Warmth Of Manikaran, district Kullu Himachal Pradesh

 Warmth Of Manikaran:-

Manikaran 

A Famous tourist place and religious pilgrimage of Sanatan and Sikh culture is situated about 35 Km from Bhuntar on Bhuntar Manikaran road at an elevation of about 1760 metres above mean sea level in between Beas and Parvati rivers in Parvati valley .

Hot water springs Bath Pool 

It is believed that Lord Shiva and Mata Parvati had done austerity in this valley for 1100 years because of peace and beauty of this valley. Once when Mata Parvati was taking bath in the river at this place , the Mani of her ear ring lost . On searching by Ganas of Lord Shiva, they couldn't find it  ,then Lord Shiva opened his third eye and created Goddess Naina Devi , she told that the Mani is with Sheshnag in paitaal lok . 

Lord Shiva Temple 

On request Sheshnag returned the Mani and with his hissing the springs of hot water came out of earth. Thus a temple of Goddess Shree Naina Devi ji is also established here .

Goddess Shree Naina Devi ji Temple 

So this valley is dedicated to Mata Parvati and the name of this place named on Manik of her ear ring "Manikaran."

Gurudwara sahib at Manikaran 

Kirtan Hall Gurudwara 

It is also believed that Guru Nanak Dev Ji had also done austerity at this place and had done various miracles at this spot .Thus the Gurudwara at Manikaran is dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Guru Gobind Singh ji had also come to this place .

View of Gurudwara at Manikaran 

Raghunath temple at Manikaran 

Raghunath temple  at Manikaran is also historic one as this temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh ji in 1650 AD  and in the year 1651 the idol of Raghunath was brought from Ayodhya  thus Raja Jagat Singh was recovered from illness after the establishing the idol of Raghunath in the temple .

Bhagwan Shri Ram Temple at Manikaran 

So Manikaran is offering warmth to the world , Indian citizen as well as foreigners used to feel the warmth of Geothermal springs here at Manikaran .

At Manikaran 

Great rush can be seen in this holy pilgrimage throughout the year .

View at Manikaran 

Hot water springs also called Geothermal springs are naturally occurring springs of hot water springs emerged due to heated ground water 

The heat produced is either due to magma with in the earth 's crust or due to the movement of fault in the crust and the waters are known to have healing properties with meneral contents .

River Parvati at Manikaran 

View at Manikaran 

Parvati valley is known for its hot water springs at Manikaran , Kheerganga and Kasol , the warmth and magic of which you can experience in Parvati valley ! Manikaran is also One of the very few places in India to have live hot springs , you can explore the blend of science .

Hot water springs emerged near Lord Shiva temple 

Here at Manikaran you can feel warmth both religions and natural with Geothermal springs .

Warmth Of Kasol, a small village in district Kullu Himachal Pradesh

 Warmth Of Kasol  :- 

View of Kasol , Parvati valley

According to the Puranas," He goes to the hills ,goes to his mother , the loving , nourishing, bounteous mother."

Beautiful Kasol we I with my son Dheeraj Verma ,  daughter in law Anita Verma , granddaughter Dhriti Verma and grandson Samar Verma reached Kasol to feel the warmth of Geothermal springs at Kasol . Ram Kumar assisted us to go to these hot water spring at Kasol . We all felt good at hot water spring and have gratitude to sh Ram Kumar Jija of my daughter in law .

Geothermal Spring at Kasol 

A hot water spring also called as Geothermal spring is a naturally occurring  spring of water that emerged due to heated ground water. 

The heat produced is either due to magma with in the earth 's crust or through the movement of fault in the crust and the waters are known to have healing properties with the high minerals content . 

View of Geothermal springs at Kasol 

Parvati valley is known for its hot- springs Manikaran , Kheer Ganaga and Kasol , the warmth and magic of which you can experience in this valley !

Kasol is one of the  very few places in India to have live hot springs . You can explore the blend of science 

The village Kasol is situated on Bhuntar Manikaran road at a distance of about 30 Km from Bhuntar in district Kullu on the left bank of Parvati river at an altitude of about 1580 metres above mean sea level in Parvati valley .

