An Overview of Himachal Pradesh district Chamba Part -I

 An Overview of Himachal Pradesh (India ) district Chamba Part - I

Mini Switzerland , Khajjiar 

Brief History of Chamba 

Before  15th April 1948 when Himachal Pradesh came into existence by merger of three major princely states Chamba , Mandi -Suket , Sirmaur and  other small princely states the Chamba was a princely state with its capital at Present Chamba .

When we look into the history of Chamba, we can divide it into two parts :- 

1. The period when Capital was at Brahmpura , The present Bharmaur.

2. The period when Capital shifted to Chamba , the present district headquarters .

Chamba the abode of lord shiva 

Chamba is the only state in North India which is having its documented history from crica 500 A.D.  

The Chamba district is nested in the majestic lap of Western Himalayas ,its geography has helped in preserving its centuries old relics and various inscriptions. The thousands years old temples which are the model of Hindu architecture built by Rajas  are still  continue to be worshipped .

The land deeds scripted and executed on copper plates are still  valid under law .

History Before 500 AD crica :-

The Period when The Capital was at Brahmpura, The Present Bharmaur :-  

It is believed that in the initial stages history, the Kolian tribes were inhabitants of this region and was being ruled by them , later they came under Khasas. But in 2 century BC the Khas had also lost their rule and came under the rule of Adumbra administration .

View of Bharmaur 

During the Gupta period in 4th century BC this state came under the  rule of Thakurs and Ranas , they had considered themselves superior to Khas and kolians .

In the seventh century with the rise of Gurjar Prtihars , the rule of this region came under Rajput  dynasty .

As per history of  Rajput  dynasty King Maru who had been migrated from Ayodhya and settled in Kalpagram shifted to Chamba region and discovered  Brahmputra in Budhal river valley for his capital which now a days called Bharmaur .

The predecessor of king  Maru rule from Brahmputra for about 300 years . 

The capital  remained at Brahmputra till King Shahil Verman shifted his capital during 920 to present Chamba on the special request of his daughter ,Champa vati  , the name of Town is named after her name .

View of Narsing temple at Chourasi temples at Bharmaur.

The Period After , The Capital Shifted to Chamba , The Present district Headquarters :- 

In the beginning of 10th century the 20th King after King Maru  ," King Shahil Verman came into power, and ruled  the Kingdom till  940 AD. "  King Shahil Verman on the special request of his beloved daughter Champa vati shifted the capital from Brahmputra  ( Bharmaur) to present Chamba a beautiful town established on the bank of river Ravi . At that time name of Town was kept Champavati  , later it became Chamba .

When King Shahil Verman came to power the kingdom was restricted to a small portion of land in Brahmputra  that is on only present day Bharmaur sub division .

The remaining area was under the rule of different  Rana's . These Rana's were always busy in fighting with each other . King Shahil Verman wisely brought these Rana's all together under his kingdom thus extended his territory . King Shahil Verman divided his territory into five Mandals , later these Mandals were later on converted into Vijarts. 

These Vijarts were 

These Vijarts were Bharmaur , Chamba , Bhatiyat   Churah and Pangi . These Vijarts now are  Tehsils of Chamba district . Raja Shahil Verman ruled the state till 940 AD. There after the kings of Shahil Verman dynasty ruled the state for about 1000 years without any out siders attacks .

The famous Raja who ruled the state were  Raja Yugakar  Verman , Vidagdha Verman  , Raja Dodaka Verman , Raja  Vichitra Verman  , Raja Dhariya Verman , Raja Salavahana Verman ,Raja Soma  Verman  , Raja Asata  Verman,Raja Jasata Verman , RajaDhala Verman , Raja Udayan Verman , Raja Anand Verman , Raja Ganesa Verman

From 1559 to 1586 Raja Pratap Singh Verman ruled the state ,  Raja Vir Bhanu remained king of Chamba from  1586 to 1589 .  From 1589 to 1641 Raja Balbhadra Verman was the Raja of Chamba . 

Raja Prithviraj Singh became the Raja of Chamba after the death of Raja Balbhadra Verman . The Raja Prithviraj Singh Verman was the son of Raja Balbhadra Verman . Raja Prithviraj Singh Verman ruled the Kingdom from 1641 1664. He was contemporary of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan , he used to visit Mugal Court  Delhi  and imported  Mugal art and culture in the state .

