Famous Temples of Himachal Pradesh

Mandi:

Temples	Location	Special Feature
Shikari Devi Temple	Janjehli (Saraj)	Devoted to Goddess Shikari Devi
Parashar Temple	Prashar(Mandi)	Built by Raja Ban Sen
Mahoonag temple	Karsog	–
Bhootnath Temple	Mandi	Built by Raja Ajbar Sen.Devoted to Ardhanarishwara
Madho Rai Temple	Mandi	–
Tarna Devi Temple	Tarna Hills	Built by Raja Shyam Sen

Chamba:

Temples	Location	Special Feature
Chhatrari Temple/Shakti Devi Temple	Chhatrari	Constructed by famous architect “Gugga”
Chaurasi Temple	Bharmour	Group of 84 temples
Lakshmi Narayan Temple	Chamba	Built by Sahil Verman. Group of six temples
Mani Mahesh Temple	Bharmour	Built by Meru Verman
Narasingha Temple	Bharmour	Built by Tribhuvan Devi, queen of Yugakara Verman

Kangra:

Temples	Location	Special Feature
Masrur Rock cut temple	Nagrota Surian	Built by King Lalitaditya of Kashmir
Chamunda Devi	Chamunda	Built in the 19th century
Vrajreshwari temple	Kangra	Plundered by Mahmood of Ghazni in 1009 a.d.
Jwalamukhi temple	Jawala ji	Built by Raja Bhumi chand of Kangra
Baijnath temple	Baijnath	Oldest Shiva temple in India. Renovated by Raja Sansar Chand in 19th century

Shimla:

Temples	Location	Special Feature
Jakhoo Temple	Jakhoo Hills	Devoted to Lord Hanuman
Sun Temple	Nirath(Rampur)	Devoted to Lord Sun
Hatkoti Temple	Hatkoti(Rohru)	Has an Ashtadhatu image of Mahishamardani
Kalibarri Temple	Shimla	Devoted to Goddess Shyamala Devi
Tara Devi Temple	Shimla	Devoted to Goddess Tara Devi

Kullu:

Temples	Location	Special Feature
Bijali Mahadev	Kullu	Devoted to Lord Shiva
Hidimba Devi Temple	Manali	An annual Dhungri Fair is held
Manu Temple	Manali	Devoted to great ancient law-giver ‘Manu’
Tripura Sundari Temple	Naggar	Built by Raja Yashodapal
Jamlu Mahadev	Malana	Devoted to sage Jamdagini
Manikaran Temple	Manikaran	Famous for hot-water springs

Hamirpur:

Temples	Location	Special Feature
Baba Balak Nath	Deotsidh	A cave Temple
Gasota Temple	Gasota	An annual Gasota fair is held here
Narvadeshwar Temple	Sujanpur Tira	Built by chief queen of Raja Sansar Chand
Murli Manohar Temple	Sujanpur Tira	Built by Raja Sansar Chand
Gauri Shankar Temple	Sujanpur Tira	Built by Raja Sansar Chand

Una:

Temples	Location	Special Feature
Chintpurni Mata	Chintpurni	Pandit Mai das established the shrine of mata Chintpurni.
Shiv Bari	Gagret	Believed to be the Archery practising range of the pupils of Guru Dronacharya.

Sirmaur:

Temples	Location	Special Feature
Bala Sundri Temple	Trilokpur	Bult by Raja Deep Prakash
Shirgul Devta Temple	Churdar	Shirgul Devta is the main deity of residents of Shimla and Sirmaur
Jagatnath Temple	Nahan	Built by Raja Budh Prakash
Gayatri Temple	Renuka	Built by Paraya Nand Brahmchari

Lahaul-Spiti:

Temples	Location	Special Feature
Triloknath Temple	Udaipur	Built by King Lalitaditya
Mrikula Devi Temple	Udaipur	A nationally protected monumnet by ASI. Built by Ajay Verman
Kee Monastery	Spiti	Largest Monastery in Spiti
Dhankar Monastery	Kaza	There is a large statue of Dhyan Buddha
Tabo Monastery	Kaza	It is the oldest monastery in the world. Known as the Ajanta of “Himalayas”
Guru Ghantal Monastery	Tupchiling	On the bank of Chandra river. It is the oldest Gompa of Lahaul

Kinnaur:

Temples	Location	Special Feature
Mindal Devi Temple	Devi Kothi	Built by Raja Umed Singh
Jangi Monastery	Recongpeo
Lippa Monastery	Taiti	Built by Lama Devarama
Piir Naag ji temple	Sapni
Mathi Temple	Chitkul	Mathi is the local Goddes of Chitkul residents

कमरुनाग झील

कमरुनाग स्थानीय देवता मंदिर के कारण प्रसिद्ध है, जो मंडी जिले के मुख्य देवता हैं, कमरू घाटी के पर्वत की चोटी पर स्थित कमरुनाग का मंदिर, अण्डाकार आकार की झील है जो कमरुनाग झील के नाम से जानी जाती है। झील और मंदिर देवदार के पेड़ों से घिरे हैं। झील समुद्र तल से 3200 मीटर (लगभग) की औसत ऊंचाई पर स्थित है। कमरुनाग हिमालय पर्वतमाला के विशेष रूप से धौलाधार, पीर-पंजा पर्वतमाला और बलुआ घाटी का दृश्य प्रस्तुत करता है। यह स्थान ट्रेकिंग और कैम्पिंग के लिए आदर्श है।