Parvati valley  and Parvati river view 

On the right bank of river Parvati here at Kasol about 200 metres from market just crossing the steel truss foot bridge and getting down the steps  you will find Geothermal springs , tourists enjoying the hot water near river bed comming out from foot hills and cool water flowing in the river . 

Hadimba Devi Temple at Manali , Himachal Pradesh

 Hadimba Devi Temple at Manali district Kullu Himachal Pradesh :- 

Hadimba Mata Mandir 

Hadimba Devi Temple is situated in Manali town in  district Kullu Himachal Pradesh  at an altitude of about 3360 metres above mean sea level . It is also called Dungaree Temple because it is just  near to the Dhungari Van Vihar at Manali .

View of Hadimba Devi Temple 

The temple is about 42.5 Km from Kullu and about 2.5 Km from Mall Road Manali . It is connected with road facilities and steps are also there to reach alternatively . 

Another beautiful View of Hadimba Devi Temple 

The Location of the temple is very beautiful among the tall trees of Deodar . This temple is dedicated to Hadimba Mata  whose context we find in Mahabharata as wife of Bheema  " The  great Gadadhar. " 

Manali  under snow 

The temple is built up in Pagoda style architecture . As per inscription in the temple it is constructed in 1553 AD by Raja Bahadur Singh . In side the temple the idols are established in a cave .

Du ghari Van Vihar Entrance Gate Manali Adjoining to Hadimba Devi Temple 

On the day of Makar Sankranti on 14th. January 2023 the temple  roof was covered with snow and was looking very beautiful . On this day huge crowds  were seeking the blessings of Mata Hadimba inspite of heavy snow . Tourists from all parts of the country as well foreigners also visit this holy temple . 

Another View of Hadimba Devi Temple Before Snow.

Manali Under fresh Snowfall , Nature 's Beauty , Himachal Pradesh

 Manali under Fresh Snowfall :- 

Beautiful View from Aleo Manali.

How Manali Looks Under Snow :- 

How Manali , the Kashmir of Himachal Pradesh looks under snow fall , it is the question in the mind of nature lovers . I tell you Manali is known for its climate , lush green conifer forests , Beas river flowing near the town and natural beauty of the valley . Dear readers Manali is as much beautiful in Winter as in Summer . 

Another beautiful View of Manali under snow 

In summer the Manali feasts your eyes with lush green mountains and officers you with cool climate . The high altitudes near like Rohtang and surrounding views you can enjoy the scenic beauty and snow claded mountain peaks . Also in winter when Manali receives snow fall  it looks beautiful covered with white sheet .

View of Manali From Conifer View Hotel 

On 13 th. January 2023  it was  a cloudy day , when we entered in Kullu district it was raining lightly and it was a cold day . Just 4 Km before Manali during traveling  small  cotton balls were dropping from the sky , my daughter in law , my granddaughter and grandson asked eagerly  ," Dada what is that coming from sky  ." My  son Dheeraj Verma was driving the car ,  I and my son  have experience of snow because I have served as Assistant Engineer in Kinnaur Moorang Sub division and my son has completed his Matriculation from senior secondary school Moorang district Kinnaur .

View of Manali under snow 

My answer to the kids was , it is that miracle , you have come to see . The snow in Manali .

All excited and shouted with joy , snow - snow .

The Mall Manali 

During night the snow fall  became more dense and in  morning the Manali we saw today  is covered with white sheet of Snow . Traffic became jammed . During  day on 14/01/2023.

Snow cladded View of Hadimba Mata temple at Manali .

 Hadimba Mata Temple Manali  received snow  inspite of difficult walk huge crowd is experienced on 14 th January .

When Manali receives snow then the roads become slippery , for pedestrians it become difficult to walk .

View near Hadimba Mata Mandir.

On 14 th January though the climate remained fair but the road to Solang Nallah  , Atal Tunnel was  blocked with heavy snow and tourists couldn't  enjoy these places .

But the charm of snow for the tourists is exciting one as it is season 's first snowfall  .

Mini Punjab of Himachal Pradesh

 Balh Valley , The Mini Punjab of Himachal Pradesh  :-  

Balh Valley near Nerchowk 

Balh Valley situated in district Mandi Himachal Pradesh lies between Shivalik hills and foot hills of Karsog valley at an elevation of 800 metres above mean sea level .

View of Green Fields in Balh valley .