After the death of Raja Prithviraj Singh Verman his son Raja Chatter Singh came to power in 1664 and successfully ruled over the Kingdom from 1664 to 1694 .

Raja Chatter Singh was a visionary and powerful administrator ,  there is an instance that Mugal Emperor Aurangzeb ordered him to demolish all famous temples of Chamba  , Raja Chatter Singh instead of execution of his order  , decorated the  all the temples with golden work on pinnacles . On this he was summoned by Empror to present himself in Delhi Darbar  but in the time Empror Aurangzeb himself embroiled in a conflict in South and forgot about Chamba .  Empror Aurangzeb and Empror Akbar tried to  destroy and conquer Chamba but they  never Succeeded.

After the death of Raja Chatter. Singh  Raja Udai Singh became the Raja of Chamba and ruled the Kingdom from 1694 to 1720 . Then after Raja Udai Singh , Raja Ugar  Singh ruled the state from 1720 to 1735.

From 1735 to 1748 Raja Dalel Sigh ruled Chamba then  Raja Umed Singh became the Raja of Chamba from 1748 to 1764. Raja Raj Singh remained in power from 1764 to 1794 .

Raja Jit Singh who remained in power from 1794 to 1808 was a great worrier and led a successful expedition to Kishtwar in Kashmir and also conquered Basholi  but returned the territory when Raja of Basholi agreed to pay the war indemnity .

After the death of Raja Jit Singh his son Charhat Singh became Raja of Chamba in 1808 . Raja Charhat Singh ruled the Kingdom till 1844 . During this period the North West In india was unstable politically.

During this period Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab was leading an expedition to conquer the neighbouring states to extend his territory on the other hand Raja Sansar Chand Katoch  was trying to subjugate the  Gorkhas and to expand his empire. In such circumstances Chamba was forced to be side with Maharaja Ranjit Singh .

During 1809 Wazir Nathu Ram of Chamba helped Maharaja Ranjit Singh in negotiations with Raja Sansar Chand so that Maharaja Ranjit Singh could  take possession on Kangra Fort along with few villages .  Wazir Nathu Ram had also saved the life of Maharaja Ranjit Singh by providing him a horse in Kashmir expedition . As a result of his loyalty , Maharaja Ranjit Singh never tried to conquer Chamba but in return he provided a protection by setting up a garrison there .

After the death of  Maharaja Ranjit Singh in 1839 the political situation again became unstable . In the year 1839 Raja Charhat Singh was blessed with a son  named Shri Singh .  When Raja Charhat Singh died in 1844 the Prince Shri Singh was only five years old .

Shri Singh became Raja of Chamba in the age of five years and in such circumstances the Wazir Bagha took the administration in his hand . Due to Anglo Sikh war the garrison provided by Maharaja Ranjit Singh was withdrawn . The Sikh empire crumbled under British attack and in such circumstances at first it was decided that Chamba would be amalgamated with Jammu and Kashmir but with the intervention of Wazir Bagha  decision was withdrawn and Chamba became protectorate under British Empire , the Lahore treaty  in 1846 came into force . 

Thus Raja Shri Singh ruled the state from 1844 to 1870 , during this period many welfare measures were taken in the interest of public . In the year 1863 first post office was opened in Chamba and a hospital was constructed in 1866 . Road to Dalhousie and Khajjiar were also constructed . Raja Shri Singh had only one son who died in infancy .

 In such circumstances the younger brother of Raja Shri Singh  Gopal Singh was made the Raja of Chamba ,  he ruled the state from 1870 to 1873 .  In 1873 due to some internal problem he abdicated the thorne in favour of Sham Singh . When Raja Sham Singh taken over the power he was seven years old so till 10 th of November 1894 he had to function under Council of Regency .

Raja Sham Singh ruled the Kingdom from 1873 till 22nd January 1904 and on this day  his brother Bhuri Singh was made Raja of Chamba .  King Raja Sham Singh died in 1905 as he was continues in the conditions of illness .