कमरुनाग के लिए कोई सीधी सड़क नहीं है, यह केवल ट्रेकिंग द्वारा पहुंचा जा सकता है, निकटतम सड़क संपर्क रोहंडा में है जो मंडी से 55 KM और सुंदरनगर से 35 KM दूर है।

कमरुनाग में मेला: सरनाहुली मेला 14 जून से 16 जून तक हर साल झील के किनारे आयोजित किया जाता है, मंडी और हिमाचल के नजदीकी जिले के बहुत से लोग मेले में आते हैं, भक्त झील में सिक्के चढ़ाते हैं, ऐसा कहा जाता है कि झील में सिक्कों और धातुओं की मात्रा अज्ञात है।

मानव हस्तक्षेप के कारण कमरुनाग झील अपनी प्रकृतिवाद खो रही है, लोगों के सिक्के, फूल, मुद्रा नोट और अन्य सामान जो प्रदूषण फैलाने वाली झील हैं, पर्यावरण के बारे में सोचने के लिए अपना उच्च समय, पारिस्थितिकी तंत्र की सुरक्षा सुनिश्चित करने की आवश्यकता है, इसकी तरह का अनुरोध, कृपया कोई भी फेंक न दें झील में आइटम और अन्य लोगों को भी ऐसा करने के लिए कहें, जो धार्मिक विश्वास को पर्यावरण से दूर रखने के लिए बेहतर है।

जलवायु:

कमरुनाग घाटी में पूरे साल बहुत ठंडी जलवायु होती है, सर्दियों और बारिश में बहुत भारी बर्फबारी कभी भी हो सकती है
सर्दियों में तापमान हिमांक से नीचे चला जाता है। कमरुनाग की यात्रा के लिए गर्मियों का सबसे अच्छा समय है और गर्म कपड़े लाने की सलाह दी जाती है क्योंकि मौसम यहाँ अप्रत्याशित है।

निवास:

चूंकि कमरुनाग के पास कोई सड़क संपर्क नहीं है, इसलिए दिन के उजाले में इस स्थान की यात्रा करना और वापस जाना बेहतर है, फिर भी रात के प्रवास के लिए मंदिर के पास कुछ सराय (सरैन) हैं, अन्य विकल्प झील के पास डेरा डाले हुए हैं।

भोजन: 

कृपया खाद्य पदार्थों को लाना सुनिश्चित करें क्योंकि यहां कुछ भी उपलब्ध नहीं है, लेकिन यदि आप स्थानीय मेले में घूमने जा रहे हैं, जो हर साल 14 से 16 जून तक आयोजित किया जाता है, तो अन्य दुकानों के साथ-साथ खाद्य स्टाल और मुफ्त लंगर (मुफ्त खाद्य पदार्थ) ) वहाँ पहुँच जाएगा।

साहसिक गतिविधियाँ:

कैम्पिंग और ट्रेकिंग मुख्य साहसिक गतिविधियाँ हैं और ट्रेकिंग और कैम्पिंग के लिए अच्छी संभावनाएँ हैं जो कामरू घाटी में साहसिक पर्यटकों की अधिक आवक ला सकते हैं।

कमरुनाग कैसे पहुंचे?

उपलब्ध ट्रेक विकल्प

रोहंडा से कमरुनाग ट्रेक की दूरी = 6 KM (2-3 घंटे का ट्रेक) - मुख्य मार्ग
सरोआ से कमरुनाग ट्रेक की दूरी = 8 KM
धनगर से कमरुनाग तक की दूरी = 10 कि.मी.
कमरुनाग से शिकारी देवी तक की दूरी = 16 कि.मी.

परिवहन:

कमरुनाग तक कोई सड़क संपर्क नहीं है, निकटतम सड़क रोहंडा में है जहाँ से कमरुनाग तक पहुँचने के लिए आपको 6 KM का ट्रेक करना पड़ता है, रोहांडा से कमरुनाग तक बहुत ही खड़ी और संकरी सड़क है, अगर आप शारीरिक रूप से स्वस्थ और सक्षम हैं तो कमरुनाग की यात्रा करना उचित है। अपने पैरों पर 10 KM से अधिक की यात्रा करें।

प्रमुख स्थानों से दूरी:

मंडी से रोहंडा: 55 कि.मी.
सुंदरनगर से रोहांडा: 30 किलोमीटर
मनाली से रोहांडा: 165 किलोमीटर
शिमला से रोहांडा: 148 किलोमीटर
चंडीगढ़ से रोहांडा: 208 किलोमीटर
आस-पास के आकर्षण:

सरोआ: सरोआ यहां से 15 किलोमीटर की दूरी पर चैल चौक के पास एक खूबसूरत जगह है और मंडी से 45 किलोमीटर की दूरी पर है, जो पहाड़ के रिज पर समुद्र तल से 2230 मीटर की ऊंचाई पर है।

देवीगढ़: देवीगढ़ एक छोटा सा गाँव है और चैलचौक के ऊपर जौनी घाटी में घने देवदार के जंगल में खूबसूरत जगह है।

