Tourism in Baderwah

7/30/2019 Tourism in Baderwah

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TOURISM IN BADERWAH

Religious Place

Vasuki Naag Temple

There are four Vasukinag temples In Bhadarwah: one at

Gatha, second at Nalthi, third at Bheja and fourth at NagarBhadarwah. But the idol of Vasukinag at Bhadarwah ismarvelous and a wonder of art and sculpture. Two idols of

Nagraj Vasuki and Raja Jamute Vahan, are made of black

stone which stands at an angle of 87 without any supportfrom either sides. The statues have been standing as they

'were, on small feet in their original position for thousands

of years, although the place has witnessed so manyupheavals and geographical changes, including quakes of

intense severity. Their inclined position can well be

compared with the leaning towers of Egypt. The art of

sculptures itself isof unique type.

Gupt Ganga Temple

To the east of the town on the bank of river Neru at a

distance of 0.5 km, is the old Shiv temple, made of purelystone slabs. It has a tomb like construction and long stone

slabs have been used in it. Here Gangaabruptly falls on

the Lingam and then disappears. Inside the temple, thereis a footprint of Bhimsen on a rock. There is a long cave

said to have been used by the Pandavas to reach Kashmir

from Bhadarwah during the period of their Agyat-Vaas.

This is an ancient and greatly revered Shiv Templesituated on the bank of Neru river near the first bridge on

Bhadarwah Jai Road. This is famous historical pilgrim

place. The domb of the temple is made of Stones in acircular shape. A stream of pure water flows from inside

of the temple and drops on the ShivLing day and night.

The whole sight is so attractive that visitors desire to goon seeing it again and again . the inside water then flows

to a Bawali (Pond) where Sadhus, devitees and visitors

take bath. The water of the Bawali is cold in summer andwarm in winter. Since the stream of water comes into the

temple in a hidden mysterious way, and the water of thisstream is considered as sacred as the water of the Ganga,

so it is called Gupt Ganga.The ShivLinga of this temple was brought from outsink.

The Shiv Zilehri is of huge size & made of black marble

after a great deal of hard work and by using the localmaterial for smoothing its surface locally.

There is a tunnel adjoining to the temple and there is no


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definite record of its depth. Near about sixty years back I

along with my friends went inside the tunnel in the light

of torch, when we covered some distance, we felt greatdifficulty in breathing and got greatly frightened and

returned back.

It is generally said that Pandus during their exile tookshelter in Bhadarkashi, one day they disappeared suddenly

and it is said that they disappeared through this tunnel to

some unknown place because that was the day when theirAgyatvas (living in hidden position) started. This tunnel

has been closed now. In the North West of this Shiv

temple there is a splendid building on a rock . It is in the

shape of a room, but there are three doors on each wall ofthe building . That is why this building is called

Barahdari.

There is another temple of Baba Ganga Dassji in the

North West on the side of Bhadarwah Chinta road. Asplendid statue of Baba is installed in it. There is another

temple in the North West. There is big splendidgardenbesides these temple, which adds the beauty of this

place the tradition of this pilgrim place is that the Sadhus

of this temple beg food items and fodder for cows once ina year from the town of bhadarwah and adjoining villages.

Though the Langer for Sadhus runs through out the

year.

There is a cremation Ghat near the temple on the bank ofNeeru and people after death perform the rituals as they

do on Ganga Ghat . So Gupt Ganga is considered as

sacred as Ganga Mata.

Jamia Masjid Bhaderwah

It is a splendid mosque situated In the town and is a

marvelous sample of ancient art of construction. Peoplefrom far and near come to see It. Greatest gatherings of

Muslims can be seen In this mosque on Fridays. Oldest

Mosque in Distt. Doda (118 Years)

The Jamia Masjid is one of the most imposing ofconstructions in the town of Bhadarwah. Its impressive

design arrests the eyes at once. It is a standing monument

and testimony of the faith of the followers. It consists ofcentral building with two halls and side rooms and four

lofty minarets at the four corners. The workmanship of its

architectural quality can easily compose with the similarstructures in rest of India. The present Jamia Masjid has a

history of its own. There was a jamia Masjid standing

about fifty yards below the present one, built on the bank

of the mountain stream that flows nearby. By its sides


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there existed two more buildings, the Islamia School and

an orphanage. In 1928 a terrific flood engulfed the valley.