Raja Sham Singh was a great visionary  he established various departments like  Judicial ,postal and public works. He also made school buildings , kotwali  and jail , post office  , hospitals and roads . For leprosy patients he made asylum .

View of Chaugan ground at Chamba .

Raja Sham Singh also undertaken  beautification program to beautify the town . He established parks and gardens , he also given re -layout  to the zig -zag constructed buildings .He was awarded gold medals  for the service of poor people from British . For his excellent work he was honoured in  Imperial Durbar in Delhi in 1877 and Coronation Durbar in 1903. Lord Curzon  was very much impressive with the work of Raja Sham Singh , as a result of that he specially visited Chamba in 1900 , Curzon Gate now renamed as Gandhi Gate is the reminder of the visit which was made in the welcome of Lord Curzon .

 Raja Sham Singh handed over the Kingdom to his brother Raja Bhuri Singh on 22 nd January 1904 thus he ruled the state till 22 nd September 1919 . Raja Bhuri Singh was having deep  interest in preserving art and culture of Chamba .  He was having a beautiful collection of art and culture and he had donated all his collections when Bhuri Singh Musium was established at Chamba .

After the death of Raja Bhuri Singh his eldest son Raja Ram Singh became Raja on 22 nd September 1919 and he ruled the state till  7th December 1935 .He was the second last Raja of Chamba .

Raja   Lakshman Singh the son of Raja Ram Singh  became Raja of Chamba on 7th December 1935 and ruled the state till 15 April 1948 and finally merged in Union of India and became a district of Himachal Pradesh .  Thus Raja Lakshman Singh was the Last Raja of this oldest Dynasty .

 

An Overview of Himachal Pradesh district Bilaspur Part III

 An Overview of Himachal Pradesh

Bilaspur Outer Part III

In this part we will cover the places of Tourists importance out of district headquarters.

Markandeya :- 

Markandeya Temple 

This holy place is situated in Jukhala valley about 20 Km from Bilaspur Town .  A holy natural water spring is flowing from hill in which pilgrims used to take bath . The name of this place is kept Markand on the name of Markandeya Rishi . The road to Markand biffurcates from Ghagus Brahmpukhar highway near Gassor village .

According to Puranas ,it is said to that Mrikundu Rishi with his wife were residing at this place  but they had no  child thus Rishi Mrikundu pleased  Lord Shiva with his austerity .

Lord Shiva appeared before him and asked to express his wish. On this Rishi Mrikundu  prayed before Lord Shiva to bless him with a son . Lord Shiva said you will be blessed with a son but he will be shot lived , he will have the age of 12 years and disappeared . After this some time the wife of Rishi Mrikundu gave a birth to a son . 

The son of Rishi Mrikundu was growing day by day but the anxiety of Rishi Mrikundu was growing simultaneously about the short life of their child . One day some how their child came to know about his short life , then  on this 3 days before 12 years ,the child made a Shivling of sand and done the austerity of Lord Shiva  . On the day of completion of 12 years the death angels came but the child embraced the Shivalinga and Lord Shiva appeared from the Shivalinga and said to death angels to go back. 

This way the child blessed with long life with the austerity of Lord Shiva . This child  was Maharishi Markandeya who gave the divine Mantra to the world .

" Mahamrityunjay Mantra   "

This is a divine Mantra to overcome all difficulties like ailments , shot life  etc . Chanting of this Mantra in routine every day during worship certainly gives best wishes to all .

So from this miracle happened on the holy land of Markand , this beautiful place became a sacred place and since then a fair is celebrated here on Baishakhi every year .  The temples and holy water here are centre of faith.

So People from  different parts of state as well as country used to come to visit and take blessings of Lord Shiva and Maharishi Markandeya  throughout

 the year .

Shree Naina Devi ji Temple :-

Shree Naina Devi ji Temple 

The sacred temple of Shree Naina Devi ji is one of the 51  Shakti Peeths where the eyes of Adi Shakti Mata Sati , the consort of Lord Shiva fell on this spot.

View of the temple 

The Shree Naina Devi temple is situated on the top of a hill in Shivalik range of hills at Naina Devi  in district Bilaspur Himachal Pradesh at an altitude of 1177 metres above mean sea level . 