रेवाल्सर झील: जिसे त्सो पेमा लोटस झील के नाम से भी जाना जाता है, मंडी से दक्षिण-पश्चिम में 22.5 किमी दूर स्थित है। इसे हिंदुओं, सिखों और बौद्धों के लिए एक पवित्र स्थान के रूप में रखा जाता है।

जंजैहली: जंजैहली देवदार के जंगलों और पहाड़ों से घिरा हुआ है, जो साहसिक गतिविधियों जैसे रात की सफारी, लंबी पैदल यात्रा, ट्रैकिंग और पर्वतारोहण के लिए सबसे अच्छी जगह है।

बड़ौत: 33 किमी की दूरी पर स्थित एक अच्छा पिकनिक स्थल। मंडी से मंडी - पठानकोट हाईवे पर। यह ट्राउट मछली पकड़ने और एक रोपवे के लिए प्रसिद्ध है जो पर्यटकों को आकर्षित करता है।



सुझाव:

• होटल / अतिथि गृहों को उपरोक्त संख्याओं से पूर्व के आधार पर बुक करें क्योंकि कई आगंतुकों या पीक सीज़न (अप्रैल - अगस्त लगभग) के कारण कमरा उपलब्ध नहीं हो सकता है।
• सर्दियों में टूटे हुए पानी के पाइपों के कारण पानी की कमी हो सकती है, जिससे तापमान में गिरावट हो सकती है, इसलिए अपने साथ कुछ पीने योग्य पानी की बोतलें ले जाएं।
• पर्याप्त पेट्रोल @ एनएच के साथ अपने ईंधन टैंक भरें, क्योंकि पहाड़ी क्षेत्र में कोई पेट्रोल पंप नहीं है।
• पहाड़ी क्षेत्रों का दौरा करते समय, कृपया गर्म कपड़े पैक करें और प्राथमिक चिकित्सा किट ले जाएँ।

Hundreds of devotees visited famous Temple of Hatkoti

A large number of devotees today thronged Hatkoti temple dedicated to Goddess Hateshwari here to observe the Navratra the auspicious festival of nine nights dedicated to Goddess Durga and her nine forms.

Barefoot devotees carrying chunris, bangles, vermilion and other religious items offered to Goddess Durga, were seen eagerly waiting in serpentine lines to pay obeisance to the deity.
The temple has been embellished with electronic lights aptly to Navratra festivity, while security remained beefed up in and around the temple.
According to Hindu calendar, Navratri is celebrated twice a year; during spring and autumn also known as Chaitra Navratras and Sharad Navratra.

1,400 kg butter idol of goddess in Brajeshwari Devi temple

Large numbers of devotees are thronging the Brajeshwari Devi temple here every day to pay obeisance and have glimpse of a 1,400 kg butter idol, temple official said on Thursday.

The 14 quintal butter idol, made by 18 priests, will remain on the 'pindi' or iconography of the goddess till January 20, temple official Pawan Patial told a news agency.

He said the butter idol was made by using 'ghee' donated by the devotees. The priests, with a unique technique, purified it with water 108 times.

According to legend, when the goddess was injured during a fight with demons, her wounds were treated with butter on Makar Sankranti by gods.

The butter, when removed from the 'pindi' on January 20, will be distributed among the devotees. It's a belief that the butter treats chronic skin ailments and joint pains.

One of the busiest shrines in north India, the Brajeshwari Devi temple sees a majority of pilgrims from Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.

Dussehra Festival celebrated at Jakhoo Temple

The Dussehra festival was celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm at historic Hanuman Temple in Jakhoo here today. Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh joined the celebration with a large number of people of the town and pilgrims from various parts of the country. 
Virbhadra Singh lit the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhkarna and Meghnath. Speaking on the occasion, he said that Dussehra festival was celebrated to commemorate the prevalence of good over evil. It was one of the prominent festival organized all over the country by people of all faiths and religions. 
Earlier, Chief Minister paid obeisance at the temple. 

Shri Dinesh Malhotra, Deputy Commissioner-cum- Commissioner Shri Hanuman Temple Trust, Jakhoo, Shri Harish Janaratha, Former Deputy Mayor, Shri G.C. Negi, SDM-cum-Chairman, Shri Hanuman Temple Trust, Jakhoo, and other prominent persons of the town were present on the occasion. 

Foot steps of Shree Bhimakali ji to be established at Jeori

The ‘Charan Paduka’ (Foot Steps) of Shree Bhimakali ji Sarahan would be established at Jeori on national Highway for convenience of those pilgrims who fail to come upto main temple. Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh who is also chairman of the Trust, stated this while presiding over a meeting of Shree Bhimakali ji Temple Trust at Sarahan on Saturday evening. 

Shri Virbhadra Singh said that Himachal Pradesh was known as land of Gods having many famous temples and places of religious and historic importance. Shree Bhimakali ji was one of them which was visited by the people of the country and abroad throughout the year in large numbers. He stressed the need for having proper infrastructural facilities such as ‘Sarai Bhawan’, water, electricity, parking and toilets for the pilgrims. He said that ‘Bhandara’ should be organized once in a week at Shree Bhimakali ji temple adding that proper publicity should be done in this regard so that people could make advance bookings. 

Chief Minister said that Shree Bhimakaliji Temple Trust has 10 temples under its ambit. The Trust had earned Rs. 1,64,11,432 from its all sources from 1st January, 2012 to 31st December,2012 while the expenditure was Rs. 1,82,11,289 during this period and the total balance amount was Rs. 34,69,157. He said that since 1st January, 2013 till 30th September, 2013 the total income was Rs. 96,99,725 while the expenditure were Rs. 87,00,311 while the total balance was Rs. 44,68,571. 

