Bhootnath Temple is situated in Mandi district of Himanchal Pradesh.
About
It is believed that Raja Ajber Sen heard the story of a cow offering milk on its own wish to a particular stone in a forest in Mandi. Lord Shiva is said to have appeared in the Raja’s dream and directed him to extricate the Shiva Linga that was buried at that site. Later the King found the Shiva Linga at that location. King ordered for a temple at that place. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and was built at the time when State Capital was shifted from Bhiuli to present place.
Lord Shiva along with ghosts appeared and Bhootnath was the name said by the sage Mandav. Since that day Lord Shiva is also known by the name Bhootnath. Apart from the temples, Mandi also famous site for trekking. Mandi is also famous for angling. The Barot Kullu trek is one of the beautiful and scenic treks. In March the festival of Shivratri is a major event and the Bhootnath temple is its focus. The entire week the town celebrates the arrival of hundreds of local deities.
Pandoh Dam is situated 16 km from Mandi district. It lies between 31° 40′ 17″ N, 77° 4′ 1″ E.
About
The lake is the reservoir of the dam. Pandoh dam water is used generation of hydroelectric. The lake diverts the water from Beas river and flow in into the River Satluj. Pandoh Dam is under Bhakra Beas Management Board. The road built over dam is NH 21.
The Beas water is diverted through tunnels. The water is used to generate electricity at the Dehar Power House before being discharged into the Sutlej River. The power house has capacity of 990 megawatts.
Water is diverted by 249 tall Pandoh Dam. The water first sent south through the 13.1 Pandoh-Baggi Tunnel. The Tunnel terminates at the beginning of 11.8 km at the end of the channel. The water is stored at the Sunder Nagar Balancing Reservoir. The tunnel ends just before the Dehar Power Plant. The tunnel splits into three sections followed bu six penstocks before reaching the power house.
RaghuNath Ji Temple situated 1.5 km distance from Kullu and 40 km from Manali. The chief god of Kullu is Raghunath ji. Dussehra festival is held in the name of Raghunath.
About RaghuNath Ji Temple
Raghunath ji Temple was constructed in 1660 AD. Raghunath Temple is combination of Pyramidal and Pahari style. This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. The idol is same which was used by Lord Rama himself at the time of Ashwamegh Yagya and was brought from Tretnath temple of Ayodhya. Everday aarti is held for five times in a day.
It is said that Raja Jagat Singh used charanamrit of idol for 42 days and was free from the evil effect of the curse of a Brahmin Durga Dutt. It is said that famous idol of Lord Rama Sitting in his chariot was obtained and installed by Raja Jagat Singh, the king of Kullu in the 17th century. This idol is a prime attraction of Raghunathji Temple. Dusshehra is the most important time of the year and it is celebrated sometime in October or November. An idol of Demon Ravana is burnt. The celebrations connected with the homecoming of Lord Rama. Tourists and pilgrims visiting Raghunathji Temple during Dusshehra. The millions of lights and candles along with a festive ambience . treats and joyous zeal.
According to famous folklores in Kullu the king Raja Jagat Singh was responsible for the death of a simple Brahmin. The Brahmin family residing in the village of Tipri. It is said that the king had ordered his soldiers to go to Brahmin family and fetch their pearles. The Brahmin set fire to his own hut and this led to his death and that of other members of his family. The king ought the help and advice of a saint-Shri Kishan Dass ji. Who lived at Naggar. As per his advice, Jagat Singh set off on the path of repentance, embraced Vaishnavism and fetched the idol of Lord Rama from the holy city of Ayodhya. The idol of Lord Rama installed at Raghunath Temple.
Rehala Falls is surrounded by dense woods of Birch and Deodar tress. The snow capped peaks of Himalayan can be seen in the background. Rahala Falls, a popular picnic spot also. The place serves trekking and climbing.
Rhala Water fall
Best time to visit: The best time to visit the waterfall is between the months of March and November.
How to access
By Air: The nearest airport is Bhutnar 50 km from Manali.
By Train: The closest narrow gauge railhead is at Joginder Nagar, 165 km away. The closest broad gauge rail heads are Chandigarh (310 km) and Ambala (355 km). Manali is well connected road network.
By Road: Manali is connected to Delhi by road NH 21 and NH 1. Buses and cabs are easily avilable. The fresh and aromatic air provides relaxation, piece of mind to the visitors.
In winter the temperature can drop to below freezing point. Summer temperature are mild and light woolens clothes are recommended. In winter heavy woolens are required. The best time to visit the waterfall is between the months of March and November.
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A path from Manali log huts and Dhungri temple passes through dense Deodar, Kail, Horse chestnut, Walnut and Maple forests. The animals seen here Musk deer,Leopard, Snow leopard,Monal,Brown bear.
Drove of Ibex are seen migrating in the glacier in the summer season.The area was declared as a sanctuary on 26 February 1954 under the Punjab Birds and Wild Animals Protection Act of 1933.