The Suketi Khad flows in between the green fields of wheat , all kinds of Vegetables . The area is plain like Punjab and very fertile  . Water table is high like Punjab .

The valley extends  from Mandi  to Sundernagar . This mini Punjab supports a lot towards economy of the state . 

Chandigarh Mandi Manali  four lane National Highway passes through Balh valley. The area is very beautiful between both side hills .

Why it is called Mini Punjab of Himachal Pradesh?

It is called Mini Punjab because it looks plain like Punja with a water table like Punjab , Ratti and Suketi streams flowing in between The open canal from Baggi to Sunder Nagar carrying Beas river water to Dehar Power Plant is also flows through this valley . The landscapes is worth for shooting film scenes . 

An Overview of Himachal Pradesh district Kangra Part - VI

 An Overview of Himachal Pradesh Part  - VI , Economy of the district Kangra 

View of cricket stadium at Dharamshala district Kangra.

In this part we will cover the economy  and related activities in the district .

Economy of Kangra district :- 

The economy of district  Kangra is mainly based on Agriculture and farming . The tea gardening also playing an important role in the economy of district Kangra .  Kangra tea is world wide famous for its aroma , colour and taste . 

The areas of Baijnath and Palampur are surrounded with lush green tea gardens  , playing important role in economy of the district .

Some small industrial establishments like potato Chips units , construction materials units , water packaging units  and tea processing units also contribute to the economy of the district .

As district Kangra, the entire valley is located in Shivalik and Dhauladhar ranges , its entire landscapes are gifted with scenic beauty  by nature and thus having unlimited attractions to tourists . So Tourism also play a major role in the economy of the district .

View of Bir Billing Paragliding Site .

Bir Billing is an international centre for paragliding and aero sports  . 

View of cricket stadium Dharamshala district Kangra Himachal Pradesh.

Cricket stadium Dharamshala is also known for international cricket matches , thus  contributes a lot to the economy of the district as well country .

Hydropower projects on rivers and lakes formed from dams also contribute towards economy of the district . Such as Pong Dam , Gaj Baner and  Binwa Hydal Power Projects  are contributing to the economy of the district as well as state .

The Himachal Pradesh is called  Dev Bhoomi due to the numbers of temples here in Himachal Pradesh. Kangra is a district which is having history of temples. People used to visit these temples for offering prayers , so temple Tourism is also an important part of the economy .

Horticulture is also a major part which contributes towards economy of the district .

Agriculture :- 

View of Mustard and Wheat fields in Kangra 

The economy of the district mainly based on Agriculture.

Kangra district has considerable soil diversity , crop pattern , physiographic and land use pattern .

Considering diversity district has five situation zones . These zones are 1.Pir-Panjal , 2.Dhauladhar , 3. Kangra Shivalik hill 4. Kangra valley and 5.  Beas river basin .

Organic Farming in Kangra Himachal Pradesh.

Dhauladhar and Pir-Panjal ranges receive high snow fall in winter .Mid hill sub humid areas ranging from Baijnath , Deol , Bandla , Palampur , Nagri , Jia , Khaniara , Groh  , Dharamshala  . This area is adjacent to western Himalya 

In this region Wheat , paddy , potato, Maize  are the major crops. The soil of this region is acidic in nature .

Valley area of the district includes  Palam , Kangra and Nurpur . In this part the main crops are Wheat , Paddy , Potatoes , Millets , Sugarcane and Vegetables .

View of Paddy Fields in district Kangra Himachal Pradesh 

The Kangra Shivalik hills  includes the Pragpur area and Beas basin covers the entire area on sides of river Beas .

The major crops in this part are Wheat , Paddy , Maize  , Pulses , Oil seeds and all kinds of Vegetables .

Horticulture :- 

Horticulture is also play an important role in the economy of the district .

Mid hill sub humid areas Baijnath , Palampur ,Bandla , Groh Dharamshala etc have stone fruit horticulture produce as major horticulture crop .

Valley area of the district Kangra which includes Palam Kangra and Nurpur has citrus fruits , Litchi and Mangos as the major horticulture crop .

Beas river basin and Shivalik foot hills of Pragpur areas are having  citrus fruits , Litchi and Mangos as major horticulture crops .