Shri Virbhadra Singh said that complex adjoining Sarahan temple museum was in bad condition which would be reconstructed and the floor of Laukda ji temple would also be re-laid. He said that Lankdaveer ‘Sinhasan’ would be constructed with 20 kgs of silver. 

Chief Minister said that a shed would be constructed to safeguard the chariot of Shree Ayodhya temple which was used in ‘Rath Yatra’ during Dussehra festival and silver ‘Chhatra’ of this chariot would be recasted as the old one had been damaged. He said that presently Rs. 20,000 were being given as ex-gratia grant on the untimely death and retirement grant to the employees of Shree Bhimakali Temple Trust which would be enhanced to Rs. 1,50,000 and Rs. 50,000 respectively. 

Shri Virbhadra Singh said that roof and floor of Janki Mai Gufa Mandir would be repaired by incurring an expenditure of Rs. lacs. 

Tourism Department had provided Rs. 41.37 lakh to the Trust for the beautification, construction of ‘Pujari Niwas’ and Shraikoti temple repair, out of which Rs. 14.27 lakh had been spent on beautification and the rest amount would be spent on temple repair and ‘Pujari Niwas’, he added. 

Chief Minister directed the PWD authorities for the maintenance and repair work of Shraikoti temple road and provide sanitation facility for the convenience of people. He also directed for repair and add more rooms at 

Daran Ghati Rest House to make it four room Rest House. 

SDM Rampur-cum-Vice Chairman of Shree Bhima Kali Temple Trust conducted the proceedings. 

CPS Shri Nand Lal, President Nagar Parishad Shri Deepak Sood, Shri J.P. Negi, Shri Ran Vijay Negi, Shri S.P. Negi, DC-cum- Commissioner of the Trust Shri Dinesh Malhotra and all other Trustees attended the meeting. 

Later, Chief Minister also performed pooja at Shree Bhima Kali Temple on the occasion of Durgashtami. 

Monsoon accentuates Baijnath temple leaks

The roof of an Archeological Survey of India (ASI)-managed temple dedicated to Lord Shiva here developed leaks two years ago and the problem has been accentuated by this year's prolonged monsoon , its priests said. It lies in the area where the demon king Ravana is said to have meditated and his effigy is not burnt in the town on Dussehra.
The Baijnath temple, a beautiful example of early medieval north Indian temple architecture known as the Nagara style, has seen uninterrupted worship since its construction in the 13th century.
"For the past two years, the temple roof has been leaking, but the problem got acute this monsoon," temple priest Uma Kant told IANS. He said most of the inside walls have developed moulds and wet rot has set in. Thousands of devotees from India and abroad visit the temple every year.
The temple town is located at an altitude of 4,311 feet amid the scenic Dhauladhar mountain range of the Himalayas and some 60 km from the district headquarters town of Kangra. T
emple officials said chemical washing of walls and roofs was carried out by the ASI three years back and since then pores have developed on the roof's surface. ASI superintendent Zulfikar Ali, who is based in Shimla, said a team would visit the temple built in 1204 A.D. to examine the seepage problem. "Repair and conservation work of all heritage buildings is an ongoing process. If the problem (in the temple) is acute, we will start repair work soon after the monsoon. Otherwise, the work will be done before the next monsoon," Ali told IANS.
Raja Sansar Chand, the then Katoch ruler of Kangra, renovated the temple in the 19th century. Union Culture Minister Chandresh Kumari Katoch, who represents Rajasthan's Jodhpur constituency in the Lok Sabha, is married into the erstwhile Kangra royal family. The temple withstood the most devastating earthquake in 1905 in the Kangra Valley that killed more than 20,000 people in the region.
Locals believe burning the effigy of Ravana on Dussehra will bring bad luck and invite the wrath of Lord Shiva. "This is the place where Ravana meditated for years to appease Lord Shiva. Burning his effigy and celebrating the festival means incurring the wrath of Shiva," Prem Parshad Pandit, former member-secretary of the high-powered committee of Himachal temples, told IANS. "There is also a myth that anybody from the town who participates in the effigy-burning ceremony will die an unnatural death. The fear of death is so strong that residents prefer to stay away from any kind of celebrations," he added.

IANS

Rush in temples for Navratri

Thousands of devotees are assembling at prominent Hindu temples across the state of Himachal Pradesh on Saturday with the onset of the nine-day-long Navratri, considered by Hindus as a holy period.

The hilltop Naina Devi temple in Bilaspur district, Chintpurni temple in Una district and Jwalaji and Brajeshwari Devi temples in Kangra district witnessed a huge rush, with a majority of devotees from Punjab and Haryana.

"We are expecting a daily arrival of 20,000 to 25,000 devotees during the Navratras," Naina Devi temple officer Madan Lal Sharma told a news agency.

He said the temple would remain close only for two hours a day during the festival period.

Over 600 security personnel, comprising police and home guard jawans, have been deployed to manage the crowd, Sharma added.

However, the ban on offering coconuts would continue at all the prominent temples as a precautionary measure against terror attacks.