It was the result of a mighty cloudburst this deluge, thesecond it appears after the one in Noals time as conceived

imaginatively by the eminent poet Rasa Javidani,

destroyed the major portion of the town along with itspeople and cattle. It was a major calamity to the quite and

God fearing people of Bhadarwah. The deluge included

the destruction of the old Jamia Masjid along with itsSchool and orphanage.

Shitla Mata Roshera

This is a very old temple of Shitla Mata. It is situated on a

sloping hilltop. People continuously throng the spot fromChamba, Bani-Billawar, Kathua, Doda, Kishtwar through

out the year for paying obseience and have the hair of

their children cut called as 'Mundan Ceremony' in full

musical sounds. The Largest and biggest Mela is observedat 'Navratra' on the Navratra (Ashtami) and people in

thousands join this mela. There is a Dharamshalla for thenight stay of the Pilgrims. The distance between Chinta

and the Mata temple is 4 miles on foot.

Chandi Mata Mandir Chinote

One more marvelous temple of Mata Chandi, is situated at

village Chinote. Every year Trishule Bhaint Yatra comeshere from Doda on 3rd. July. After days bhajan keertan

and Bhandara, Yatra returns to Doda in the evening. Then

on 18th. August a grand Yatra in which one lakh thousanddevotees of Mata Chandi from inside and outside state

participate. The Yatra starts from Chinote Bhadarwah to

Machail and after one day stay at the Bhawan of ChandiMata at Machail (Paddar) returns to Bhaderwah. The

durationof this Yatra is of one month.

Ziyarat Bangla Nallah

It is situated to the North East of Bhadarwah at a distanceof 20 Kms. In Chirala Range amidst thick forests on the

side of Chirrala Nallah. When ever animals of the farmers

suffer from mouth and feet trouble, they make some offer

to this Ziyarat and the Cattle recover from the disease.Thousands of pilgrims visit this Ziyarat every year.

LAKSHMI NARAYAN TEMPLE

The Lakshmi Narayan temple is one of the famous temples of Bhadarwah. This temple


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was built by a resident of Sarolbagh and Prime Minister of Maharaja Hari Singh Wazir

Sobha Ram. This temple was built about a century back. There is a big inn by the side of

this splendid temple. It was built for the travelers. In this temple very beautiful statuesof Lord Vishnu & Goddess Laxmi made of white marbel were installed. There are many

statues of different gods and goddess kept in small almirahs on the outer walls of the

temple and a small path round the temple for the devotees who come to pay obeisance toLord Vishnu & Goddess Laxmi. This all adds the beauty of the temple. There is a big

entrance gate, which is very high & wide. This grand gate also adds the beauty of the

temple. It is said that about one lac rupees were spent in the construction of thiscomplex in those days when the wage of a labourer was about some

paisa. It is not out of place to mention here that the currency in those days was in silver

coins. After the construction of temple and inns when the auspicious time of installation

of statues came then Wazir Sobha Ram Ji arranged a grand function of Yajna havanand Bhandhara. All the learned brahimins of the area were invited to take part in this

auspicious function. Before the start of Yagna Wazir Ji came to welcome the learned

Pandits and found that Sangan Brahimins of village Chinote were not present there. He

inquired from the managing committee the reason of absence of Sangan Brahimins. Themanaging committee narrated the story of boycott. Wazir Ji said that in the absence of

Sangans Brahimins our Yajna would be incomplete. Therefore the boycott of thesepeople will have to be done away with. Resolving so he sent a team of dependable senior

citizens to visit Chinote to request them to participate in the Yajna . On the request of

Wazir Ji when all the Sangans came to participate. WazirJi welcomed them from thecore of his heart and promised that he himself would go to the Vasuki Nag Ji temple and

apologise for the crime of ending the boycott. On the assurance of Wazir Ji Sangans

participated in the Yajna and ate the food of Bhandhara . In this way centuries old

enmity and boycott came to an end.