Tea Plantation :- 

View of Tea Garden 

The mid hill sub humid areas of Palampur , Baijnath are having tea gardens and also contribute towards economy of the district . Kangra tea is world wide famous for its aroma, colour and taste .

View of Tea Plantation in district Kangra Himachal Pradesh 

Fishery Activity :- 

Fishery Activity is also contributing towards the rural economy of the district Kangra .Pong Dam reservoir is playing an important role in fish production in district Kangra . Department of Fisheries is  managing the hatchery , production and sales . Cooperative societies of fishermen  functioning under the department of Fisheries .

In addition to this Maharana Pratap reservoir fishery department has launched various schemes for fish production for local streams and  natural sources to generate self-employment in the district .

An Overview of Himachal Pradesh district Kangra Part - V

 An Overview of Himachal Pradesh district Kangra Part - V

Brief History of Kangra Part V continued :-

View of Palace in Lambagraaon district Kangra 

Lambagraaon  Jagir :- 

The downfall of Kangra 

Raja Sansar Chand II was  very powerful and was having the  desire to establish Trigarta in its old Glory. 

The Jawalamukhi Treaty in 1809 was an unfortunate time for Raja Sansar Chand II, when he lost most of his possessions and was allocated a small Jagir in Lambagraaon for maintenance .

How it happened  , Raja Sansar Chand II  became Raja Kangra in 1775AD when he was of only 10 years . 

When he grown up he started to  to execute his plans and dried to dislodge Mughals and to achieve possession on  adjoining hill states to achieve old glori of Trigarta Empire .

Raja Sansar Chand II had assumed the title of Naresh and Chhatrapati .

View near Lambagraaon district Kangra.

View of Jaisinhpur near Lambagraaon district Kangra.

Period Between 1775 AD to 1823A

View of Beas river near Lambagraaon , Jaisinhpur.

On this uncontrolled movement of Raja Sansar Chand , all hill chiefs joined hands and invited Amar Singh Thapa Gurkhas ruler to fight against Raja Sansar Chand . The combined Army of Hill Chiefs and Gurkhas fought the battle at Mehal Morian in Hamirpur .But Raja Sansar Chand gave a crushing defeat to the combined Army and compelled them to go back to the left bank of Satluj . This was the first battle of Mehal Morian .

In the meantime a General Gulam Mohammad of 

 Sansar Chand advised him to replace the existing army with Rohillas on some economic grounds and it was implemented . This weakend the strength of Raja Sansar Chand 's forces . When the combined forces of Hill Chiefs and Gurkhas came to know about the weakness of Katoach dynasty 's forces ,they again planned a second battle of Mehal Morian .

Then combined forces attacked the forces of Raja Sansar Chand at Mehal Morian and in 1806 A .D.Raja Sansar Chand was badly defeated and he along with his family took shelter in Kangra Fort and had to loose Hamirpur .

The Gurkha forces also took Kangra Fort in their possession and looted the forts at Kangra and Mehal Morian and destroyed the villages . This continued for three years till 1809 A.D. Raja Ishwari Sen was made free from Nadaun Jail .

In 1809 A .D. Raja Sansar Chand requested Maharaja Ranjit Singh to help him and on his request , Maharaja Ranjit Singh lodged a war against Gurkhas and in 1809 he defeated Gurkhas but Raja Sansar Chand had paid a heavy price for it . He lost Kangra Fort and other 66 villages and Sikh empire took possession of Kangra Fort and other 66 villages thus succeeded in setting up their sovereignty over Kangra and Hamirpur till 1846. 

View of Lambagraaon Palace.

On 20 July 1809 a treaty was signed between Maharaja  Sansar Chand and Maharaja Ranjit Singh  . As per  this Treaty Raja Sansar Chand was allocated a small Jagir at Lambagraaon for maintenance .

View of Kangra Fort 

In the Anglo Sikh war the British Army defeated the Sikh empire in 1846 and brought Kangra under British Empire.

Raja Sansar Chand died and his grandson Raja Pramodh Chand with the help of Sikhs and other rulers tried to dislodge British but couldn't succeeded . 

British Empire made Kangra with Hamirpur , Kullu and Lahaul Spiti as it's parts , Nadaun was made Tehsil headquarters later this settlement was revised in 1868 and tehsil headquarter was shifted to Hamirpur . 

