmaur you
can make the 35 km trek to
Manimahesh Lake at 3950 metres. This
important pilgrimage spot is at the
base of the 5575 mitre Manimahesh
Kailash. Thousands flock here on the
15th day after Janamashtami which
falls in August or September each
year.
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Pangi Valley:
Kilar, 167 km north-east of Chamba,
is situated in the deep and narrow
gorge of the Chenab river. Here you
are in the high Himalayas, in the
scenic but lightly populated Pangi
Valley, between the Pangi and
Zanskar Ranges. From Kilar you can
trek north-west to Kishtwar in Jammu
and Kashmir, or turn east about half
way to Kishtwar and cross the Umasi
La Pass into the Zanskar Valley, or
trek south-east to Keylong and
Manali.
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| ۞ Daytrips From Chamba |
Bharmour:
Bharmour is a bumpy, sometimes harrowing, 3½hr. bus ride away from Chamba. The capital of the Chamba Valley from the 6th to the early 10th. Bhaimour's temple square encloses 84 separate shrines, most only a few feet tall, and some dating back to the 7th century. The most famous of these is the Narsingha Temple with its half-lion, half-man statue dedicated to the incarnation of Vishnu who descended to earth to destroy an evil spirit who could not be killed. Once Narsingha tasted blood, however, he just kept on killing. Realizing his demonic powers, he went up into the mountains where where was less to kill. The tempte is supposedly built on the site where he secluded himself Aside from the temples, Bharmour is in a very peaceful spot far away from the onslaught of tourism.
Bharmour is the trailhead for treks over the Dhauladhar and Pir Panjal ranges. In the summer, you're likely to meet some of the nomadic shepherds who make seasonal migrations up and down the valley. It is also the starting point of the Manimahesh Yatra, a devotional procession that winds its way 34km up to the lake at Manimahesh, where people worship and bathe in the icy waters. The procession takes place in September, 15 days after Krishna's birthday. There are no restaurants in town, but food stalls line the main streets.
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