Manikaran in Himachal Pradesh

Manikaran  is a pilgrimage center for Hindus and Sikhs. Located 45 km from Kullu at an altitude of 1730 m is Manikaran, a famous Hindu and Sikh pilgrimage destination in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The term Manikaran means jewel of ear. Manikaran is located in the Parvati Valley Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh. It is famous for its sulphur hot springs, its numerous temples, Gurudwara and its beautiful surroundings. Here icy cold waters of the Parvati river co-exists with boiling water side-by-side. Temperature of water varies from 88°C to 94°C. The hot water springs are reputed for their healing properties. The springs in the area are hot enough to boil rice in it.

A pilgrimage to this place is thought of as complete. In fact, it is also believed that there is no need to pay a visit to Kashi after visiting this place. The water of the spring is also supposed to have curative powers.

The famous Sri Ramchandra temple stands upright in the midst of the town of Manikaran. The image of this temple is believed to have been brought from Ayodhya.

The temple of Lord Shiva is another place of religious importance over there.

The Vishnu Kund at Manikaran is the epitome of purity. The water of this place is regarded to be the holiest

Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurudwara

Manikaran is also held sacred by the Sikhs. According to the Sikh sources, Guru Nanak Dev once visited this place, accompanied by his disciple Bhai Mardana. The Gurudwara is commemorated to the same visit of the Guru. The Janam Sakhi or the ‘Autobiography of Bhai Mardana’ mentions the various miracles did by the Guru at this place. Manikaran Gurudwara, built in the mountains, provides some extraordinary sights. Devotees to this Gurudwara take a holy dip in the hot water emanating from the springs. Out of three baths, one is situated below the Gurudwara itself. There are separate arrangement for men and women.

How to reach Manaikaran

Manikaran lies at a short distance from Manali and Kullu and is easily accessible by roads. Private cars and jeeps regular ply in these roads commuting tourists from Manali to Manikaran.

Brajeshwari Devi temple Kangra

Famous for its wealthy status, Brajeshwari Devi temple is one of the important temples situated in the Kangra valley. Known for its legendary wealth, this beautiful temple was invaded by many extremists several times. In the intervening years the temple was rebuilt and renovated several times but in the solid earthquake of 1905 the temple was badly damaged. The temple was again built in 1920 that stands behind the crowded colorful markets of Kangra.

This temple follows a unique tradition of worshiping the goddess. It is a tradition that every year, during the festival of Lohri, the Pindi of the Goddess is decorated with a layer of butter. It is believed that in ancient times the goddess had used butter to heal the wound she got during her battle with the demon Mahishasur. The sight of the decorated pindi attracts a lot of devotees from places near and far.

Climate

The Kangra valley enjoys the alpine climate. Summers are mild an the winters are cold.

Average Temperature (Approximate)

Summers : Maximum 34°C – Minimum 20°C Light Clothes

Winters : Maximum 20°C Minimum 1°C Heavy Woolen required woolen clothes.

Pilgrimage in Himachal Pradesh: Baijnath Temple

Baijnath (32° 3’ N and 76° 41’ E), a small township in the Dhauladhar range of western Himalayas, 16 km from Palampur and 36 km east of Kangra in the Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh is famous for its 13th century temple dedicated to Siva. The temple was built by Built by Raja Sansar Chand in 1204 AD.

Set amidst a backdrop of snow-clad mountains and lush green valley the temple is visible from a far distance.

Located on the stretch of Mandi – Palampur road, the temple of Lord Shiva is famous for the Linga (embodiment of Shiva). Every year large number of devotees flock to Baijnath temple to get blessings from Lord Shiva, especially during the month of March tourist visit to this holy destination of Kangra to enjoy the colorful ‘Shivratri’ festival. Originally known as Kiragrama, the town lies on Pathankot-Manali highway (National Highway No. 20) almost midway between Kangra and Mandi.

The present name Baijnath became popular after the name of the temple.

Apart from the main deity, the temple houses the images of Goddess Chamunda, Surya (the Sun God), Kartikeya (son of Lord Shiva) and a massive structure of Nandi (Carrier of Lord Shiva). One of the 12 Jyotirlingas are also located in the sanctum of the temple.

Location of Baijnath Temple

The temple is easily accessible via road from Dharamshala, Palampur, Kangra and all the major cities of Himachal Pradesh. Tourist can hire private taxis or take state transport buses to reach this holy destination of Himachal Pradesh.

It is about 130 Km from Pathankot, the nearest broad gauge rail head. The nearest airport is Kangra airport at Gaggal near Dharamshala. It is 60 Km from Baijnath.