The temple is about 65 Km from Bilaspur Town. It is well connected with roads . From Anandpur (Punjab) Shree Naina Devi ji is about 18 Km , from Swarghat on National Highway 21 it is about 25 Km  and from Nangal the distance of Shree Naina Devi is about 32 Km . 

Shree Naina Devi ji Temple 

Shree Naina Devi ji is easily accessible through Buses , private taxi and personal vehicles from Anandpur , Nangal ,Una and Bilaspur . 

There is a ropeway facilities by Ganpati Ropeway  from Ghawandal to temple  , the pilgrims also used to enjoy the same to reach near the temple .

The temple is under the control of Government , during Navratri the lacs of people from different parts of the country used to come to offer their prayers to Mata Shree Naina Devi ji ,who is the Incarnation of Maa Durga. 

The devotees of Maa Shree Naina Devi ji come to this holy Shakti Peeth throughout the year but specially during Shraavan ashtmi, Chetr and Ashwin Navratre huge crowds of devotees can be seen . 

Devotees at Temple 

 The Shree Naina Devi ji Temple is one of the most worshipped beautiful temple having  white marble cladding  which looks very appealing to the surrounding.  On the one side the temple overlooking Gurdawara Anandpur Shahib and on the other side the  Govind Sagar is a charm for tourists and pilgrims enjoy the journey by boat to Baba Balak Nath temple at Shahtalai and Deot Sidh .

Baba Balak Nath templesbat Shah Talai  :-

The  holy place where Baba Balak Nath  had done austerity of Lord Shiva during grazing of cows of Mata Ratno  and  done various miracles is Shah Talai which is in district Bilaspur , 4 Km from Deot Sidh which falls in the jurisdiction of district Hamipr ,the main temple of Baba Balak Nath ji .

View of  Baba Balak Nath austerity Place Shah Talai 

Shah Talai is a small town where Baba Balak Nath   as a child had been grazing  the cows of Mata Ratno and simultaneously doing meditation , when  Balak Nath was doing meditation , the cows destroyed and grazed the fields of wheat  on this the land lord got angry with Mata Ratno then Mata Ratno said to Baba Balak Nath , "I had been offering Roti and Lassi to you since 12 years and you got done the loss of harvest ."

On this  Baba Balak Nath pointed out towards cavity in  the Banyan tree where Baba had been doing meditation and a pond below the tree and said ," Oh Mother take back your Roties and Lassi which you had been offering to me since 12 years and now I am going . "  Then Baba Balak Nath flew away on riding a peacock and entered in a cave at Deot Sidh, where the temple of Baba Balak Nath is existing today .

Baba Balak Nath had also done meditation at Garna Jhari just 400 metres from Banyan tree , here is also a temple .

Garna Jhari Temple at Shah Talai district Bilaspur Himachal Pradesh 

Devotees of Baba Balak Nath from Punjab , Himachal , Rajasthan Delhi and abroad used come  for taking blessings of Baba during one month long fair in Chetra Month ( from 13 th of March to 14 April ) every year .

It has been the truth that Baba fulfill the wishes of his devotees . Great crowd of devotees can be seen on every Sunday and during fair in both Shah Talai and Deot Sidh temples . 

The holy place Shah Talai is well connected with roads all around with Hamirpur , Bilaspur and Una . It is about 60 Km from Una , 50 Km from Bilaspur and 47 Km from Hamirpur .

Lord Shiva temple and Shiv Bowali at Bachhretu  :-

Just about 3 km from Shah Talai there another ancient Lord Shiva temple at Bachhretu  which also a centre of pilgrimage. In front of the temple there is a water body which is as holy as Ganga water . The people used to take bath from this holy water . Lacs of people used to visit this beautiful temple to pay their worships and to blessings of Lord Shiva . Those who comes to Baba Balak Nath they also visit this place. 

The Bachhretu fort which was constructed during  14 th century by Raja Ratan Chand of Bilaspur is also very near to the Lord Shiva temple .

Gugga Temple Gehrwin :-

Gugga Temple at Gehrwin is one another elegant shrine which is dedicated to folk deity Gugga Jahar peer.