During 1888 Palampur was made a Tehsil by merging some parts of Hamirpur and Kangra  Tehsils . Thus Hamirpur , Una and Kangra remained the part of Punjab till the reorganization of Punjab on 1st November 1966 when hilly areas of Punjab were merged in Himachal Pradesh . 

After Raja Sangar Chand in in December 1823  on the death of Raja Sansar Chand II his son Aniruddh Chand II became Raja of Lambagraaon . He was annexed by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Lahore . Raja Anirudh Chand died in 1833 .

In 1833 Raja Ranbir Chand became Raja of Lambagraaon and also received Jagir of Mehal Morian worth Rs 50,000/- value . He died in 1847 . 

In 1847 Raja Pramodh Chand son is Raja Anirudh Chand  became Raja of Lambagraaon in 1847 and remained Jagirdar till 1851 . He opposed the authorities thus deported to Almora . He was the official Freedom Fighter . He died in 1851 .

In 1851 the adopted son of Rani of Raja Parmodh Chand , Raja Partap Chand III became Raja of Lambagraaon, he remained Raja till 1864AD  Raja Raja Pratap Chand died in 1864 .

View of Lambagraaon Palace 

In 1864 Raja Col. His Highness Shri Sir Jai Chand Katoch became Raja of Lambagraaon  and remained Jagirdar till 1935 . He died in 1935 .

In 1935 Raja Dhruv Dev Chand became Raja of Lambagraaon Kangra . He died in 1988 .

Since 1988 Raja Shri Aditya Dev Chand is Jagirdar of Lambagraaon and Mehal Morian .

The present Raja of Katoch dynasty Jagirdar of Lambagraaon is Raja Aishwarya Chand Katoch.

View of Lambagraaon Palace 

An Overview of Himachal Pradesh district Kangra - Part IV

 An Overview of Himachal Pradesh district Kangra Part IV .

Brief History Continued 

Brajeshwari Mata Temple at Kangra Himachal Pradesh 

Brief  History of district Kangra  :-

Period Between 1700 AD to 1747 AD :- 

Raja Hamir Chand :- 

Hamir Chand was son of Raja Alam Chand II , he became Raja in 1700 AD and  ruled till 1747 AD. Raja Hamir Chand built Hamirgarh fort and founded Hamirpur town . Hamirpur town is named after the name of Raja Hamir Chand .

View of Kangra Fort 

Period Between 1747AD to 1750 AD.

Raja Abhey Chand : -

After the death of Raja Hamir Chand his brother Raja Abhey Chand seated on the thorne in 1747 AD and ruled the state till 1750 AD

 . Raja Abhey Chand built Riyal Tira Fort , Abhymanpur and  Thakurdwara  temple in Sujanpur Tihra .

Period Between 1750 to 1751AD 

Raja Ghamir Chand  :- 

Raja Ghamir Chand brother of Raja Hamir Chand became Raja of Kangra in 1750 and ruled till 1751 .He died in 1751AD .

Raja Shringar  Chand :- 

Raja Shringar Chand became Raja Kangra in 1751 but deposed in 1751 .

Period Between 1751 to 1774 AD  :-

View of Kangra Fort 

Raja Ghamand Chand  :-

Raja Ghamand Chand became Raja of Kangra in 1751 AD and ruled till 1774 A D .

Raja Ghamand Chand rebuilt the fort of Pathihar . In 1758 Raja Ghamand Chand was appointed as Nazim of Jalandhar Dawaba .

Period Between 1774 to 1775 AD

  Raja Tegh Chand :-

Raja Tegh Chand became Raja Kangra in 1774 AD  and died in  1775 AD 

Period Between 1775 AD to 1823AD

Raja Sansar Chand II :- 

Raja Sansar Chand II became Raja Kangra in 1775AD and ruled till 1823 A D 

Raja Sansar Chand II had assumed the titles of "Naresh " and "Chhatrapati ."

Raja Sansar Chand II was merely 10 years old when he seated on Gaddi in 1775 AD.

View of Brajeshwari Mata Temple Kangra.

According to Puranas and Panini 's Ashtadhyai in Mahabharata period the Hamirpur , Una and Kangra were parts of Trigarta Empire. It was a part of Jalandhar . The area between between Ravi and Satluj was ruled by Katoach dynasty .