BHOG TARAQ

About 2 Km North of Rahoshar Mata temple there is a mysterious small lake on the top

of a hill called BHOGTARAG. The speciality of this TARAG is that it is situated onthe top of the hill and apppearently no source of water from any side is visible. Inspite of

this the lake remains full with fresh water through out the year. The second novelity of

this lake is that a strong net of knitted grass covers the whole lake. Any man can easilywalk over it. Devotees crossing to the middle of it make holes in the knitted grass and

take their bath by holding the knitted grass as the depth of the lake is unknown. Taking a

dip in this lake on the full moon day in the monthe of Saravan (August) is considered

very auspicious in our holy books. It is also believed that faries also come to take baththere and it is said that they have knitted the grass over it in order to hide themselves. In

the south a short distance of this mysterious lake there is a famous temple of Dandasan

Mata . The inhabitants of Chiralla , Panshai and other surrounding villages come to thattemple during their Jatar festivals to pay their obeisance and a grand festival is held

there

Devi Gol

This temple is in Pat Nazi area. Among this temple is eractedon a vast ground between

the cluster of Deodar trees. In the North East of this temple there is a mysterious

Bawali (Pond) in the middle of lush green land. The water of this Bawli is cold and

sweet. The speciality of this Bawli is that the water flows to it neither from any corner


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nor from any side, but comes from the center of its bottom in the shape of a fountain.

The bubbles of water then come to the surface . In these bubles half burnt barlay grains

of Havan come and settle down in the bottom. People believe that these half burntbarley grains of the Havan Kund of Jawalaji temple of Kangra to be presented to Mata

Devi Gol. People bring those half burnt barlay grains with great devotion to their

homes. NAGNI MATA

The holy temple of Nagni Mata is situated in Ilaqa Manthla, Malani. It is about six

kilometers on foot and ten kilometers by motor road from the town of Bhadarwah. Themain festival is celebrated on first day of the month of Basakh. Thousands of pilgrims

and devotees assemble there to pay the obesence to Nagni Mata. Hawan, Kirtan

and Bhajans are performed through out the day with full devotion. Langer is arranged

by the local residents of Illaqa Manthala. A stream of clear cold water flows frombeneath the sacred temple. The jay ghosh of Nagni Mata made by the devotees makes

Mangal in the Jangel.

Herbal Tourism

A new tourist attraction unique of its kind in India with no precedence in the

tourism history is herbal tourism. About 50 species of wild as well as local herbs

have been introduced which bloom in various gardens across Bhadarwah like

DRUDU, AMEERA NAGAR, JAI VALLEY, SUNGLI and various other places

with promising result .The precious herbs will definetly ease out the economic hard

ship and will play a prominent role in boosting the already existing tourist

potentialities of the valley.

PilgrimageKailash Yatra


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It is a famous place of pilgrimage and the Kund is a big lake of cold, crystal clear

water having a circumference of 1.5 miles. Kailash kund also known as Vasuki

kund, is abode of Nagraj Vasuki and is situated at a height of 1 4500 ft. above sea

level. Every year thousands of pilgrims from districts of Chamba, Kathua,

Udhampur, Doda, Jammu and outside states participate in Kailash Yatra which

commences on the 14th day after Shravan Purnima. Main yatra starts from

Gatha, Bhadarwah. The track from Seoj passes through the spot called as Shank

Padar & Ramtund which is known for its religious legends called 'SHAGARAN'

(Two stones which exactly resembles the face of Hanuman). Huge stone containsetch mark and an etched line which are believed to be the spot where the fleeing

Vaski Naag' wept while taking rest on the said stone. Total distance is 12 miles.

Enroute join a number of Yatras, besides yatras from Chamba and Duggan

Vasuki temple which join main yatra at Kailash. Pilgrims keep awake all nights

singing Bhajans, Kirtans, shouting Jai Ghosh and dancing to the melodious tune

of Dhakku. The Yatra lasts for 15 days.

Aap Shambu Temple

Enclosed in the close domains of inner Himalayan of Bhadarwah called as

Chota Kashmir surrounded by the lush Green mountains and paddy fields near

the bank of Neeru Nallah; there is a beautiful spot known as Lingah.Infact, Aap

Shambu Shiva temple 500 years old finds its location there in the middle of a fruit

garden near lake view Resort Gatha (Fish Pond). A number of lush Green paddy

fields are seen on the right side of the Temple with natural spring water.

