An overview of Himachal Pradesh Part VIII -Mata Baglamukhi Temple , Bankhandi district Kangra

 An Overview of Himachal Pradesh , Tourist places  Of Kangra Part - VIII - 

1.Mata Baglamukhi Temple Bankhandi district Kangra :-

Mata Baglamukhi Temple Bankhandi district Kangra :- 

One another historical temple which is about 25 Km from Jawalamukhi Mata temple  and 13 Km from Dehra Gopipur town is Mata Baglamukhi Temple which is situated near Bankhandi village   on  Chandigarh Una Chintpurni Dehra Kangra Dharamshala

 road .

This temple is established by Pandavas during  their exile . Bheema and Arjun  worshipped Mata Baglamukhi  to attain powers and obtain their kingdom  . Baglamukhi is  is a sidhpeeth  and also called Shree 1008 Baglamukhi Temple Bankhandi . 

Those who do rituals Havana with faith and devotion in Baglamukhi temple their wishes got fulfilled by Goddess Baglamukhi . Ravana had done Baglamukhi sadhana to win triloki ,  Bhagwan Shree Ram had also done Baglamukhi sadhana before expedition on Lanka . 

In Kangra Bankhandi Baglamukhi Temple ,our Prime Minister smt. Indira Gandhi had also come to offer prayers and to seek blessings of Maa Baglamukhi in 1977 when she lost the general election . Maa Baglamukhi  is such a power which gives  peace , prosperity , happiness and victory in every field if prayed with true heartedly.

Smt. Indira Gandhi again came into power in 1980.  President of India Late Shri Pranab Mukherjee had also come to Baglamukhi Temple Bankhandi  to get blessings of Maa Baglamukhi . 

 2.Kangra Fort  :- 

Kangra Fort also called Nagarkot fort in ancient times is an important tourist place which is standing from centuries and speaking the history of Nagarkot .

Kangra Fort 

Kangra Fort is centrally protected Monument under Archeological survey of India [ ASI ]. Kangra Fort had suffered damages in the 1905 earthquake .

Kangra Fort was built by Rajas of Katoch dynasty and they had proved themselves the descendants of King Shusharma who had favoured Kauravas in Mahabharata  battle. Traditionally the Kangra fort is said to be founded by King Shusharma the 234 th . King of the dynasty.

The Kangra fort is located about 20 Km from town of Dharamshala district headquarters in the outskirts of Kangra town . It is about 4Km from Bus stand through National Highway 503   , the facility of auto three wheeler and private taxi services is available to reach the Fort .

Kangra Fort 

Kangra Fort is the largest fort in Himalayas and probably the oldest fort in India . Kangra Fort had faced many attacks of Mughals . It is believed that Mughal Empror Shahjahan Akbar attempted 52 sieges on Kangra Fort but couldn't succeeded in his life time and finally his son Empror Jahangir succeeded and captured the Kangra fort in 1620 CE after 14 months siege  with the help of Raja Suraj Mal of Nurpur . He built a Mosque in the fort and also built a Gate called Jahangiri Gate .

At present this historical monument is in ruined conditions which some time was Glory of Katoch dynasty . Visitors at present visit this historical monument in large numbers .

 3. Brajeshwari Temple Kangra  :-

Brajeshwari Temple Kangra 

Brajeshwari Temple Kangra is one another historical temple dedicated to Devi Brajeshwari which is one Shakti peeth among 51 Shakti peeths of Bhagwati Adi Shakti Mata Durga situated in Kangra town .  Devotees all over India visit this temple and during Navratri specially huge crowd is experienced to offer prayers and take blessings of Mata Brajeshwari Devi . 

  4.Banganga the tributary of Beas river :- 

Banganga river 

Banganga is a tributary of Beas river which flows through Kangra valley . It is also a tourist place , lacs of pilgrims take dip in the holy waters of Banganga river when they are on trip to Kangra temple .

