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BILASPUR DISTRICT  OF  HIMACHAL PRADESH


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bullet.jpg (370 bytes)   Badol Devi bullet.jpg (370 bytes)   Baba Basandi Nayan of Mata Sri Naina Devi Ji
bullet.jpg (370 bytes)   Baba Bangali bullet.jpg (370 bytes)   Guru Ka Lahore
bullet.jpg (370 bytes)   Gugga Gehrwin bullet.jpg (370 bytes)   Hari Devi
bullet.jpg (370 bytes)   Laxmi Narayan Mandir bullet.jpg (370 bytes)   Markandeya Ji
bullet.jpg (370 bytes)   Mandir Jalapa Mai Sangirathi bullet.jpg (370 bytes)   Nahar Singh Dhaulra
bullet.jpg (370 bytes)   Naras Devi bullet.jpg (370 bytes)   Sri Naina Devi Ji
bullet.jpg (370 bytes)   Shahtalai(Baba Balak Nath Ji) bullet.jpg (370 bytes)   Shivalaya Bachhretu
bullet.jpg (370 bytes)   Shitla Mandir Jangla (Gehrwin) bullet.jpg (370 bytes)   Vyas Gufa

Badol Devi : Goddess Badol Devi temple stands at village Badol at a distance of 3Badol Devi kms from Gehrwin on the Gehrwin – Dhanathar road. There are various tales which are popular about this temple. The most accepted one is that of an old man named Bhura. It is said that Bhura had an childless cow  who used  to drop her milk on a particular place. Bhura was astonished to see this. He thought that some one has mesmerized  her cow. He tried to stop the cow from going to that place. One day he got so angry that he axed his cow. To his surprise in place of blood milk was flowing from the wounds of cow. The cow ran away and when Bhura tried to follow her he could not see anything and when he returned back he was able to see everything. When people learned all this they dug the place where cow used to shed her milk. They found a pindi of goddess Durga. They installed it in the bushes near that place. Later two wives of King of Bilaspur built two temples there. Now the fight was on between the two install the pindi in their temple. One night it itself chose the younger wife’s temple and got automatically installed there. After that no one was able to uninstall it from that temple.  Goddess Badol Devi is symbol of Mother Shakati (a popular name for mother Durga). The hill on which temple has been built has also been named after goddess Badol Devi.

Baba Basandi : Temple of Baba Basandi is situated on the peak of a hill Feti Dhar at about 2 kms. from Rohin. The real name of Baba ji was Basandi Ramand he belonged to village Barota Kanainta near Ghumarwin. His father was named Sapai and mother was named Nogari.  He joined Police services but due to some differences with an officer on worshiping God while on duty and left the job. He preferred worshiping God than the job. Some Gujjars showed him the cave of a tiger and asked him to worship there. Baba ji entered the cave and started meditating there. Some people say that Baba Ji and tiger were together in the cave for some time. It is also said that Anand Chand, the last raja of Bilaspur state, was born to Raja Vijay Chand by the blessings of Baba. Baba Basandi died when his body was half burnt in the Dhuna. His body was flown in water as per his will. On the occasion of Sair and Shivratari two fairs are organised here.

Baba Bangali : Baba Bengali is one of the saints of thinkers who have chosen Bilaspur as there workplace. As the name suggest Baba Bengali belonged to Bengal, and no body knows his real name. It is believed that he was ruler of some state in Bengal. One day a case involving a Brahmin and a businessman was brought to his court. In his heart Baba knew that brahmin is right but the witnesses were all against him. So he had to give his decision against the brahmin. The feeling of guilt forced him to leave his state and give up his reign. He visited many states and finally reached Bilaspur. He started meditating at Solag Jurasi. He was Guru of Raja Vijay Chand (1899 to 1937) and Raja Anand Chand (1937 to 1952).