An ancient Aap Shambu Shiva temple is situated almost at 3 km

from Bhadarwah town near Gatha village at hamlet Lingah. One can

find the location of the temple near the fish pond after traveling hardly a

distance of 300mts on foot. The temple is situated in the grove of almus

and fruit trees at the bottom of the hill near the bank of the Neeru

Nallah. No doubt, a beautiful spot, abode of peace and every body finds

consolation of mind there. Hermits stay there for months together for

mediation and even some of them finds Dharshans of Lord Shiva.

Strange enough, the Lingam 1 feet in height and three feet in

girth in its natural form in black in colour popularly known as Aap

shambu which has erupted from the surface of the earth is accompanied

BY THE IDOL OF Ganesha 7x11 in height along with idol of

Kartika. According to a legend the supposed height of Lingam is 16 feet

but a hermit had forbidden the people in their dreams not a dig it beyond

this depth. The people wanted to shift this Lingam to a densely populated

area of Bhadarwah for construction of the temple there which becomesthe impossible after finding the limitless depth of Lingam. On eastern

side there are Samadhi; one of them is popularly known as Jewat

Samadhi. Inside the temple there is no outlet kept for the water to flow

out which collects during the worship of idols and it gradually absorbs

without any traces of water seen outside the temple. The flowers used in

the Puja may block the water but the question of blockade does not arise

at all.

Devotees in thousand from for wide throng there throughout the

year. They pay homage to the idols especially Shivratri festival. It is

celebrated on Trodeshi and Chaturdeshi of Phagun month. [i.e. Feb/

March] every year. The pilgrims including men, women and children

keep fast for these days. They prefer to take bath in holy Neeru before

going to the temple. Each devotee worships the idols the pouring a jug of

water and offering flowers followed by chanting bhajans/mantras from

morning till late night. Ladies also participate in Keertan and prayers. Atthe end the Pujari of the temple offers Prasad to the pilgrims/ devotees

in the form of charanamrit and fruit.

There an other legend. The cow boys of Gatha village and Girls of

Chinta used to graze their cattle at Lingah collectively, as it was lonely

place then once a quarrel started between the parents of Girls and Boys

at Lingah on the false report of the Girls that the Boys have been eve

teasing them. The trifle later on turned into a blood shed. So many

people lost their lives. Swords and other weapons were used and there

was no possibility of stopping this bloodshed. In the mean time, there

appeared an idol of cow from earths surface which served a warning for


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the worst consequences. The idol of cow is still beside the Shiva temple.

Instantly, the Lingam of Lord Shiva erupted from the surface of

the earth. The people become aware of the consequences and th3e so

called battle stopped .The people decided to burry those weapons near

village Gatha in the field. The fact is still supported by the flowing of

rusty water. The idols of those involved girls are still near HSS Chinta

and there faces are being burnt by the young boys at the time of local

festival in September every year.A Jewat Samadhi

While going on visit to Lake View Resort Gatha (known as fish pond) if any

one happens to see the App Shambu Shiv temple at Lingah, is sure to see

the alive grave. It is one of the ancient Samadhies constructed in old fashioned

bricks. A typical spiritual sopt which bestowed consolation and peace of mind

to a hermit who happened to visit Bhadarwah at least 500 years ago. He tool

that Jewat Samadhi at Lingah.

According to an old legend, a hermit from Rajasthan known as Baba

Chambligir who, on his visit to this place selected this spot for meditation. The

place was lonely and highly peaceful. The hermit, as such decided to stay at this

place lattrer on he decided to stay at this place. Latter on he decided to end his

life by going alive in a Samadhi. He informed the inhabitants about his decision

accordingly. He then arranged a yagya/Bhandara for seven days. The people also

wanted to help him in the performance of the yagya but, he refused to take their

help. He then took only five kg of wheat to a water mill (Ghrat) and requested tomiller to grind the same and further asked him not to stop his water mill till

further instructions of Babajee. He covered the wooden container of the mill with

white cloth and asked the miller not to disturb the same. The grinding of the 5 kg

of wheat continued for seven days. The flour was used in yagya by Babajee as well

as by local people.