Architecture of Baijnath Temple

The temple is constructed in the Nagri style of architecture. The roof of the temple is in the shape of pyramid with 2.5 sq meter from inside and almost covering the area of 5.5 sq meter from outside the temple premises. The conical shaped dome (Mandap) of the temple gets support from the four artistic big pillars. The temple is a unique example of Kangra architect.

Besides the serene surroundings and salubrious climate of middle range hills of Baijnath, tourists interested in adventure can also enjoy paragliding at nearby (about 10 km) Bir and go for trekking in the region and also d other activities.

Paonta Sahib Gurudwara in Himachal Pradesh

On the eastern end of Himachal Pradesh and surrounded by thick Sal forests Paonta Sahib (1,276 feet) is located on the banks of the river Yamuna, the river being the boundary between the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. It is situated near the towns of Nahan in Himachal Pradesh, Yamuna Nagar in Haryana and Dehradun in Uttarakhand. It is on the western extreme of the Doon valley a distance of about 44 Km from Dehradun.

Paonta Sahib Gurudwara

The Gurudwara has linkages to the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh who stayed here for more than four years.

Its original name was Paontika. “Paon” in Hindi means feet and “tika” in Hindi means became stable.

It is believed that Guru Gobind Singh’s horse stopped at this place on its own and he decided to stay here. He wrote many Sikh religious books here and then went to Anandpur Sahib to establish the Khalsa Panth.

He composed his “Dasam Granth” sitting on the banks of the river. Legend says that the mighty Yamuna was flowing very fiercely while the Guru was writing his Granth. So he requested mother Yamuna to slow down so that it does not disturb him. The Yamuna followed his advice and one can notice the mildness of the river near Paonta Sahib.

Within the precincts of the Gurudwara are the Sri Talab Asthan where he disbursed salaries and the Sri Dastar Asthan where he judged the turban tying competitions. At Kavi Darbar Asthan, poetic symposia were held. There is also a museum that displays pens of the Guru and weapons of the time. Also there are information about various Sikh leaders and Gurus.

Walking down the precincts of the Gurudwara is relaxing. One can see hundreds of devotees praying and listening to the Gurubani.

On the occasion of Baishakhi and Holi, the whole town of Paonta Sahib thrives with life.

Climate

In winter, the temperature can hover around freezing point when heavy woolens are required like shawls, sweater etc. Summer temperature are high and cottons are recommended.

How to Reach Paonta Sahib Gurudwara

Paonta Sahib is easily approachable from Nahan (45 km) and there is regular bus service connecting the places. One can also come from other routes by bus or car/taxi from Dehradun (45 km), Haridwar (117 km) and Shimla (180 km).

Chintpurni Temple in Himachal Pradesh

The temple dedicated to Mata Chintpurni Devi is located in a village of the same name in District Una, Himachal Pradesh.

Devotees have been visiting this Shaktipeeth for centuries to pray at the lotus feet of Mata Shri Chhinnamastika Devi and Mata Shri Chintpurni Devi.

They bring with them their worldly concerns and seek blessings from the Devi.

It is believed that if you ask something from the Devi with a true heart, your wish will be granted.

Pandit Mai Das, a Saraswat Brahman, is generally believed to have established this shrine of Mata Chintpurni Devi in Chhaproh village twenty-six generations ago. Over time this place became known as Chintpurni after the eponymous deity. His descendants still live in Chintpurni and perform prayers and puja at the Chintpurni temple.

The main fair at the temple is held during Navratras (April and October) and during the 10 days of “Shukalpaksh” in August, in addition to many other religious festivals. In recent years the temple has been renovated with the help of major donations from devotees all over the country.

The usual offering, by a devotee, consists of seven pieces of betelnut (supari), a piece of coconut (nariyal), a red flag (dhawaja), all bound together with home-spun multi-colored cotton-yarn (mauli). On the 8th day of the fair, the offerings of ‘Karah’ (halwa) and ‘chattar’ with 84 tiny bells hanging on its fringes, representing 84 lacs births in different forms of the devotee form which he or she seeks salvation from the Goddess.

How to reach Chintpurni Temple

Chintpurni is about 3 km west of Bharwain which is located on the Hoshiarpur – Dharamshala road. This road is part of the State Highway network. The site is approached from Una, Hoshiarpur and Kangra which are situated at a distance of 56, 48 and 64 kms away respectively.

Climate

In winter, the climate is cold when woolens are required like shawls, sweater. It is hot in summer and cottons recommended. In general, temperatures in Chintpurni are about 5 Celsius lower than in the plains of Punjab and Haryana.