Gugga Jahar peer is a centre of devotion and honour as Gugga Rana has fought many battles . Gogga Rana was born in Bikrmi 1003 in Churu district of Rajasthan in Duttkhera village ina reputed Rajput family  .  Gugga was a disciple of Guru Gorakhnath .

Gugga is a Rajasthani Devta but mostly worshipped in Himachal Pradesh also .

In rainy season the legendary tales known as Jhera of Gugga are recited by Gugga Mandli house to house from Raksha Bandhan to Gugga Navmi . It is a deep belief that Lord Gugga protects his devotees from snake bites .

Gugga Gehrwin is about 36 Km from Bilaspur in Himachal Pradesh .

Some Important temples in Bilaspur district :-

Badoli Devi temple : -

Badoli Devi temple is situated on Gehrwin Thurahan road about 4.5 Km from Gehrwin on a hill in Badol Village .

It is temple of Maa Durga built by  Younger Queen of Bilaspur . People visit  to take blessings of Maa Durga from various parts of the district throughout the year . Badol is a very beautiful place .

Rukmani Kund :- 

The another sacred place Rukmani Kund , the holy water is situated about 6.5 Km from Gehrwin on Gehrwin Slashi Rukmani Kund road in Shivalik hill range .

 It is about 27 Km from Bilaspur and 3 Km from Auhar  on Auhar  Gehrwin road .A fair is held here on Baishakhi festival every year .

Nersha Devi Temple :- 

It is also one of the oldest temples in Bilaspur district situated between Samoh and Gehrwin  in village Nersha . A link road to village Nersha connects the temple .

It a  temple of Bhagwati Durga constructed by Raja Kalayan Chand , at that time between 1600 to 1636  the capital of Bilaspur was at Sunahni village near Berthin  on the bank of Seer Khad. 

The is about 550 years old .  The temple is on  Shivalik hill on Baroha village .

Thakurdwara  At Jhandutta :- 

It also a beautiful temple near Block Development Office Jhandutta . The people of surrounding areas take blessings and have  deep religious  faith .

Temple of Modern India

Bhakhara Dam & Govind Sagar Lake :- 

The highest gravity Dam in the world 226 metres high is located in Bhakhara village of district Bilaspur on river Satluj .

View of Bhakhara Dam 

The dam is founded by our  beloved first Prime Minister of India and also dedicated to the nation by him on 20 th November 1963 who described it as ," New Temple of Resurgent India."

Govind Sagar Lake 

The dam resulted a 90 Km long Govind Sagar Lake over 168 square Kilometres . The Lake is providing hydro power generation , fishing Activities and irrigation water to Punjab and Rajasthan . It  has a huge Tourism potential .

Kandrour Bridge :-  

The Kandrour Bridge is located on Bilaspur Hamirpur National Highway just  at a distance of 9 Km from Bilaspur over river Satluj near Kandrour village .

View of Kandrour Bridge 

It was constructed by Gamon India private limited under the control of Himachal Pradesh Public works Department . It was once highest bridge in Asia of this type at a height of 80 metres . It is still highest in Asia of this type and also highest in the world .

An Overview of Himachal Pradesh Bilaspur District Part II

 An Overview of Himachal Pradesh

Bilaspur Outer Part II

In this part of the article we shall cover the historical monuments , sites of tourism and template tourism importance and other important places .

Bahadurpur Fort :- 

A beautiful place just about 10 Km from Namhol from where the road biffurcates to Bahadurpur Fort . The road passes through Ghyal, Tyaman and Tepra villages and from Tepra the fort is about one Km situated on the hill top at an elevation of 1872 metres above mean sea level.

Snow fall in Bahadurpur 

The beautiful landscapes is covered with Baan and deodar trees which imparts immense natural beauty to this hill .

The fort was built by Raja Keshab Sein during the year 1620 AD  with the aim to be stretegically stong from enimies. The Bahadurpur is about 35 Km from Bilaspur and experiences occasional snow fall during winters . During snow fall it becomes centre of tourists attraction. Also due to high altitude the climate at Bahadurpur which also attracts tourists .

Forest rest house at Bahadurpur 

At present the fort is not in existence but a PWD rest house has been constructed by public works Department where the tourists can stay . 

Also forest rest house is  good for staying  at Bahadurpur . 