A miracle took place on the 7th day of yagya when the white cloth cover of the

container was removed, the same 5kg wheat was found intact there.Moreover,a

strange thing happened on 6th day of Yagya. Babajee inquired from his men

about shortage if any regarding Bhandara because it may cause any problem in

the smooth functioning of the Yagya after the close of the market. Nothing was

reported but at 11:PM, one of his disciples appeared before him with folded hands

likely to inform Babajee about shortage of Desi Ghee. He had hardly altered a

single word. Babajee immediately understood the problem and said Dear boy;

dont worry. I will arrange it my self .He ordered two men to go with two

pitchers and borrow ghee from Ganga Maya i.e. Nerru Nallah. They went to

nallah and filled two pitchers ,strange enough, the same water was converted intoDesi Ghee in no time for use. The Ghee was purchased from market and poured in

to the Neeru Nallah on the next day, just to return the borrowed one Ghee.

Later on a Samadhi 6 feet deep was then dug for him by the people as desired by

him. He got managed the ashes of cow dung. He then ordered for a Chapatti (Roti)

to be prepared, distributed half of it among the people present their and then kept

other half in his bag. Bade good by to all and went in the Samadhi covered his face

and body with white cloth and set down for mediation in side the Samadhi. As

desired by him people dropped the ashes of Cow dung, already managed for, over

his head till he bent down his head .The body was then buried in the designed

Samadhi who so ever heard about this miracle got wonder struck. This news

spreac like wild fire in the entire area of Bhadarwah.

After a few days a group of seven pilgrims was returning from Mani Mahesh

Yatra (Chamba) saw Babajee going towards Chamba at Paddri Dhar Babajee

said Do you feel hungry? Yes, they replied, he then distributed then that half

Chapatti (Roti) which he had kept in his bag before saying good bye to this

materialistic world infact he had under gone this miracles deed after attaining

highest spiritual power through mediation.

Hotels


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Asha Pati View Hotel Bagwan Guest House

Fiza Guest House Hotel Surya

Igloo Huts at Khellani nalthi park


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Nirmal Guest House TRC Dandi 1

Sky Mark Hotel Snow Valley Guest House

Trc Bhadarwah Winners Guest House


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TRC Dandi TRC Dandi 4

TRC Dandi 2 TRC Dandi 3

Adventures


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On the eastern side of Bhadarwah city about 30 kms, lies the meadows of 'Padri'at an

elevation of 11000 feet's extending upto 'Bhal Padri' which over looks Valley of Changa

(Bhalessa). The meadows is 5 to 7 kms length ideal for Adventure Sports like Snowskiing, Mountain biking,Paragliding, Trekking and Camping.The never melting glacier

popularly known as 'Sonbai' is a patch of accumulated snow at an elevation of 7000 to

8000 feet. The glacier squeezes to a minimum length of 300 meters in the month of

September/October. The legend goes that the place used to bea spring oozing milky waterwhich was being used by the villagers of Thanalla as sacred water. 'Sonbai' is the only

place in J&K which is 1.5 km away from habitation and remains covered with snow

throughout the year. For this reason the area of 'Sonbai' and Pad ri is being promoted asall time Snow Skiing destination for attraction of tourists from the plains of India and

from abroad who love adventure and are in search of virgin unexplored areas on the

globe.

BHADARWAH is a heaven for Treckkers, Mountaineers, Campers and Explorers. The

famous treks from Seoj, Padri, Jai Shpar Dhar and other destinations have beendiscovered by locals and foreigner trekkers while on joint expenditions.So many

unknown Lakes and pastures were discovered during the trips originating from touristdestinations. The travel agents of the Bhadarwah are well euipped for such adventuretour. We have carefully arranged Snow Boarding packages that combines our excellent

prices. We strive to provide our tourists aan forgetable experience with lots of adventure

in it like Skiing,Snow boarding,River Rafting in Chenab,Paragliding in Bhadarwah.We

also arrange special camps for school students and other special groups intrested incamping, trekking etc.

Documents

Tourism in Baderwah