People would be able to watch live "darshan" of Brajeshwari and Jwalaji temples on www.divineindia.com and Naina Devi on www.srinainadevi.com and would also be able to offer online offerings.

The vanishing gods of Himachal

The deities are no more gracing the "land of the gods", as Himachal Pradesh is known. They have been silently whisked away by antique smugglers.

The theft earlier this week of six ancient idols and antiques worth over Rs.1.50 crore from a three-century old Bondra 'devta' temple at Bachunch village near Rohru town, some 120 km from Shimla, has once again put the spotlight on the treasures lying vulnerable in hundreds of temples and monasteries.

Bondra 'devta' temple at Bachunch village near Rohru

Police say it's one of the biggest heists in a religious place in the recent past. In the past 15 years, at least 100 thefts from temples have been reported, over 20 of them notable ones. The police suspect the involvement of Nepali migrants in connivance with foreign antique smugglers.

"It's a serious issue. We will certainly soon implement some foolproof security arrangement in all the prominent temples and monasteries," Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order)Sanjay Kumar told IANS. He said directions would be issued to the temple and monastery committees to put up iron grills where the idols and ornaments are kept. "We will even convince them to install CCTV cameras and burglar alarms in the temple premises," he added. Despite a large number of thefts, the state has no policy on preserving antiques, an official said. "No proper stocktaking or verification of antiques lying in various religious places has taken place for quite some time. No one knows as to what all is there in our inventory," said an official of the state's language, art and culture department, which looks after important temples of the state.

Antique idols and valuables worth Rs.33.83 lakh were stolen from temples between 2008 and 2011, of which stolen property worth Rs.5.49 lakh were recovered, then chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal informed the assembly in a written reply April 5, 2011. He admitted in the assembly that the government had not framed any separate policy to prevent thefts from temples. Police officers say with the linking of roads in the interiors and opening of new areas for tourists, temples located there have become more vulnerable to theft.

"The gangs of smugglers recce the monasteries and temples located in the interiors in the guise of tourists in summer. In winter, they try to get away with the antiques when the temples are closed," a senior police officer, who didn't wish to be identified, told IANS. Earlier instances of theft in temples include the stealing in September 2009 of seven antique idols, most of them made of silver, from the Keem temple near Rampur town in Shimla district, about 120 km from Shimla.

Less than a week before this, five 17th century bronze idols were stolen from a temple in Nahan town. In 2008, two ancient idols were stolen from the Shoolini temple in Solan town. In another incident the same year, ancient coins and silver artefacts went missing from the Suryavanshi temple in Kullu town. In the majority of thefts, the police have failed to trace the stolen property. But there are some fortunate 'gods' who have returned to their temples.

Take the case of two antique idols of the goddess Kunzum that were stolen in 2006 from the prominent temple in Kaza in Lahaul-Spiti district. The mastermind was arrested in Delhi in March 2008 and the stolen idols were seized. Likewise, a rare five-foot bronze statue of Lord Vishnu, dating back to the eighth century, was stolen from the Hari Rai Temple in Chamba town May 6, 1971. It was recovered from a godown in Mumbai two months later and reinstalled in the temple July 7.

The hill state has over 2,000 temples and monasteries that are centuries old. Of these, 60 are under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) while 31 are under the state language, art and culture department.

Via: IANS India Private Limited

Himachal temple watchman murdered, antique idols stolen

Shimla, July 23 (IANS) Robbers made off with eight antique idols from a temple in the Shimla district Tuesday after murdering a watchman, police said.



via Yahoo News http://in.news.yahoo.com/himachal-temple-watchman-murdered-antique-idols-stolen-172054374.html

Rush in Himachal temples for Chaitra Navratras

Shimla, April 11 (IANS) Tens of thousands of devotees are assembling at prominent Hindu temples in Himachal Pradesh Thursday with the onset of the 10-day Chaitra Navratras, considered by Hindus as a holy period.



via Yahoo News http://en-maktoob.news.yahoo.com/rush-himachal-temples-chaitra-navratras-040612440.html

Fairs & Festivals - January to December

Ages of rich tradition, warm and hospitable people, a landscape of breathtaking variety and beauty - all combine to pack each year in Himachal with a variety of fairs, festivals and celebrations. There are some 2000 deities worshipped in Himachal and numerous fairs and festivals are held in their honour. There are others that began as if just yesterday - and have added their colours to the grand collage. From religion to trade, from seasons to sports - and month by month - here is a joyous celebrations of life.

January

A cliche if you will - but often laced with snow - the year opens with a heady cocktail. Thousands of revellers head to celebrate the new year in Shimla, Chail, Manali and Dalhousie. Around the common calendar's new year comes Halda in Lahaul, which is a more private celebration of the event. Along the valleys of Chandra and Bhaga rivers, a few members of every household step out with lit cedar twigs to a west oriented place selected by the 'lamas'. These slender branches form the first flames of a bonfire which is then dispersed. Shiskar Apa, the goddess of wealth is worshipped, and the dancing continues for a couple of days.

There is greater sobriety, but no less joy, when Lohri or Maghi comes along in mid-January. This is the traditionary mid-winter day and also commemorates the last sowing of the Rabi crops. Community bonfires, folk songs and dancing, mark the festival. In tribal Spiti, Dechhang is celebrated at the height of winter, while the Lahaul area reserves it for early April. Paonta Sahib is a major focus on Guru Gobind Singh's birthday. The town and other gurudwaras close to it, are closely linked with the Guru's life.