Panoramic view of Banganga river 

The Banganga originated from the southern slopes of Dhauladhar ranges and flows in the outskirts of Kangra town .You can experience it's cool water when coming from Jawalamukhi to Kangra as it just flows adjoining to Kangra .

 5. Gagal Airport [Kangra Airport  ] :-

Gagal Airport 

Kangra airport is a regional airport situated on Mandi Pathankot National Highway 154 at a distance of about 12 Km from Kangra near Gagal village at an altitude of 770 metres above mean sea level  .

Kangra Airport 

 6. Shree Kangra Shwetambar Jain Thirth Temple  :- 

This ancient temple is situated in the old Kangra Fort . The Idol of first Tirthankar Bhagwan Adinath is present in a small temple in the fort which is 5000 years old  . Adjoining to Bhagwan Adinath temple ,  Maa Ambika temple is also existing , who is Kuldevi  of Katoch dynasty . In the month of Phalgun a fair is held in this temples and devotees offer their prayers and take blessings of Bhagwan Adinath and Maa Ambika .

Jain Temple Kangra 

Even today this temple is a centre of faith  among Jain community .

 7. Masrur Rock Cut  Temples district Kangra :- 

Masrur Rock Cut Temples district Kangra Himachal Pradesh.

Masrur Rock Cut Temples are situated in village Masrur in district Kangra on Ranital Lunj Highway at a distance of about 22 Km from Ranital at an altitude of about 772.66 metres above mean sea level .

Masrur Rock Cut Temples 

From Delhi it is about 460 Km and from Dharamshala it is about 45 Km away .To reach Masrur Rock Cut Temples we can choose either Chandigarh Bilaspur Ghumarwin Hamirpur Nadaun Jawalamukhi Ranital Lunj Highway or Chandigarh Nangal Una  Chintpurni Dehra Ranital Lunj Highway. Both the roads Ara in good condition .

Nagar style architecture of Masrur temples 

The Masrur Rock Cut Temples are also known as Alora temples of Himachal Pradesh .

The Masrur Rock Cut Temples are also centrally protected Monument under Archeological survey of India . These temples are made by cutting a large rock . These temples are built in Nagar style architecture in 8th century facing towards Dhauladhar mountain range.

There is a lake adjoining to these temples having fishes in it . People feed them . To visit this site is an entry ticket amounting Rs. 20/- per adult .

Masrur temples Kangra Himachal Pradesh.

The site is very beautiful , temples are having idols of Lord Vishnu , Shiva , Devi and Rama , Mata Sita and Lakshman carved in stone  . It also one of the oldest sites in India . When ever you plan a trip to Kangra must visit these tourist destinations .

 

SNOWY MOUNTAINS OF KULLU MANALI

 Snowy Mountains Of Kullu Manali  :- 

Beautiful View of Manali under snow 

Snow capped Mountains in Kullu and Manali is attractions to everyone in India as well as in abroad . Though Kullu and  Manali have magnificent climate and panoramic views of mountains  throughout the year  but in rainy season  cloudburst and land slides due to  heavy rains are common. In such climates metrology department broadcasts special alerts which must be taken care while planning trip to this region keeping in mind the safety of lives .

Panoramic view of Manali under snow on 13 th. January 2023 .

Kullu Manali is a most popular hill station for snow in India . Throughout the year Manali retains its charm for visitors due to its cool climates . 

The average temperature of Manali during summer ranges from 10° centigrade to 30° centigrade and during winters the temperature ranges from minus 7° centigrade to 15° centigrade . So in summer the cool climate with neat and clean atmosphere of mountains at Kullu Manali is attractions for the tourists .

Beautiful View of walk on snow 

In winter season the  snow capped Mountains of Manali is also attractions for tourists .

View of children playing in snow at Manali 

Due to summer vacations in schools and colleges the Manali remains full with families and winter season is mostly preferred by couples and honeymooners . The months of August and September and October and November are having lean rush so cheaper accommodation is available here .