Guru Ka Lahore : Gurudwara Guru Ka Lahore is situated near town Bassi and isGuru Ka Lahore about 12 Kms from the famous Anandpur Sahib. The Gurudwara has its relation to the marriage of Shri Guru Gobind Singh. When Guru ji got engaged to Jeet Kaur, her father Sh. Harjas Rai Khatri wanted that the marriage should be arranged at Lahore. But Guru ji was fighting with the Mughals at that time, so it was not possible for him to go to Lahore for marriage. So Guru ji created the environment just like Lahore here. Sh. Rai was satisfied seeing this and the marriage took place at this place on 24 Ashadh samvat 1734. There are three more Gurudwaras at this place namely Gurudwara Sehra Sahib, Gurudwara Triveni Sahib and Gurudwara Paud Sahib. This is a beautiful place surrounded by hills from three sides. ‘Gura Ka Langar’ is open here for all 24 hours a day.  Every year on Basant Panchami a fair is organised here.

Gugga Gehrwin :This is a very elegant temple situated on famous plateau ofTemple Guggapir Gehrwin  which is about 36 kms ahead of Bilaspur. This place is Gugehri of famous Chauhan’s family of Marudesh of Rajasthan. There are many Gugehris spread throughout the district which have their own identity, however, this temple is centre of special devotion and honour for the people. During rainy season, throughout Bilaspur, tale of Gugga is recited from Raksha Bandhan to Gugga Naumi. Legend is that Gugga was son of mother Bachhal and disciple of Guru Gorakhnath. He originated from Guggal (a special type of Dhoop) as a result of Guru Gorakhnath’s blessings.

He suffered the conspiracy of step brothers- (Jodu) which ultimately led him to murder his twin brothers. Gugga Rana killed Nags (Snakes) when they came to help them. He was very brave and his blue horse was quite loyal. His sister Gugdi supported him at every step. But when he killed his step twin brothers his mother got hurt and out of anger asked him to leave the kingdom. Gugga respected his mother’s words and left forever. He was never seen again by any body.  Gherewin temple is famous throughout district. During rainy season many fairs are being held and common belief is that Gugga worshiping provides protection from Snakes.

Hari Devi : Maa Hari Devi’s temple is situated on mounted place. One can reachHari Devi Temple here by boarding either from Ghumarwin, Bhota & Ladrour Barota. Temple is about 1.5 kms ahead from main road where it is to be covered on-foot.

Regarding existence of temple it is said that first of all Maa Hari Devi appeared in a nearby village Bada. Later, present Longu Rani’s ancestor established Maa’s temple on this site. Earlier here, there was a small temple.

There is a folk lore that queen Nagavdai had constructed present temple. Rani didn’t had any child. she had visited all shrines, & prayed all deities for a of male child when she was returning to her capital Bilaspur, her karwan resorted Dangar  & stayed over night. Maa came in her dream & told her if she comes to her temple with out ego & pride she will be blessed with a male child. After sunrise, queen without eating any thing went to Maa’s temple naked feet with great devotion and expressed her desire.

With in a year, queen bore a son. Later she made her temple.

Hari Devi is Kul Devi of local residents. People offer bride grooms sehra after their marriage in the temple. In spite of complete idol only eyes are present and are being worshiped by people. As the result of which, some times feeling arises that this temple is constructed on the pattern of Shri Naina Devi Ji.

Laxmi Narayan Mandir : Old Bilaspur town was known as town of temples. ThereLaxmi Narayan Mandir were many temples having various styles of paintings. But due to construction of Bhakhara Dam the town is now submerged in the Gobind Sagar Lake. After the new town came into existence the Laxami Narayan Temple was built near the bus stand. This temple is of Top Style (Shikhar Shailly). The Shiva Linga of Shankeshwar (Lord Shiva) brought from the old town has been established here. This temple has idols of Laxami Narayan, Lord Shiva, Rangnath, Maa Durga and Baba Bangali. The idol of Rangnath has also been brought from the old town. Special functions are organized on Janmashtmi and Shivaratri in this temple.