On a mid-night towards the end of Paush (December-January), Phagli begins in Lahaul's Pattan valley with snow being packed in a conical basket - kilta.

This is upturned on a roof and resembles a Shivalinga. Shiva, Naga and the goddess, Hadimba are worshipped, and the younger generation also mark it by venerating the village elders. Chhang and lugari, locally brewed liquors flow freely, and ritual dishes are eaten. Kinnaur's Sazi (or Sazo), also comes at around this time.

More contemporary -events come in the form of the National Snow Statue Competition at Kufri, the Folk Dance Competition on Republic Day at Shimla. and the Water Sports Regatta at Kangra's Pong Dam. To make this wonderful time of year all the more attractive. 

February

Snow continues to play a major part in February's festivals and Himachal's Winter Carnival is also held this month.

Gochi in the Bhaga Valley is an unusual festival when the villagers celebrate the birth of male children. Token marriages of children below the age of six are also performed - and a lighter side comes with the snow balling every child participates in.

The Baba Barbhag Singh Mela is held in Una and honours this sage who was renowned for his magical powers. Basant Panchmi marks the arrival of spring in the lower areas, and every town seems to keep a reserve of colour for the occasion and the skies are filled with a medley of kites.

Ritual dances and an unbelievably rich imagery mark Lossor. This is celebrated in Buddhist areas throughout the state - while Lahaul's monasteries have some of the most spectacular performances. On its eve, the stylised chhaam dance and elaborate costumes and masks, commemorate the assassination of the cruel Tibetan king, Langdarma in the 9th century. Often - though wrongly - called 'the devil dance', it symbolises the triumph of good over evil.

March

Centered around the temple of Trilokinath, Char is celebrated in Lahaul. 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. This is followed by festivities - music and song, dance and drama. Yet, all the while the atmosphere is surcharged with deep religious devotion.

In March's third week, the fascinating Nalwari fair is held at Bilaspur. Cattle is traded, there are wrestling bouts – and aero and water sports shows are recent additions.

Holi's riot of colours and celebration of spring, comes with laughter and vitality. There are exuberant celebrations at Palampur and Sujanpur. By the banks of the river Yamuna. the shrine of Paonta Sahib in Sirmour is thronged by Hindu and Sikh devotees on this day. Also in Sirmour, the Balasundari fair is held at Trilokpur near Nahan; this coincides with the sacred days of the Navratras. The temple of Baglamata, near Bankhandi in Kangra is also a major focus during these days.

Chait, the first month of lunar calendar is celebrated by the dancing of women in Kullu and by folk singing in Chamba.

At the shrine of Deothsidh (Seo) on the district border of Hamirpur and Bilaspur, a month long fair spans March and April.

April

Held on the first Baisakh -.the 13th April - Baisakhi is one of Himachal's most important festivals. Rooted in the rural agrarian tradition, it bids a flnal farewell to winter. At Tattapani near Shimla, at the Rewalsar and Prashar lakes near Mandi, people take purifying dips in the water. Numerous village fairs complete with wrestling, dancing and archery are also held on this day.

In April, Rali with its clay models is marked in Kangra. Legend has it that the beautiful Rali was married against her wishes and on the way to her husband's home, she leapt into a stream. The husband jumped in after her and trying to save both, Pali's brother also dived info the fast flowing waters. All three died. Today, clay models are made in every house to mark that day, while unmarried girls pray for grooms of their choice and the newly-wedded ask for happiness and prosperity, At Chamba, the Sui Mala is thronged by women and children and at the village of Taraur in district Mandi, the Mahu Nag fair Is held. The holy Markandaya fair Is held near Bllaspur and the Rohru Jatar is held in honour of the deity Shikhru. This is also the time when fishing and low altitude trekking raise their winter barriers, while the Spring Festival Is celebrated in Kullu from April 28 to 30.

May

May gushes In with a whole series of river rafting festivals and water sports Regattas, through-out the state. Focused around the goddess Hadimba Devi, Kullu celebrates the Dhoongri fair. In the same district, the Banjar fair and the Sarhi Jatar are held in May.

 Near Shimla at the exquisite glade of Sipur below Mashobra, the charming Sipi fair is held. It is trationally a time for match-making.

Throughout Himachal a variety of programmes are organised by the Department of Languages, Art and Culture. Dharamsala's summer festival and the programmes organised by the Tibetan Institute for Performing Arts, lift their curtains. The skies are blue and clear for the Hang Gliding Rally at Billing near Kangra, white Summer Skling glides smoothly in at the Rohtang Pass.

June

A wide spectrum of national talent, a variety of programmes and a splendid setting make Shimla's Summer Festival a memorable event. Shimla also hosts the Red Cross Fair, sport tournaments, flower shows, a photographs and posters exhibition and a fashion show based on folk costumes. The Kangra Festival is also held in June at Kangra, At Solan, on the third Sunday of the month, the Solan Fair honours the goddess Shilooni, the presiding deity of the region. On June's full moon night, the Ghantal festival is held at Lahaul's Guru Ghantal Monastery. And of course, given the time of the year and the possibilities it offers, there are various camping and trekking expeditions.