The sanctuary also allows camping in summer. The best time for trekking is May and June. Tourist are also allowed to stay in the camp at Lambadug.
January to December: Open all days 09:00 am to 06:00 pm
How to access
The nearest airport at Bhunter is 50 km from Manali. The closest narrow gauge railhead is at Joginder Nagar, 165 km away. The closest broad gauge rail heads are Chandigarh (310 km) and Ambala (355 km).
The well connected road network in Himachal Pradesh makes Manali accessible. Buses and cabs are easily available.
Climate
In winter the temperature can drop to below freezing point. Summer temperature are mild and light woolens clothes are recommended.
In winter heavy woolens are required. The best time to visit Manali Wildlife Sanctuary June to September.
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Arjun Cave is located towards Naggar and is based on left bank of Beas river. The nearest village to Arun Gufa ia Prini. This village known for its rural beauty.
Pandav Arjun mediated here to get the possession of the powerful ‘Pashupati Astra’ from Indra. At approximately 2 kms a visible lake called Kunt Bhayo lake and a Kunti Mata Temple is located.
The Arjuna Cave is one of the most interesting tourist spots in the whole of Manali. Arjun Gufa offers ancient beauty and unending silence.
If you wish to take a half day sightseeing in Manali.Enjoy spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges and the surrounding alpine forests, Arjun Cave is a good place to be On arrival.
At ArjunCave the uproar of Manali town drops completely. The best time to see Arun Gufa in the morning. It is also important for visitors to carry light woolens clothes.
How to access
By Air: The nearest airport at Bhunter is 50 km from Manali.
By Train: The closest narrow gauge railhead is at Joginder Nagar, 165 km away. The closest broad gauge rail heads are Chandigarh (310 km) and Ambala (355 km).
By Road: Manali is well connected to most important cities such as Delhi,Chandigarh,Amabala,Shimla etc through bus services. The buses are also run by private operator and Himanchal State Road Transport.
Climate
In winter the temperature can drop to below freezing point. Summer temperature are mild and light woolens clothes are recommended. In winter heavy woolens are required.
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The shape of this temple in the shikhara style. It is famous highlight of the village. A small shrine of Gauri Shankar and the chalet-roofed temple dedicated to Goddess Sandhya Devi. There are many old temples that spot the village. Jagatsuk Shiva Temple is an ancient temple built during the 8th century. Jagatsukh is also known as the base for trekking lovers.
By Air: The nearest airport is Bhunter 50 km from Manali.
By Train: The closest narrow gauge railhead is at Joginder Nagar, 165 km away. The closest broad gauge rail heads are Chandigarh (310 km) and Ambala (355 km).
By Road: Regular buses ply from Manali bus station to Jagatsukh Temple. The buses takes around 15 to 20 minutes. Private taxis can also be avaliable from Manali to Jagatsokh.
Climate
In winter the temperature can drop to below freezing point. Summer temperature are mild and light woolens clothes are recommended. In winter heavy woolens are required.
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Hadimba Devi Temple is dedicated to the wife of Bhim, one of the five Pandava brothers in the Indian epic Mahabharata. Bhim married Hadimba and they had a son. But later on, Hadimba left the place and became a spiritual. The people later established temple in her respect known as Hadimba Devi Temple. Hadimba Devi Temple is in pagoda style and comprises no idol within. Some footprints are engraved and are worshiped by devotees.
The Hidimbi Devi temple is built around a cave where Hidimba performed meditation. Hidimbi was supposed to have lived there with her brother Hidimba, and not much is known about their parents. Born into a Rakshas family, Hidimbi vowed to marry one who would defeat her brother Hidimba, who was supposed to be very brave and fearless. During the Pandava’s exile, when they visited Manali; Bhima, one of the five Pandavas, killed Hidimba. Thereafter, Hidimbi married Bhima and gave birth to their son Ghatotkacha. Source: Wikipedia
Architecture of Hadimba Devi Temple
Hadimba Temple was established in 1553. Hadimba Devi Temple has 24m high tower. The three tiers of its square roofs are covered with timber tiles. The conical roof is clad in metal. The earth goddess Durga forms the theme of the main door carvings. The temple base is made out of whitewashed, mud-covered stonework. An huge rock occupies the inside of the temple a 7.5 cm tall brass image representing goddess Hidimbi Devi. About seventy metres away from the temple, there is a shrine dedicated to Goddess Hidimbi’s son Ghatotkacha.
As per another legend, the architect of the temple had to lose his hand for this masterpiece. King was afraid of duplication of the master craft and he ordered architect’s hand to be cut. The temple is also known for a fair held every year in Hindu month of Shravan in the memory of Raja Bahadur Singh, who built the temple. The fair is popularly known as “Bahadur Singh Re Jatar” among locals. There is another fair too which is held on 14th May each year.
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Solang Valley derives its name from a village called Solang and Nullah means water streams from mountains. Solang Valley is situated 16 kms from Manali. Solang Valley lies on the westren bank of the Beas river. It lies between 32.316°N and 77.157°E.
