Chamba
Chamba is bounded on the northwest of Jammu and Kashmir, northeast and east by Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir state and Lahaul and Bara-Bangal area of Himachal Pradesh in the south-east and south of Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh and Gurdaspur District of Punjab.
Chamba district is situated between north latitude 32 ° 11 '30 "'6 and 33 ° 13 'east longitude and 75 ° and 77 ° 49 3 '30", an estimated area of 6528 km square and is surrounded on all sides noble ranges Hill. The area is completely mountainous ranges in height from 2000 and 21 000 meters.
Administartion
Tourism in Chamba Himachal Pradesh :
Chamba, the valley of milk and honey is known for its streams, meadows, temples, paintings, rumal ( handkerchief ) and lakes. Chamba has few rivals for its scenic beauty. Chamba is situated at an altitude of 926 metres. and spreads in the area of 24 km. There are three well defined ranges in the district - The Dhauladhar range, the Pangi or Pir Panjal range and Zanskar range. Located on the banks of the Ravi river the township resembles an Italian village fortress. Chamba's temples are mostly dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu and are built of richy engraved stone. The town is also the base for Gaddi shepherds who, though nomadic in their way of life, return to Chamba periodically to stock supplies. Chamba is so sheltered by snow-clad mountain barriers that its monuments escaped destruction at the hands of invaders, which is why it still remains one of the best preserved heartlands of the Himalayan arts.
Famous Places Around Chamba :
Kailash Manimahesh : ( 4,170 metres ) Mani-Mahesh is 28 kms. from Bharmour. During mela days efficient bus service is available upto Hadsar. This lake is supposed to be blessed by goddess Kali and protected by Lord Shiva. Thousands of pilgrims journey here to bathe in its sacred water, on the fifteenth day, following the festival of Janamashtami. A fair is held every year at this lake during the month of August or September. This is the must seen place in Chamba.
Bhuri Singh Museum :
Bhuri Singh Museumis one of the
oldest museums in India. It was set up in September 1908 by the Raja
Bhuri Singh under the guidance and inspiration of venerable historian of
Indian Art Professor John Philip Vogel. It is on the world art map
because of its finest collection of Pahari miniature paiting chieflu
Chamba and guler Kangra styles. Apart from the paintings, the museum
houses a large collection of epigraphs, copper plates, historical
documents, manuscripts, sculptures in stone, metal and wood, Chamba
rumals, coins, murals, wood carvings, armour and other decorative arts.
Opens daily from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. except on Monday and
gazetted/local holidays. Lunch time is 1:30 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. It is also
open on Sunday.
Temples :
Chamba has numerous ancient temples patterned
in the style of local hill architecture, as well as Shikhara temples.
The main groups of of these temples, Lakshminarayan, as well as most in
the region are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu, built in the period
between the 8th and 10th centuries A.D. The 'Chaturmukhi' image is a
major highlight at the Hari Rai Temple. Some other important temples of
Chamba are the Bansi Gopal temple, Shri Bajreshwari temple and Chamunda
Devi temple. There is also a shrine dedicated to the memory of Rani Suhi
who, as the legend, sacrificed herself, so water could to the town
Chamba.
Laxmi Narayan Temple :
Laxmi Narayana Temple, which is the main temple of Chamba town was built by Sahil Varman in the 10th century AD. The temple has been built in the Shikhara style. The temple consists of Bimana i.e. Shikhara and GarbhGriha with a small antralya. Laxmi Narayana Temple has a mandapa like structure also. The wooden Chhattries, the shell roof, atop the temple were in response to the local climatic conditions as a protection against snowfall. There are several other temples within the complex. The temple of Radha krishna, Shiva Temple of Chandergupta and Gauri Shankar Temple are among these.
Chamunda Devi Temple :
This temple is located on the spur of the Shah Madar Hill overlooking the town to its south east. The temple stands on a raised platform. The temple has artistic carvings on its lintel, pillars and the ceiling. Behind the main temple is a small shrine of Lord Shiva in the Shikhara style. There is another platform in front of this temple where two very old peepul trees provide shelter to the visitors. From this platform a bird's eye view of most of the land marks in the town including Chaugan, Circuit House, most of the temples and river Ravi can be had. The temple is being looked after by Archaeological Survey of India. This temple can be approached by road from Chamba ( 3 km. ). The temple is an ideal picnic spot throughout the year because it has an easy approach and a commanding view.
Hari Rai Temple :
This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and dates back to 11th century. It was probably built by Salabahana. This temple lies in the north-west corner of the main Chaugan, which had became the official entrance to the town by the end of 19th C. A steep path leads to the old Shitla bridge, which was constructed in the year 1894. The temple is built in Shikhara style and stands on a stone platform. The Shikhara of the temple is finely carved. This is one of the major old temples, which is away from the old township and the only one near the Chaugan.
Chamba Church :
Situated in the main Chamba market is the beautiful Chamba Church. This Church was erected by Raja Sham Singh and gifted to the church of Scotland mission for the use of the christian community in Chamba. Its foundation stone was laid on 17th February, 1899 A.D. and its work was finished in 1905 A.D.
Sui Mata Temple :
According to a legend, the Chamba
town had no convenient water supply. And therefore the Raja had a water
course made from the Sarohta stream, but somehow the water refused to
enter the channel made for it. It was ascribed to supernatural causes.