In the arid trans-Himalaya, at Kaza's Ladarcha fair, the old trade routes come alive as traders barter and sell a variety of goods and produce. At Keylong, the Lahaul Festival is also held this month.Elsewhere in the state, Haryali (Rhyali, Dakhrain) announce the advent of the monsoon rains.

July

Shravana Sankranti is celebrated at Nahan; at Arki, buffalo fights mark the Sair fair, and conducted in honour of Banar devta of Shari, the Rampur Jatar is held near Jubbal in district Shimla. July also heralds the travelling and trekking season to Kinnaur and Lahaul & Spiti.

August

Chamba's famous Minjar fair which celebrates the bounty of nature and prays for a good harvest is normally held in August. 'Minjars', maize shoots or silken strands, are cast on the waters of the river Ravi and the town immerses itself in a week of celebration.

Also in Chamba, the Manimahesh Yatra to the sacred tarn of Manimahesh is held immediately after the festival of Janamashtmi. At Bharmour, 28 km short of the lake, the nomadic Gaddis hold a fair for six days.  

Celebrated in Chamba, Kullu and elsewhere, Chrewal, Badronjo or Patroru is a festival of fire and flowers - and a time for purification of the fields.

In August, several places in Chamba, Bilaspur and Sirmour have the Gugga fair which is connected with the worship of Gugga, the Nag Devta. The same month witnesses the Dal fair in Upper Dharmsala. At Udaipur, in the Lahaul valley, the Trilokinath temple becomes a focus; this is sacred to Hindus and Buddhists alike. The Shravan fair is held at the shrine Naina Devi, while the Ashapuri fair is held in Kangra.

September

As the rains end. autumn sends fiery colours racing through the hills. In Kinnaur, the festival of flowers, 'Fullaich' (Phulech) opens a window to its remarkable people and their beautiful  countryside. Villagers scout the hillsides for flowers which are collected in the village square. These are then offered to the local deity. Then comes a spate of revelry - singing, dancing and feasting. Kalpa has some of the most vibrant celebrations and every twelve years, there is the special festival. Also in September, at the village of Chhatrari, near Chamba - and centered around the exquisite temple of Shakti Devi - a fair is held and masked dances performed.

The Kangra valley celebrates the festival of Sair. This is also celebrated with stalls, singing and buffalo fights at Arki dnd Mashobra. both near Shimla. At Nurpur in Kangra, under the watchful walls of its old fort, the Nagini fair bids the summer farewell. In the same district. on September 27, World Tourism Day is celebrated.  In Sirmour, there is a Regatta at the Renuka Lake, and Nahan hosts the Bawan Dawadashi fair.

October

There is a Regatta on the waters of the Gobindsagar, anglers vie for the largest catch in the Sangla valley and paragliders sail the skies at Billing. More traditionally, over two hundred deities converge on Kullu for its unusual Dussehra celebrations. They pay homage to Lord Raghunath while music and colour fill the 'Silver Valley'. Numerous stalls offer a variety of local wares. This is also the time when the International Folk Festival is celebrated. The Jwalamukhi Temple in Kangra becomes the venue for a major fair. At Killar and Panai (in Chamba's Pangi valley), the Phool Yatra witnesses a remarkable display of neighbourly affection and the Dehant Nag is worshipped.

November

With winter Just a hop and skip away, the age-old Lavi fair fills Rampur with a burst of activity. The town was once a major entrepot on the old trade routes to Kinnaur, Tibet, Ladakh and Afghanistan. Even today, the tradition is as vibrant as ever. By the churning waters of the river Sutlej, a variety of goods including wool, dry fruits and horses are bartered and sold.

The Kharif crops have been harvested when at the legendary Renuka lake, a fair graces its banks. There is trade, recreation and amusement. Idols of Lord Parshurama and Renuka are ceremoniously dipped in the sacred waters of the lake – and it is a time when a lot of matchmaking is done. Water Sports Competitions are held on the Pong Dam and Gobindsagar.

December 

As winter arrives, anglers shift to the Pong Dam .With the blessings of  Nobel Laureate, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the International Himalayan Festival is held in Kangra district. Troupes from the Himalayan nations are present. The winter winds carry all the delights of ice-skating at Shimla. The extravaganza of the Ice-Skating Carnival is normally reserved for December. Christmas celebrations overtake Shimla and Dalhousie and as the church bells chime, they carry away another event-packed year, To visit the traditional fairs or to participate in the festivals, do confirm the dates as many vary from year to year.A range of accomodation is available at, or close to almost all the places.

Religious Tourism in Himachal

Himachal was known since the earliest of times as "Devabhoomi", the abode of the Gods. The splendid heights of the Himalyan ranges, with its great scenic beauty and aura of spiritual calm seem the natural home of the Gods. Two thousands or more temples all over the State, reiterate this fact.

Being a State full of isolated valleys and high ranges, several different styles of temple architecture developed and there are temples with carved stone shikharas, pagoda style shrines, temples that look like Buddhist Gompas or Sikh Gurudwaras etc. Several of them are important places of pilgrimage and each year attract thousands of devotees from all over the country.

HINDU PILGRIMAGE

BAJRESHWARI TEMPLE: Just outside the town of Kangra is the temple dedicated to Bajreshwari Devi. Known once for its legendary wealth this temple was subject to successive depredations by invaders from the north. Destroyed completely in 1905 by an earthquake, it was rebuilt in 1920 and continues to be a busy place of pilgrimage.