Solang Valley is famous for its summer and winter sport conditions. The sports organised here is parachuting,paragliding,skating and zorbing. When snow melts in summer season then skiing is replaced by zorbing. paragliding, parachuting and horse riding.
Solang is not just about adventure activities. Solang is also famous for lush green valley,peaks coverd by snow. Solang valley attracts lakhs of visitors. The start of international skiing competition like Alpine Premier League has made the valley popular among foreign tourists. Solang offers a variety of options when it comes to eating. we can find Punjabi,South Indian,Italian. Hotels and Resorts serve non-veg and veg food.
Solang Valley is situated 16 kms from Manali. Nearest domestic airport Bhuntar 49 km. Nearest local railhead on the narrow guage line – Jogindernagar (135 kms).
climate
In winter Solang Valley coverd with snow. For snow lovers, the best time to visit Solang Valley is between the months of December to February. The climate of Solang Valley good whole year.
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Sheltered by the mountains and surrounded by tea gardens, Bir a small village in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. The place named Chaugaan near Bir serves as a landing ground and a base for Hang and Para gliders. The Paragliding in Bir Billing has been key element to adventure tourism boost in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
Himachal Pradesh is known as a paradise of tourism. It has many known and unknown tourist places. Barot is one of such unknown places which has not received due encouragement and credit on tourism map of the state.
Barot
Located on a distance of 66 Kilometer from Mandi town, which is located on Chandigarh-Manali highway(NH-20), Barot is a beautiful destination surrounded by thick forests of Deodar trees. A series of attractions are in waiting for a traveler in this village. The reservoirs of the Joginder Nagar Hydel Power Project are located here. Barot is a wonderful location which provides enormous opportunities of angling, fishing and trekking to visitors. Barot became a hiving center of tourism in recent years.
In recent years (yes it is years) theft of Telephone cables in the state of Himachal Pradesh been occurring. There has been more than two dozens such thefts in Joginder Nagar tehsil area of Mandi district and more than 500 connectable telephone connections have been disconnected due to these thefts in last one year.
Bijli Mahadev Temple is situated in a meadow with lush green forests in the surroundings, 14 KM from Kullu. Bijli Mahadev temple is a ‘Kash’ style temple that has a “Shiva-Lingam”.
This place got its name “BijliMahadev” after the great miracle that occurs occasionally. The ‘Shiva-Lingam’ is struck by lightening and it breaks into pieces, then the priest of the temple collects all the pieces and joins them together with the help of butter acting as an adhesive. During ‘Shivaratri’ every year, great rush of devotees gather here to pay homage to Lord-Shiva.
Bijli Mahadev Temple
Bijli Mahadev Temple is located at an altitude of about 2,438 m in the Kullu Valley, Bijli Mahadev is one of the excellent temples in India. Located 14 km from Kullu, it can be approached by a difficult but rewarding trek of 3 km. A panoramic view of Kullu and Paravati valleys can be seen from the temple. The 60 feet high staff of Bijli Mahadev temple glistens like a silver needle in the sun. In this temple of lightning it is said that the tall staff attracts the divine blessings in the form of lightning. It is believed that the priest of the temple has to restore the Shiva-lingam placed inside the temple using butter and sattoo after every lightning as it shatters to pieces with flash of lightning.
Apple Orchard on the way to Bijli Mahadev
You get to see a panoramic view of Parvati and Kullu valley from this peak. When you turn around, there are no higher peaks to block your view in the close proximity.
Panoramic view of Bhuntar from Bijli Mahadev Temple
Importance of Bijli Mahadev
This place is full of mystery and miracles. The name comes from the fact that, the lightening (Bijli) strikes the Shiva linga inside the temple and breaks into pieces. The Shiva ling (Mahadev) will be joined together and installed in a special occasion using a locally made adhesive. One can witness the charred part (especially on the walls) inside the temple which is due to the flames resulted during lightning. Devotees can give offerings in the Hundi only kept inside the temple.
Panoramic view of meadows at Bijli Mahadev Kully Valley
Opposite to the temple there are small stone statues situated and one can perform pooja there too. A 20mtr tall pole is installed which has got some interesting story. The pole is made of Deodar tree in a nearby forest area. Once in a while during special occasions the pole will be replaced by another one made from the tallest Deodar tree found in the forest. The local villagers and people from surrounding places come together to replace the pole and is a festival celebration for all of them. The tree is carved in the square shape and fixed firm in the place. People feel that this is an opportunity for getting blessing from Lord Shiva and consider this activity as serving God.
Another Panoramic view of meadows at Bijli Mahadev Kully Valley
How To Reach
Airport :- Bhuntar Airport is the nearest airport 30 k.M.
Railhead :- Jogindernagar is the nearest railhead 150 k.M.
In addition, every Indian state has its own state animal, bird and flower. Since different states in India have different climate and cultivation the wildlife and the vegetation also differ according to the region and geography. For example, some species are found in one state but not in others and vice-versa.