Mandir Jalapa Mai Sangirathi : This temple is in the village Sagirthin, which isTemple Jalapa Mai Sangirathi around 14 kms. from Bilaspur on Bilaspur-Shimla road and then 2 kms foot path from the main road. The hilly peaks surround the temple. It is said that original name of the goddess was Sukirti and has been transformed to Sagirthiin the due course of time. It is said that Some Chandel King who was going to Mata Jawalamikhi through this road has installed the idol of goddess. Later Raja Deep Chand (1653-1665) has built the temple here. According to Shashi Vans Vinod (Book comprising history of the kings of Bilaspur) Raja Sail Chand had two wives named Hemvati and Devmati. Rani Hemvati committed herself to flames when the king was being criminated and became sati. This Rani was named Sagirthin and is family goddess (Kuldevi) of the rajas. There is an idol of black colour installed in the temple. There is a natural continuously flowing source of water here. The temple is surrounded by a 10 feet high wall. The priests of the temple are settled in the village and it is believed that they have come all the way from Chanderi with the chandel kings of Bilaspur.

Markandeya Ji : Markanday is a beautiful place about 20 Kms. from Bilaspur onMarkandeya Ji Ghagus-Brahmpukhar road. This place is named after Rishi Markanday. Rishi Mrikandu had no children  and he worshiped here to have child. Lord Shiva blessed him with one son but warned that the boy will live up to the age of 12 years. So Mrikandu had son named Markanday. As the child was growing the anxiety was also growing in fathers mind. One day Markanday asked his father for the reason of anxiety. Father told him everything. Then the child Markanday worshiped for Lord Shiva at this place and finally when his age was about to complete he got what he wanted. This happened on evening of the famous festival of Baishakhi. A spring of water flowed from the place. It is believed that pilgrimage of Char Dham is incomplete without taking bath in this spring. This is also believed that if one applies Kajal in one eye of the idol of Markanday ji and promise to apply the kajal in the other eye if blessed by a child, will definitely be blessed with the child. Markanday ji is also worshiped as the savor god of child. Every year on the day of Baishakhi a big fair is organised here.

Nahar Singh Dhaulra : The temple of Baba Nahar Singh exists at Dholra in theBaba Nahar Singh Bilaspur Town. The people all over Bilaspur worship Baba Nahar Singh. Baba is also known as ‘Bajia’, ‘Peepal Wala’, ‘Dalian Wala’. Baba ji is known as apparent (Prtyaksh) god. Baba Nahar Singh was the god of Naggar the capital of Kullu Riyasat. Raja Deep Chand (1650-1665) of Bilaspur married princess of Kullu Lai Dei (she is now known as Naggar Dei also). When the princess now known as Rani of Bilaspur reached Bilaspur she had frequent attacks of unconsciousness. The devoted persons of Bilaspur tried to find out the reason for this. They all came to the conclusion that Baba Nahar Singh has accompanied Rani and the god needs to be established with all religious rituals. Raja Deep Chand did the same and established the god in Dholra. ‘Kharaun’ (the wooden slippers) of Baba Nahar singh symbolizes him and are placed in the temple. In the month of ‘Jeth’ (mid May to mid June) on every Tuesday fairs are organized in the temple.

Naras Devi : Naras Devi temple is situated on a solitary place just two kms aheadTemple Naras Devi from Naras village, which lies in between Gherwin and Samoh. This temple is situated just at the top of place named Baroha, on a hilly rock. According to Shashi Vansh Vinod- when Raja Kalyan Chand made Sunhani capital of his kingdom he also constructed Nares Devi temple along with it. He had employed person to bring Charnamrit of Nares mata regularly. He ruled from 1600-1636 which gives an idea that this temple is about 350-400 years old.

There are many legends regarding this temple. Priest who belongs to caste –Koli, tells that where now mata’s temple exist there was earlier a huge tree of Summann. It is said that once an asteroid type of light appear in the tree and later mata’s Pindi was found below the tree. Mata appeared in Pujari ancestors dream and ordered him to build a temple where the Pindi was lying so that people can worship Her. This Pindi is still lying in the temple.