At one time in olden days the Bahadurpur had been the summer capital of Bilaspur state St the regin of Raja Biaya Chand   . 

At  the highest point there is a Lord Shiva temple of ancient times but now is being renovated the altitude of this place is 1980 metres above mean sea level . Bahadurpur is now a days a best tourist place in Bilaspur district .

Tiun Fort :-

Tiun Fort is on another historical monument in Tehsil Ghumarwin district Bilaspur situated at a hill top in Tiun range near Tiun village .

View of Tiun Fort 

The Tiun Fort was constructed by Raja Kahan Chand the 11 th Raja of Kehloor state during  1142 Vikrami be strategically strong.

View of Bhagwati Durga Temple INB Fort 

The fort was built with stone Masonry walls with traditional Lime mortar with some binding additives . There was a granary in side the Fort with capacity of about 3000 Kg food grains . It has a pond in side and two wells for water . This fort is expanding over 14 hectares of land . The Chir trees imparts immense natural beauty to this fort . The walls of the fort is very high up to 10 metre with slits for gunners .

Tiun Fort in Tiun range hills

The fort is about 35 Km from Bilaspur and 6.5 km from Kuthera . The road biffurcates from Joginder Nagar Ghumarwin Super Highway at Kuthera and fort is about 6.5 km  from Kuthera ,about one Km trail leads to fort near Tiun village .

View at Tiun Fort 

Water tank has now been constructed by Jal Shakti Vibhag  in side the Fort to supply drinking water to the surrounding areas. There is an ancient temple of Bhagwati Durga in the fort which now has been renovated by local people .

Water Storage Tank 

Now the fort is a good picnic spot. Historians and nature loving tourists visit this fort .

Sriun Frort :- 

The Sriun Frort is situated at an elevation of 1500 metres above mean sea level on Eastern side of Tiun Fort on a different hill and visible from Tiun Fort also .

View of Sriun Frort 

The Sriun Frort was initially built by Raja of Suket and later came under Kahloor rulers .

The Fort was  planned from strategic point of view ,it was having wells water , granary for storing the food grains  .  The fort of Tiun is between Hawan and Manjhwar villages at Sriun Khas village . It is stone Masonry monument with Lime mortar .  At present the fort is in the form of ruins but people visit the place.

Ruins of  Sriun Fort

Ruins of Sriun Frort 

The fort is about 58 Km from district headquarters and from a small village Harlog on Kandrour Smaila road one road biffurcates  to Sriun Frort and another goes to Tiun Fort.

People at present visit this historic fort as during the battle between Kangra and Bilaspur this fort had its own strategic importance .

Ratanpur Fort :-

The Ratanpur fort is situated in Pargna Ratanpur in district Bilaspur Himachal Pradesh at an elevation of 1230 metres above mean sea level .

 This ancient Fort is about 30 Km from Bilaspur Town . It has access from Brahmpukhar which is on Shimla Mandi Highway at a distance of about 15 Km from Bilaspur. From Brahmpukhar to Deoth then Khui Mehthi on Jamali Deoth road  from where a link road leads to Ratanpur fort. The fort has also connectivity from Jamali on Chandigarh Mandi Manali National Highway via Lag -Ghat .

View of Ratanpur fort 

It was the importance of this fort that General Ochterlony  inflicted defeat  on Amer Singh  Thapa, the Gurkha leader. There was ancient temple of Godess Kali in th June temple which now has been renovated by local people 

The tourists also visit the Fort .

Kehloor Fort :- 

The Kot  Kehloor Fort is constructed by Raja Kahal Chand. The Raja Bir Chand of Chandel Rajput  rulers founded the state around 697  later Kahal Chand built up the Kahloor fort and was named after his name  Kot Kehloor.

Kahloor fort District Bilaspur 

 Later Raja Deep Chand founded The State capital at Bilaspur which remained capital of the state till merger of the state on 1st July 1954 till the rule of Raja Anand Chand the Last Raja of the state .

The fort Kot Kehloor is at a distance of few kilometres from Ganguwal hydro electric Power plant. At present the fort is in the form of ruins .