Manali under Fresh Snowfall on 13 th. January 2023 

Kullu Manali experience winters from September to February so to enjoy snowfall and panoramic views of snow claded mountains these months are most appropriate . During this period you can enjoy the skiing and other snow activities .

Beautiful Photograph in snow 

Keeping in view the temperature ranges of this place during winters you must carry enough woolens to keep your self warm .You must have proper inners , shoes for snow walk , hat , gloves etc .

Photograph near Hadimba Devi temple 

The fresh snowfall is always expected in the months of December and January in Kullu Manali and from October to January in Rohtang pass . The year in 2022 -23 the snow came on 13  January 2023 which blocked the road ahead of Nehru Kund Manali .

The Manali was crowded at this time and tourists enjoyed the snow with huge excitement .

Manali under snow 

For out door activities the season from April to  end of the June is  most appropriate . In this period the weather remains sunny , clear and pleasant . This is summer season in Kullu Manali and temperature ranges from 10° centigrade to  25-30° centigrade which is very pleasant for site seeing . So  to enjoy the best time you must plan a trip to Manali.

Panoramic view of Snow in Manali 

An Overview of Himachal Pradesh district Kangra, Tourist places

 An Overview of Himachal Pradesh district Kangra [Tourist places ] Part - VII

Up Steps to Jawalamukhi temple, district Kangra Himachal Pradesh.

District Kangra which comprises  of Pir-Panjal  mountain ranges , Dhauladhar mountain ranges , Kangra Shivalik hills , Kangra Valley  and Beas river basin  is having diversity in its geographical landscapes .

 View of Snow cladded Dhauladhar mountain ranges.

The district is having varying altitude ranging from 427 metres above mean sea level to 6401 metres  above mean sea level .Due to this varying altitude and located in escarpment of Himalayas the district has diverse climate .

The landscapes of the district extend from low foot hills to high wet temperature zone through mid hill humid zone .

Pir - Panjal ranges receive huge snowfall in winter , forming high wet temperature hilly  zone . The month July to September receive more than 70 percent of rain fall 

Due to this climate diversity summer are hot in lower valleys but the climate is very charming in hilly areas . This climate diversity  creates a mesmerizing effect in the nature thus great attractions to nature lovers and tourists .

View of Dhauladhar mountain ranges.

Jawalamukhi Mata temple :-

View of Jawala ji temple district Kangra 

As Himachal Pradesh is Dev Bhoomi , it is abode of God and different goddesses . Temples here are centres of faith from ancient times . People from the various parts of the country and abroad always come to seek blessings in  these holy temples .

Here in Kangra there are  numbers of temples which give peace and prosperity to the devotees . Also Kangra is known for its nature and it's tourist places .

In this article we are taking a very very famous temple which is one of 51 Shakti Peeths , the name is Mata Jawala  temple .  

This is the only temple where no idol of Mata Jawala ji is present.

Here Mata  ( Goddess ) is present in the form of Flame  called Jawala . The nine flames  continuously burning from ancient times . 

Maa  is present in Flame Form

The 9 flames burning from mountain continuously from centuries 

It is worshiped in the flame form .  Nine flames are representing nine forms of Goddess Durga .

Shehnshah Akbar came to know about this , he tried to put off these flames by putting a iron sheet [Tawa ] over it but the flames came out by tearing the iron sheet  , then Shahenshah ordered to divert a water canal over the flames . When the water canal is made to flow over the flames then the flames continued burning over the water .

Chhatr offered by Shahenshah Akbar 

When Shahenshah Akbar faild in  putting off these flames then he understood that this is not an ordinary flames it is some power . He came barefooted to offer golden  Chhatr to Maa Jawala ji weighing 1.25 Mn  ( about 19 kg weight ) but Maa Jawala ji did not accepted it and it turned to another unknown metal . This Chhatr is still kept there in the temple . Finally Shahenshah Akbar bowed his head before  Maa Jawala ji and returned to Delhi .

