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Location :
Himachal Pradesh
Altitude :
800m.
Attractions :
Shivratri Festival
Best Time To Visit :
May to October.
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Built along the Beas river is the historic town of Mandi, the
gateway to the Kullu valley. Literally meaning market, Mandi was
on the salt route to Tibet. This place offers better option to
break journey to the Kullu valley. A distr ict
headquarter, Mandi is also renowned for its 81 old stone temples
with exquisite carvings, thereby earning it the title of 'Varanasi
of the Hills'. The town also has some remains of old palaces and
notable examples of the 'colonial' architecture.
The Shivaratri Bhutnath celebrations in the Bhutnath temple
attract tourists every year in large numbers. There are also two
lakes near Mandi, which provide a good breather for the visitor.
About five kms from the main town is the Tarana hills and on the
top of the hill is Rani Amrit Kaur Park. From here one gets very
good view of the nearby areas. The park has enclosed the Syama
Kali temple, which was, built some where in the 17th century.
In the days of yore, the pious sage, Mandavaya, performed long
and severe penance and practised unthinkable austerities on his
body, on the right bank of the river Beas, near the present
town, which, then took his name.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Triloknath Shiva Temple: It is built in the Nagari style with a
tiled roof. The temple at the centre of a group of sculpted
stones shrines, overlooks the river and offers good views.
Inside the temple, Lord Shiva has been depicted as the lord of
the three worlds, at the Panchvakhra he has five faces,
expressing his five aspects.
Deoli: Asia's biggest mirror carp hatchery is situated here, at
a distance of 13-km from the town. Kandror Bridge: While the
town is situated on the lake created by the highest bridge in
India, Kindror Bridge is the second highest bridge in the world
and is 22-km from Bilaspur.
Bhutnath Temple: Practically synonymous with Mandi and located
in its very heart, this temple is as old as the town itself,
dating back to the 1520's. It has a Nandi or god Shiva's bull
facing the ornamental double arch to the sanctuary. The modern
shrines nearby are brightly painted. In the month of March, the
festival of Shivratri is a major event and Bhootnath Temple is
its focus.
Syamakali Temple: Also known as the Tarna Devi Temple, this
temple is situated on the Tarna Hill, which rises above the
town. Raja Syama Sen built the temple in the 17th century after
a particularly trying time when the goddess gave him success.
Ardhanarishvara Temple: This 7th century specimen of temple
architecture, enclosed structure of Lord Shiva in a composite
form with the right half as male and the left half as female-
symbolising the male and female principles of cosmic evolution.
EXCURSIONS
Revalsar Lake: About 25-km from Mandi, and 14-km from Ner Chowk
is the Revalsar lake, famous for its seven floating islands of
reed. It is maintained that all seven of them can be moved by
prayer or breeze. Here are three shrines - a Buddhist monastery,
where elaborate rituals are performed, a Sikh gurudwara and a
Hindu temple. It was from this place that the Sage Padma
Sambhava, a zealous teacher of Buddhism, left as a missionary to
preach the doctrine of "The Enlightened" in Tibet.
Sundernagar: Famous of its temples 26-Km from Mandi towards
Shimla and at a height of 1,174m (3,852 ft) on the raised edge
of the fertile valley, the beautiful town of Sundernagar is
known, also for its shady walks amidst towering trees. On top of
a hill and visited by thousands of devotees every year, the
Sukhdev Vatika and temple of Mahamaya. The biggest
hydro-electric project in all Asia, the Beas-Sutlej Project,
irrigating nearly one-fourth of the northern plains of India,
has brought unprecedented prosperity to Sundernagar. The
Beas-Sutlej Link colony is the biggest colony in Himachal
Pradesh.
Janjehli: At a distance of 67-km from Mandi, Janjehli is a
paradise for hikers, offering treks up to a height of
3,300m.(10,827 ft). After covering 32-km by a motorable road up
to Gohar, the rest of the journey is on foot. In the midst of
thick forests, 15-km from Gohar, at Bajahi is beautifully
located, well furnished, Rest House, to stay overnight, from
where Janjehli is a scant 20-km away, after going through bridle
path.
Prashar Lake: 40-km on the banks of the lake is a storyed
pagoda-like temple dedicated to sage Parashar.
Kamlah Fort: Situated on the border of Mandi with Hamirpur, this
fort was built by Raja Surat Sen in 1625.
Pandoh: Just 16-km away from Mandi, Pandoh is an earth and
rockfill dam.
Shikhari Devi: 15-km from Janjehli is situated the ancient
temple of Shikhra Devi and is surrounded by some marvellous
landscapes.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The nearest airport is Bhuntar about 57-km from Mandi.
Rail: The broad gauge railhead is at Pathankot, a distance of
210-km. From Pathankot the narrow gauge railway connects
Joginder Nagar, which is 55-km from Mandi.
Road: Mandi is well connected by road to other places. The main
bus stand is just above an open playing field, where the
National Highway- 21 continues along the left bank of river to
Pandoh.
WHERE TO STAY
The town has many hotels but the perfect place to stay is
Ramshackle Raj Mahal, overlooking the Town Square is a
period-furnished palace with a good restaurant. For a bit more
comfort try Evening Plaza, Vyas Guest House and the Arayan
Bungalow.
CLIMATE
In winter, the temperature can however around freezing point
when heavy woollen clothes are required. During summer, the
climate is hot and cottons are recommended.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS
In February-March, Shivaratri fair is held in Mandi. In weeklong
celebrations, full of music and dance, temple deities from hills
and around are taken in procession with chariots and palanquins
to visit the Madho Rai and Bhutnath temples.
Shivratri Fair
The town of Mandi with its ancient temples revels in the
Shivratri fair for a whole week.
On elaborately decorated palanquins, hundred of local deities
are carried to the town. Accompanied by folk bands, they make
their first stop at the 'Madho Rai' temple and then go to pay
obeisance to Lord Shiva at the Bhootnath temple.
Festivities-music and song, dance and drama follow this. Yet,
all the while the atmosphere is surcharged with deep religious
devotion.
NEARBY CITIES
Pandoh: 16-km
Rewalsar: 25-km
Sunder Nagar: 26-km
Bhuntar: 57-km
Jogindar Nagar: 55-km
Janjheli: 67-km |