Another legend is that once Raja Kalyan Chand got angry over the Pujari, he asked to present Mata in physical form. Frightened Pujari’s prayed in the temple over night and requested Mata for protection from the king. When Raja Kalyan Chand reached temple in the morning he saw in place of Pindi embodied Durga Maa standing having her back towards Raja as she was angry and did not wanted to give Darshan. She presented her only to prove her existence. It is said that due to Mata’s fury, there was a war in between Kehloor and Saket in which Kehloor king died, that’s why Chandel Rajpoot’s do not visit Mata’s temple.

According to Markanday Puran King Surath did Tapasya of Naresa Devi (that time Naresha). Mata gave him Darshan.

A large fair is held on the day of Sair. Devotees come to Mata’s temple through out the year.

Sri Naina Devi Ji : The most notable place of worship in the district of Bilaspur is theNayan of Mata Sri Naina Devi Ji temple of Shri Naina Devi Ji. It is one of the 51 'Shakti Pithas'. It is about 70 –Km from Bilaspur and about 151-Km from Shimla. The temple was built by Raja Bir Chand in the eight century. It is about 1219 Mt. height from sea level.
 
According to a belief, Shiva's consort Sati once burnt alive in 'yagna' to avenge an insult. The distraught Shiva picked her corpse and gyrated his horrific dance. Then Vishnu, the preserver unleashed his discus and cut the body in to 51 pieces to save the earth from Shiva’s wrath.

 Naina Devi is where Sati's eye are where believed to fell situated on the hill top of that name, connected which rises some 3,995m above the sacred town of Anandpur Sahib in Roopar district of Punjab. It is about 15-km from Ganguwal and about 18-km from Anandpur Sahib. From its situation at the top of the triangular hillock it commands a grand view of the holy Anandpur Sahib Gurdwara on the one side and the Gobind Sagar on the earth.

According to another legend, during the reign of the Raja Bir Chand, Naina, an Ahir,Temple Sri Naina Devi Ji was rearing cattle on the flat summit of a hill above Jand Bhari when Naina observed that his cows were giving their milk to a white stone. He informed the Raja, who proceeded to the spot, and there found a beautiful image of the goddess Druga, close to the stone. A temple was forthwith built, and called Naina Devi. There are other interesting legends about the genesis of the temple of Naina Devi-, which could be the powerful 'Sakti-Pitha' of the by-gone times.

According to one of the legends Shiva after the self-immolation of 'Sati', in the sacrifice of 'Daksha' carried the body of his consort over his shoulder roaming about here and there. Then in order to pacify the lord, 'Shani' and 'Indra' a stealthily entered the body of 'Sati' and dismembered it piece by piece. Whenever any of the limbs of 'Sati' was dropped, it was converted in to a powerful "Sakti-Pitha". One of the eyes of 'Sati' was believed to have been dropped at this place, earning it the name of Naina Devi. Recently temple is concted with rope way. Take a look at the comprehensive Sri Naina Devi ji Site at http://www.himachal.nic.in/naina/default.htm

Shivalaya Bachhretu : Shivalya Bachhretu is a peaceful, nice place located onShivalaya Bachhretu western slope of Kotdhar just 3 kms southward to shahtalai. It is 3000 ft above sea level. In courtyard of temple there is a huge statue of Nandi Bail (oxen) which is specified to be Lord Shiva’s  Vahan (vehicle). It is said that it is named because of Bachhretu, a brave calf.

