|
The capital of the
erstwhile princely state of Sirmaur Nahan was founded in 162` by
Maharaja Karam Prakash and this was the only s tate
in presently day Himachal Pradesh whose ruler had the title of
maharaja. The remains of the original capital lie at Sirmauri Tall
near Paonta Sahib and this was destroyed in a flood supposedly after
being cursed by a dancing girl.
Today’s Nahan is a
charming town, which is also the headquarters of the district of
Sirmaur. It has graceful houses winding roads and several old
palaces.
Sacred Nahan: The Lakhdata Pir is a regular stopover for any
pilgrim in the area. Believed to have supernatural powers of
intercession, people visit this in the hope thit their wishes will
be fulfilled.
The Jori Bain the Lakshmi
Narayan and the Jagannath temples are the other well knows shrines
of the area.
The Balasundari Temple at
Trilokinath near kala Amb 15 kms fro mNahan is worshipped by people
of all faiths Muslims Hindus and Sikhs. This temple attracts lakhs
of pilgrims during the Navratras.
Around Nahan
Renukaji : - The lake of Renuka Ji lies in the low Shiwalik
hills that from the outer fringes of the Himalaya mountains, Fed by
underwater springs and with a circumference of 2.5 kms, this is the
largest lake in Himachal. Shaped somewhat like the profile of a
reclining woman this is regarded as the embodiment of the goddess
Renuka. Near the lake’s feed is another large pool held sacred to
her son, Parshurama. Both have temples around them and the main
temple to Renuka is said to have been built overnight in the early
eighteenth century. The lake rests in a long valley and the
surrounding woods are covered with a variety of dense vegetation.
Renuka’s attractions
include the temples of Renuka and parshurama that lie along the
lakeshore the hike to Jamu peak the mini zoo and lion safari while
the Jataun barrage over the river Giri makes an interesting
excurision and fishing for mahaseer is available at this spot.
Dadahu is the large village closest to Renukaji and has a market wit
hall basic goods.
Paonta Sahib
In the closing years of
the seventeenth century the sixteen year old Sikh Guru Gobind Singh
came to the princely state of Sirmaur on the invitation of its ruler
Maidni Prakash. Afer surveying the area, the Guru decided to camp
by the river Yamuna and his four year sojourn became the foundations
for the town of Paonta Sahib.
The
attractions of Paonta Sahib include the main gurudwara whose
premises also have other historical sites and a museum. The
gurudwaras of Bhangani Sahib Tirgadi Sahib and Shergah Sahib are
also close to Paonta.
|