The Saints advised that the spirit of the stream must be tranquilized
and victim must be either Rani ( Queen ) or her son. The Rani named
'Naina Devi' got ready to sacrifice herself. Accompanied by her maidens
and bare-headed as for 'Sati', she was taken to the spot near the
village of 'Balota', where Rani was buried alive. The legend goes on to
say that when the grave was filled in, the water began to flow and has
ever since flowed abundantly. A shrine was constructed at the top of
thehill by Raja in her memory. A fair called 'Suhi Mela' is also held in
her memory from 15th of Chait to the 1st of Vaishakh, where only women
and children are allowed to participate.
Chamba is bounded on the northwest of Jammu and Kashmir, northeast and east by Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir state and Lahaul and Bara-Bangal area of Himachal Pradesh in the south-east and south of Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh and Gurdaspur District of Punjab.
Chamba district is situated between north latitude 32 ° 11 '30 "'6 and 33 ° 13 'east longitude and 75 ° and 77 ° 49 3 '30", an estimated area of 6528 km square and is surrounded on all sides noble ranges Hill. The area is completely mountainous ranges in height from 2000 and 21 000 meters.
History
Chamba is the only state in northern India to maintain a documented history of about 500 AD The mountain ranges gave a protected area and helped to preserve its centuries-old ruins and numerous inscriptions. The temples erected by rajas of Chamba more than a thousand years continues to worship.
Toursim
Chamba is a small but attractive tourist destination of Himachal Pradesh, is known for its exquisite natural beauty. The place, in the midst of verdant valleys and picturesque, is visited by tourists throughout the year. Sub-Himalayas, lush flora and diverse fauna, Chamba is an exhilarating experience.
Administartion
Chamba district has an estimated area of 6528 km square and is surrounded on all sides by chains high hill. The region is mountainous with altitudes ranging from 2,000 to 21,000 feet. The disrict has six subdivisions, which consists of seven tehsils and three sub-tehsils.
Tourism in Chamba Himachal Pradesh :
Chamba, the valley of milk and honey is known for its streams, meadows, temples, paintings, rumal ( handkerchief ) and lakes. Chamba has few rivals for its scenic beauty. Chamba is situated at an altitude of 926 metres. and spreads in the area of 24 km. There are three well defined ranges in the district - The Dhauladhar range, the Pangi or Pir Panjal range and Zanskar range. Located on the banks of the Ravi river the township resembles an Italian village fortress. Chamba's temples are mostly dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu and are built of richy engraved stone. The town is also the base for Gaddi shepherds who, though nomadic in their way of life, return to Chamba periodically to stock supplies. Chamba is so sheltered by snow-clad mountain barriers that its monuments escaped destruction at the hands of invaders, which is why it still remains one of the best preserved heartlands of the Himalayan arts.
Famous Places Around Chamba :
Kailash Manimahesh : ( 4,170 metres ) Mani-Mahesh is 28 kms. from Bharmour. During mela days efficient bus service is available upto Hadsar. This lake is supposed to be blessed by goddess Kali and protected by Lord Shiva. Thousands of pilgrims journey here to bathe in its sacred water, on the fifteenth day, following the festival of Janamashtami. A fair is held every year at this lake during the month of August or September. This is the must seen place in Chamba.
Bhuri Singh Museum :
Temples :
Chamba has numerous ancient temples patterned
in the style of local hill architecture, as well as Shikhara temples.
The main groups of of these temples, Lakshminarayan, as well as most in
the region are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu, built in the period
between the 8th and 10th centuries A.D. The 'Chaturmukhi' image is a
major highlight at the Hari Rai Temple. Some other important temples of
Chamba are the Bansi Gopal temple, Shri Bajreshwari temple and Chamunda
Devi temple. There is also a shrine dedicated to the memory of Rani Suhi
who, as the legend, sacrificed herself, so water could to the town
Chamba. Laxmi Narayan Temple :
Laxmi Narayana Temple, which is the main temple of Chamba town was built by Sahil Varman in the 10th century AD. The temple has been built in the Shikhara style. The temple consists of Bimana i.e. Shikhara and GarbhGriha with a small antralya. Laxmi Narayana Temple has a mandapa like structure also. The wooden Chhattries, the shell roof, atop the temple were in response to the local climatic conditions as a protection against snowfall. There are several other temples within the complex. The temple of Radha krishna, Shiva Temple of Chandergupta and Gauri Shankar Temple are among these.Chamunda Devi Temple :
Hari Rai Temple :
This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and dates back to 11th century. It was probably built by Salabahana. This temple lies in the north-west corner of the main Chaugan, which had became the official entrance to the town by the end of 19th C. A steep path leads to the old Shitla bridge, which was constructed in the year 1894. The temple is built in Shikhara style and stands on a stone platform. The Shikhara of the temple is finely carved. This is one of the major old temples, which is away from the old township and the only one near the Chaugan.Chamba Church :
Sui Mata Temple :
According to a legend, the Chamba
town had no convenient water supply. And therefore the Raja had a water
course made from the Sarohta stream, but somehow the water refused to
enter the channel made for it. It was ascribed to supernatural causes.
The Saints advised that the spirit of the stream must be tranquilized
and victim must be either Rani ( Queen ) or her son. The Rani named
'Naina Devi' got ready to sacrifice herself. Accompanied by her maidens
and bare-headed as for 'Sati', she was taken to the spot near the
village of 'Balota', where Rani was buried alive. The legend goes on to
say that when the grave was filled in, the water began to flow and has
ever since flowed abundantly. A shrine was constructed at the top of
thehill by Raja in her memory. A fair called 'Suhi Mela' is also held in
her memory from 15th of Chait to the 1st of Vaishakh, where only women
and children are allowed to participate.
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