Presently the temple is under government trust .Lacs of pilgrims used to visit and seek blessings of Maa Jawala ji every year and specially in Navratra a huge crowds is experienced  in the temple . It is  believed that tongue of Mata Satti  had fallen on this spot . It is a famous temple situated in North India in Himachal Pradesh .

The Jawalamukhi Mata temple is situated in Jawalamukhi  town in district Kangra Himachal Pradesh at an elevation of about 610 metres above mean sea level. The Jawalamukhi Mata temple is about 201 Km from Chandigarh airport and  40Km from Gagal airport which is also known as Kangra airport or Dharamshala airport .

It is about 12Km from Nadaun 

and about 55 km from Dharamshala on Hamirpur Kangra Dharamshala road . From Pathankot Jawalamukhi Temple is about 110 km and from Chandigarh it is about 192 Km . The temple has good all weather road connectivity and luxury buses , private taxi services , Himachal Pradesh Road Transport [ HRTC ] and buses from Punjab Roadways and Haryana Roadways are regularly plying to Jawalamukhi .  The Dehra Gopipur the Sub divisional headquarters is about 11Km from Jawalamukhi Mata temple on Jawalamukhi Dehra Chintpurni Una road .

For staying  there are  private hotels  , Himachal Pradesh tourism  has also good hotel in the town . Temple trust has already has Yatri Nivas for staying of pilgrims .

All around the temple you can enjoy the beauty of  nature  

Jawalamukhi Mata temple 

This temple was initially built  by Raja Bhumi Chand . It is  said that Pandvas had also built this temple  .Later on Maharaja Sansar Chand and in 1835 Maharaja Ranjit Singh had also done some work of Jawala ji temple .  Nepal Naresh has offered a Ghanti which is also kept there in the temple . From centuries Rajas , Maharajas used to get blessings of Maa Jawala ji. 

  In the history the Bhagat Dhayanu was a great devotee of Mata Jawala ji and Mata Brajeshwari Kangra  who offered his head to Mata when Adi Shakti didn't appeared to give life to his horse cut by Shehnshah Akbar at Delhi to test the power of Adi Shakti Mata Durga. On offering his life by Bhagat Dhayanu Adi Shakti appeared and gave life to both Dhayanu Bhagat and his horse  . This was the miracle of Adi Shakti .

Presently trust is managing the temple and providing facilities to the devotees .

Enchanting Village Chalal Near Kasol in Parvati Valley Himachal Pradesh

 Enchanting Village Chalal Near to Kasol in Parvati Valley Himachal Pradesh :-

View from Kasol 

The Enchanting Village Chalal is located near to Kasol which is about 3 Km before famous religious place Manikaran is a home to Isareli visitors.

Enchanting Chalal 

The village is so called, "Mini Israel of Himachal Pradesh " because high number of Israeli visitors and other foreigners  consider Kasol and Chalal as their home .

View along Parvati river  beautiful Chalal 

Following a kacha path from Kasol market to steel truss bridge  ,just crossing the bridge, left side trail leads to Chalal village and on the right side down steps to Geothermal springs at Kasol .

Panoramic view from Chalal

Hardly 20 minutes trek about 2 km from Kasol through sky touching Deodar trees will lead you to the enchanting Village Chalal in Parvati valley of Kullu district in Himachal Pradesh .

As Kasol always remains fully crowded with youths backpackers and trekkers as a base camp to Tosh village and Kheerganga Geothermal springs  so peace loving visitors do not like to stay here where as Chalal is a very peaceful and beautiful place for peace and nature lovers . 

Beauty from Chalal

The Chalal village has  home stays , small cafes and here you can enjoy Israeli style foods this village is cheaper than Kasol thus comes in every one's budget . You can enjoy the panoramic views of mountains from this  Mini Israel of India .One must visit Chalal .

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 .