Legend is that once upon a time Muni Vishshanandi Ji while coming from Bhakra come to this area, an old women lived near present temple she had a cow. In that period, there was acute storage of water. This old women daily took her cow to the bank of Satluj, fed water to her & fetched one pot for her routine use. when Sant Vishshanand ji reached near women’s house he felt thirsty. He asked lady for water. She gave pot of water to Muni as he was extremely thirsty, he drank whole water. Lady had to manage with that water till next day. She got furious over Muni. Mahatma started praying Ganga, as a result Ganga appeared & asked Muni the purpose of calling her. Muni told Ganga that there is scarcity of water so please do appear in this area, when Ganga was appearing in present Naun (large water body), that moment woman’s cow Ganga ran away. Old lady shouted!! Stop!! Stop Ganga. The flow of Ganga alll only part, which appeared, continues to flow ceaselessly today also. Common belief is that rest of the water is seeping out from all sides of mountain. There are many water sources around the hill. People insisted Mahatma to stay there. He stayed & worshipped Lord Shiva. Legend is that lord shiva appeared there. Bawdi is named shiv Bawadi is linked to this legend.

Shivalya is quite ancient. Legend is that this was -constructed is 770 AD by Raja Veer Chand, near to it is Bachretu fort, which was constructed by Raja Rattan Chand. People who come to Baba Balak Nath, they do come to this temple. On said day large fair is organized.

Shahtalai (Baba Balak Nath Ji) : Talai named region is situated about 55 kms.Baba Balak Nath Ji ahead from Bilaspur  on  Bhager- Badser road. This place is only 4 km to Diyotsidh temple. Ancient name of this place was Changer Talai. Baba Balak nath’s worship and grazing maa ratno’s cattles, later returning her  mattress of chach-it got famous by the name of chahtalai which later turned to Shahtalai.

According to the legend, Baba Balak nath was lord shiva’s disciple, and rebirth of His son, kartikeya, had specially embodied in this era to uplift the lord shiva’s devotee, and in child form intended to serve Mata Ratno by grazing her cattles. Mata ratno daily used to give her two chappaties (roti) of makki  and chach . This   routine continued up to 12 years. When Babas time of return reached , he knowingly in the manner of excuse  ruined Zamindars’ farm by cows. They cursed Mata ratno and asked for compensation to the loss. Ratno critiqued that you have wasted all my rotis and chach. Baba ji insisted that cows did’nt enter the farms, when farms were watched there was not a single inch of damage to the crops. Baba while pointing towards rotis of twelve years in the shallow trunk of banyan tree and lassi’s talai/matress, spoke to mata ratno, that here are your offerings and I’m leaving now. After saying it baba left and started tapasya in a cave located in the mountain.

Still there is a dhunnah and a temple near the banyan tree. Existing ancient remnants like banyan tree and dhunnah under it and gurna shrubs on the one side of talai bazaar are almost 500 years old. Every year in Chaitra (March-April) fairs are held through out the month. Devotees come from far-off places to offer rot as prasad. Construction of trust has helped in rapid development. 

Shitla Mandir Jangla (Gehrwin) : Goddess Sheetla Temple exists at village jangla at a distance of about 1.5 kms. from Gehrwin on the Gehrwin – Badol – Dhanathar Road. This temple has been constructed in the tank like the Golden Temple in Amritsar. A concrete path has been constructed to the temple over the tank. The attractive idol of the deity has been engraved/sculpted at Makhowal near Anandpur Sahib. It is said that the goddess Sheetla is the younger sister of the goddess Badol Devi. The goddess had appeared in a dream to the resident of Jangla and told him to install her idol at a quiet place where water is in abundance. The man wanted to install the idol near a pond but his steps were automatically led to the present place. The goddess advised him to install her image according to her wish, so a tank was constructed to store the water and idol of the goddess was installed there. Although this temple is not very old yet the people have faith in it. People from far wide visit this temple to get their wishes fulfilled. The Goddess is symbol of power and peace.

Vyas Gufa : The oldest and the most famous religious place is the Vyas Gufa whichVyas Gufa lies on the left bank of river Satluj. It is about 610 Mt. height from sea level. It is situated between the old and new Bilaspur Township. There is a common belief that Vyas Rishi of Mahabharta fame lived in this Gufa in penance. The name of the present Bilaspur town traces its origin to Rishi Vyas which was originally known as Vyaspur. It is a place of pilgrimage. It is about 0.5 Km. distance from district head quarters.


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