| Located on
the banks of the Yamuna river, in the state of Himachal Pradesh,  encircled
by a thick sal forest, is the historic town of Paonta Sahib, which was founded
by the 10th Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh. He left Anandpur Sahib, when only 16
years old, at the invitation of Raja Maidini Prakash of Sirmour, and dwelt at
this picturesque spot for around 4 years. The word `Paonta' literally means `space
for a foothold'. The Paonta Sahib Gurudwara commemorates the stay of the great
Guru, and it is said that the waters of the Yamuna rush by silently through this
spot, at the Guru's requesting them to do so. |
| Gurudwara
Paonta Sahib: This site is believed to have been the holy Guru Gobind Singh's
abode for over 4 years, where he penned the `Dasam Granth'. The Gurudwara houses
the Shri Talab Asthan where he disbursed salaries, and the Shri Dastar Asthan
where he judged the turban - tying competitions. The Kavi Durbar was the venue
of the poetic symposia. A memorial dedicated to Kalpi Rishi, and a museum showcasing
the pens of the Guru and the weapons of those times, are also located within the
precincts of the Gurudwara.
Yamuna Temple:
Directly below the Gurudwara is an ancient shrine dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.
Gurudwara Bhangani Sahib: This gurudwara
commemorates Guru Gobind Singh's first battle, wherein he vanquished Raja Fateh
Shah and his allies.
Gurudwara Tirgarh Sahib:
This gurudwara is constructed on the very hillock, from where Guru Gobind
Singh is said to have shot arrows at his foes.
Gurudwara
Shergarh Sahib: At this site, the Guru beheaded a vicious man - eating tiger
with a single wave of his sword.
Nagnauna Temple:
The Nagauna temple is located near the Puruwalla village, and is closely linked
with the legend of Sirmour's former ruling family.
Nahan
( 45 km from Renuka): This idyllic town was founded by Raja Karan Prakash
of Sirmour in 1621, and boasts of several temples, a gurudwara, ancient palaces
and pleasant walks.
Fossil Park, Saketi: This happens
to be the largest fossil find in the Shivalik hills, and displays a fascinating
collection of fossils and lifesize models of now - extinct animals, dating back
to 85 million years.
Shiva Temple, Patlian:
What is fascinating about this shrine is, that the linga enclosed within the sanctum
is said to be steadily increasing in size.
Katasan
Devi Temple: Lying on the Paonta Sahib - Nahan road, is this temple, also
known as Uttam Wala Bara Ban. At this site, the forces of Sirmour defeated the
armies of Ghulam Qadir Khan Rohiolla.
Sirmour:
The remains of the ancient capital of the princely state of Sirmour, which is
said to have been devastated by a flood in the 11th century, when it was cursed
by a dancing girl, are worth a visit.
Balasundari Temple,
Trilokpur: This shrine was built by Raja Deep Prakash of Sirmour in 1573.
According to a legend attached to the place, the Devi's `pindi' appeared in a
bag of salt purchased by a local trader.
Ram
Temple: Located near the Yamuna bridge, within Paonta Sahib, is this
temple also known as `Mandir Shri Dei Ji Sahiba', built in the memory of Raja
Pratap Chand of Kangra, by his wife who hailed from Sirmour, in 1889.
Simbalwara Wildlife Sanctuary: 12 km off the main Paonta
Sahib - Nahan road, this sanctuary is replete with a wide variety of avianfauna
population.
Baba Garib Nath's Shrine:
This shrine revered by childless women, lies deep within a sal forest.
Choordhar: A popular destination for trekking groups, Choordhar
is located at an altitude of 3,647m above sea level. Choordhar literally translates
as `the mountain of the silver bangle'. |
Winter: October to March.