The fort was built with stone Masonry walls measured 2 metres thick . It was  a two storied  structure having high walls up to 30 metres. The walls were provided with slit openings  .

Swarghat Fort :- 

The Swarghat Fort is about 40 Km from Bilaspur Town on Chandigarh Mandi Manali National Highway . It was also summer capital of Bilaspur state at on time .

Bachhretu Fort :- 

Bachhretu Fort was constructed by Raja Ratan Chand  of Bilaspur state during 14 century .Now a days it is under Archaeological survey of India and open to visitors .

The fort is situated at an elevation of about 914 metres above mean sea level near Bachhretu and Kothi villages .

There is an ancient temple of Bhagwati Durga in side the Fort. The scenic beauty of the area is very charming. It is at a distance of about 51 Km from Bilaspur Town.

Bachhretu Fort 

Shiv Bouli with Lord Shiva temple is a another historical place near the fort . It is nearly 3 km from Shahtlai the famous place of Baba Balak Nath.

 Thousands of pilgrims visit the Fort and  Shiva temple during Chetr Month. The Govind Sagar , Bhakhara Dam and Shree Naina Devi temples are visible from the fort .

Basseh Fort :-

Fort Basseh is situated near Gharan and Gangloh villages in tehsil Jhandutta district Bilaspur Himachal Pradesh.

It is nearly 8 Km from Shah Talai on Talai Dhani road . The Basseh fort is about 57 Km from Bilaspur . The ancient fort is now in ruins . It's construction was in stone Masonry with Lime mortar.

From the Fort site the panoramic views of Baba Balak Nath , Shah Talai , Jhabola , Shree Naina Devi ji and Govind Sagar Lake can be captured .

The fort was important from strategic point of view in the ancient times .

The rest of important places of Bilaspur district which are spiritually connected with people and some important from tourism point of view will be covered in Bilaspur an overview Part III

An Overview of Himachal Pradesh district Bilaspur

 "An Overview Of Himachal Pradesh "

"District Bilaspur  "  

Part-I

The part I will cover the main attractions in Bilaspur Town.

Old temples in Old Bilaspur , now submerged in water of Govind Sagar Lake.

Bilaspur is a beautiful district in Himachal Pradesh, its head quarter is situated on the left  bank of Govind Sagar Lake about 90 Km from Shimla state capital and 140 Km from Chandigarh , the town is now known as NBT  that is New Bilaspur Town .

View of Govind Sagar Lake 

The NBT , New Bilaspur Town was established  when  the old Bilaspur Town was proposed to be submerged in Govind Sagar Lake . The old Bilaspur Town has been submerged in water of Govind Sagar formed due to construction of Bhakhara Dam on river Satluj at village Bhakhara in district Bilaspur . 

It is situated on Chandigarh Mandi Manali National Highway it is about 60 Km from Kiratpur on this National Highway .

District Bilaspur has about 1167 square Kilometres area. The district Bilaspur has its boundaries with  district Solan , Hamirpur ,Mandi  Una and district Ropar of Punjab .

Bilaspur Princely State was merged with Himachal Pradesh on 1st July 1954 and became a district of Himachal Pradesh .

Bilaspur Town is the first town in India which is constructed as per architectural planning . It has Raura sector , Changar sector and Diyara sector and main market etc.

Initially the district was having two tehsils , one Bilaspur Sadar and second one was Ghumarwin  but at present two new tehsils have been created one  Shri Naina Devi with head quarter at Swarghat and another one is Jhandutta .

View of Kandrour Bridge

Major Crops  Grown :- 

The district Bilaspur has its major crops Maize , wheat ,paddy grown in its plain areas . The cash Crops are ginger , tomotos and sugarcane in few portions. The carnations and capsicum is being grown in green houses.  Agriculture is contributing a lot towards economy of the district. 

The Tomotos , Ginger , Carnations Capsicum are major commercial cash Crops.

Horticulture Activity :- 

The fruits grown in district Bilaspur are Mangoes,  Papaya , Guava , Orange, Lemon . Now an apple variety suitable for subtropical area has been developed by Mr. Hariman Sharma and is now being grown successfully in some areas of district Bilaspur . Rajat Biotech Lab at Dhadhol is also contributing a lot in developing varieties of apple from tissue culture technology.