Old Palace at Sujanpur Tihra 

Ancient Period :-  

During the ancient period it is said that Gupta dynasty had set up its sovereignty in this part and ruled the area .

Middle Ages :- 

Later on during the middle ages this part of land came under the control of Mohammad Gazani , Timurlung and there after Sultanas ruled over this part of land . With the passage of time all these rulers gone away .

Period Between 1700 A.D. to 1747A. D . :- 

This was the period when all these rulers gone away and the entire area was being ruled by feudal hill chiefs called Rana's.

  These Rana's were always in fight against each other. The Katoch dynasty ruler Hamir Chand made it possible to control these Rana's to form a orderly society .Hamir Chand ruled the Kingdom from 1700A.D. to 1747A.D. Raja Hamir Chand built Fort at  Hamirpur . The present town has  named after his name .

View of Mehal Morian at Hamirpur.

The Period From 1775A.D. to 1823 A.D.

Raja Sansar Chand II made Sujanpur Tihra as capital and he built palaces and temples here .He ruled the Kingdom from 1775 A. D. to 1823 A .D.  He was having a vision to establish the old empire of his ancestors Jalandhar - Trigarta , he tried it twice but remained unsuccessful as Maharaja Ranjit Singh was the hurdles on his way .

View of Palace at Sujanpur Tihra 

Which he remained unsuccessful in establishing Old Empire Jalandhar Trigarta due to Maharaja Ranjit Singh he diverted his attention towards hill chiefs and attached Mandi state , Raja Ishwari Sen of Mandi was kept in imprisonment at Nadaun for 12 years , Raja Suket was also managed to pay annual tribute  and some Parts of Bilaspur on the right bank of Satluj river were also attached

 Sikh Era Mural on Walls 

Battle of Mehal Morian :-

On this uncontrolled movement of Raja Sansar Chand all hill chiefs joined hands and invited Gurkhas to fight against Raja Sansar Chand . The combined Army of Hill Chiefs and Gurkhas fought the battle at Mehal Morian in Hamirpur .But Raja Sansar Chand gave a crushing defeat to the combined Army and compelled them to go back to the left bank of Satluj . This was the first battle of Mehal Morian .

In the meantime a General Gulam Mohammad of Raja Sansar Chand advised him to replace the existing army with Rohillas on some economic grounds and it was implemented . This weakend the strength of Raja Sansar Chand 's forces . When the combined forces of Hill Chiefs and Gurkhas came to know about the weakness of Katoach dynasty 's forces ,they again planned a second battle of Mehal Morian .

Then combined forces attacked the forces of Raja Sansar Chand at Mehal Morian and in 1806 A .D.Raja Sansar Chand was badly defeated and he along with his family took shelter in Kangra Fort and had to loose Hamirpur .

The Gurkha forces also took Kangra Fort in their possession and looted the forts at Kangra and Mehal Morian and destroyed the villages . This continued for three years till 1809 A.D. Raja Ishwari Sen was made free from Nadaun Jail .

In 1809 A .D. Raja Sansar Chand requested Maharaja Ranjit Singh to help him and on his request , Maharaja Ranjit Singh lodged a war against Gurkhas and in 1809 he defeated Gurkhas but Raja Sansar Chand had paid a heavy price for it . He lost Kangra Fort and other 66 villages and Sikh empire took possession of Kangra Fort and other 66 villages thus succeeded in setting up their sovereignty over Kangra and Hamirpur till 1846.

View of Kangra Fort 

Anglo Sikh War :- 

In the Anglo Sikh war the British Army defeated the Sikh empire in 1846 and brought Kangra under British Empire.

Raja Sansar Chand died and his grandson Raja Pramodh Chand with the help of Sikhs and other rulers tried to dislodge British but couldn't succeeded .

British Empire made Kangra with Hamirpur , Kullu and Lahaul Spiti as it's parts , Nadaun was made Tehsil headquarters later this settlement was revised in 1868 and tehsil headquarter was shifted to Hamirpur . 

During 1888 Palampur was made a Tehsil by merging some parts of Hamirpur and Kangra  Tehsils . Thus Hamirpur , Una and Kangra remained the part of Punjab till the reorganization of Punjab on 1st November 1966 when hilly areas of Punjab were merged in Himachal Pradesh .