Now Government of Himachal Pradesh with the help of Assian Development Bank has started a HP SHIVA project in this district along with 8 other districts for establishing horticulture  gardens of fruits like Orange , lemon , Guava and other fruits

 Fishing Activities :- 

The Government of Himachal Pradesh has established Asia's largest hatchery farm at Deoli during the year 1961-62 on the bank of Ali khad . The fish seed from this farm is poured in Govind Sagar , river Satluj and Seer Khad as these are the largest water bodies for fisheries . Seed from this farm is also given to farmers who are involved in blue revolution.

View of Govind Sagar at Bhakhara Dam.

The Deoli fish breeding farm is set up on 4.4 hectares and has 14 hatchery nursary pond units and 2 big brood stock tanks . The farm has the complete facilities of training and development. The varieties like Silver Carp. Mirror Carp are produced here. 

Trout fish is also being produced in  water of Satluj in Coldam . So fish farming is playing a major commercial role in contributing towards the economy of the district as well as state . Over 600 metric tons of fish is exported to other states and about 18 metric tons is consumed in the state every year large quantities of which is being produced in Bilaspur district .

Beauty of Bilaspur Town:-

The nature is imparting immense beauty to Bilaspur Town as it is situated on the bank of Govind Sagar Lake , the water of Lake provides facilities of water sports , transport to surrounding areas. The paragliding from Bandla Hill is another charm for adventure sports.

Nalwari Mella Bilaspur:- Bilaspur is famous for its Nalwari Mella which is held in the month of March every year and is declared as a state fair. Previously cattle trade was main, but now cultural activities , trade of other comodities and wrestling and other amusement are charms for visitors .

The Important Places from Tourism Point of View :- 

Nahar Singh Temple at Dholra :- 

The Nahar Singh Temple is situated at Dholra on the bank of Govind Sagar Lake. The Baba Nahar Singh is one of the most worshipped deity in district Bilaspur . People call Bajia , Pipalwale , Dalawala to Nahar Singh Devta .

Princess Naggar Devi was married with Raja Deep Chand of Bilaspur. Baba Nahar Singh Temple was built by Raja Deep Chand. It was Raja Deep Chand who in 1650 AD shifted his capital to Bias Gufa . It is said that with the help of 2 Hindu and 2 Mohamdan faqeers he searched a place on the bank of river Satluj called Bias Gufa on the name of Vias Rish and established his capital at Bias Gufa later called Bilaspur .

The old town established by Raja Deep Chand and he constructed a palace called Dholar . 

Baba Nahar Singh was patron deity of Nagar, once the capital of Kullu .  When princess of Kullu married with Raja Deep Chand of Bilaspur , the idol of Baba Nahar Singh came princess to Bilaspur.

At one time the queen fell ill and spells of unconsciousness continued repeatedly,then it was revealed that idol of Baba Nahar Singh which was brought with queen was not established with all religions rituals.

Then Raja Deep Chand built the Nahar Singh Temple at Dholra and placed the Khadaun of Baba Nahar Singh in the temple as his symbol. Then Raja Deep Chand offered prayers and Rani got well.

Since then a fair ,jatra are organised at the temple on every Tuesday in the honour of Baba Nahar Singh. Then temple of Rani Kulluvi is also built up  near Nahar Singh Temple .

Vias Gufa :- 

The another important sacred place which belongs to Mahabharat fame ,located on the left bank of river Satluj  is Vias Gufa. It is said that Maharishi Vyas meditated at this place. That's why this place is holy place for pilgrims.

The origin of Vyaspur starts from here later on it is named Bilaspur .

Laxmi Narayan Temple :-

The Shikhar style temple near Bilaspur bus stand is Laxmi Narayan Temple, holy place for pilgrims. 

View of Laxmi Narayan Temple at Bilaspur HP

The temple has idols of Bhadwan Laxminarayan , Shiva , Rangnath , Adi Shakti Durga and Baba Bangali . 

The idols of Rangnath and Shivalinga of Shankeshwar brought from old temple which now has submerged in Govind Sagar Lake have been established in this temple.

Celebrations are held in this temple on Janmashtami and Shivratri in this temple and people offer their prayers .