BAIJNATH: The ancient temple at Baijnath is particularly beautiful. Built of stone in the 9th century AD, in the shikhara style, it is a fine blend of sculpture and architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Baijnath is close to Palampur and Kangra.

JWALAMUKHI TEMPLE: Not too far from Kangra is this popular place of pilgrimage. An eternally burning flame that issues from a hollow rock in the sanctum, is considered the manifestation of the goddess Devi. During March-April and September-October every year, colorful fairs are held during the Navratra celebration. Jwalamukhi temple is 30 km. from Kangra.

CHAMUNDA DEVI TEMPLE: Not far from Dharamsala (Kangra) is the famous temple to Chamunda Devi. It is an enchanting spot with glorious views of the mountains, the Baner Khud, Pathiar and Lahla forest.

LAKSHMI NARAYAN TEMPLE: The Lakshminarayan group of temples in the town of Chamba are of great archaeological importance. Six stone temples dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu with tall shikaras, finely carved, date from the 8th century AD. The Lakshminarayan Temple is the oldest in this group. Other temples around Chamba town include, those dedicated to Hari Rai, Champavati, Bansigopal, Ram Chandra, Brijeshwari, Chamunda, Narsingh, and Yogi Charpat Nath.

CHAURASI TEMPLES: The 9th century temples at Bharmaur are among the most important early Hindu temples in the Chamba Valley. According to legend, 84 (chaurasi) yogi's visited Bharmaur, capital of King Sahil Varma. They were so pleased with the king's humility and hospitality that they blessed him with ten sons and a daughter, Champavati. A cluster of shrines commemorates that visit. The temple square is the Centre of all activities in the little town of Bharmaur and the Lakshmi, Ganesh, Manimahesh and Narsing temples, the main shrines, are splendidly set off by the dramatic mountainscape.

CHATTARI TEMPLES: Not far from Bharmaur (Chamba) is the Chattari Temple with early examples of carved wood and an 8th century brass image of Shakti.

MANIMAHESH (3,950 m): The Manimahesh Lake, high up in the mountains near Bharmaur, is an important place of pilgrimage. The solitary Manimahesh Kailash Peak- the legendary abode of Shiva, is reflected in its still waters. A little temple in the shikhara style with an exquisite brass image of Lakshmi Devi as Mahishasuramardini stands near-by. Every year, following Janmashtami, the annual Manimahesh Yatra is undertaken. The pilgrimage starts from Chamba from the Lakshaminarayan Temple and devotees wend their way up the arduous track from Bharmaur to take a sacred dip in the waters of the lake.

MANDI: Mandi has a picturesque group of ancient stone temples with tall vimanas, splendidly located below the town on the banks of the foaming river. The Tarna Devi Temple (Mandi), a new shrine up on a hill, overlooks the town and valley.

REWALSAR: Around a natural lake with a floating island are a Shiva temple-the Lomesh Rishi Temple, Guru Govind Singh's gurdwara and a Buddhist monastery founded by Guru Padmasambhava. A spot that is revered by people of three faiths (Mandi).

PRASHAR TEMPLE: This temple, built in the 14th century, is a shrine where the rulers of Mandi once worshipped. The pagoda-style temple stands in the little green hollow around the Prashar lake, above the town of Pandoh. The views of the mountains are spectacular.

SHIKARI DEVI (2850 m): It is possible to trek up to Shikari Devi from Janjheli and Karsog (Mandi). Through woods of assorted trees and shrubs - which include several medicinal herbs - two separate trek routes lead up to this ancient shrine located at the crown of the hill. Hunters in the area once prayed to the Goddess for success in their hunt - and here, perhaps, lies the origin of the name 'Shikari Devi'. The Goddess is worshipped in the form of a stone image. Interestingly, the temple which is said to have been in existence since the time of the Pandavas, has no roof - for local legend has it, that all attempts to build one have been unsuccessful.

HANOGI MAA & KOYLA MAA TEMPLE: Hanogi Maa temple in on the way from Mandi to Kullu near Pandoh and Koyla Maa temple near Sunder Nagar in Mandi district.
RAGHUNATHJI TEMPLE: Built in 1651 by the Raja of Kullu, the temple has an image of Raghunathji that was brought from Ayodhya. During the Kullu Dussehra, all the temples in the area send their deities to pay homage to Raghunathji at Kullu.

BIJLI MAHADEV TEMPLE: An unusual temple dedicated to Shiva-the Lord of lightning, is located on a height overlooking the Kullu and Parvati valleys. A 60ft staff above the temple attracts divine blessing in the form of lightning and breaks the stone linga in the sanctum.

DHOONGRI TEMPLE: This four tiered pagoda, embellished in finely carved wood, stands sheltered in grove of tall deodar at Manali (Kullu). It is dedicated to Hadimba Devi, wife of the Pandava, Bhim.

BHIMAKALI TEMPLE:  A marvelous example of hill architecture, the temple complex at Sarahanis set against the incredibly beautiful backdrop of high ranges and forested slopes. Built in a mixture of the Hindu and Budhists styles, it was the temple of Bushair rulers of Rampur (Shimla). The palaces of the royal family are adjacent to the temple. From Sarahan there is a view of the Srikhand Peak, revered as the home of goddess Lakshami.

HATKOTI: Along the River Pabbar, 104 km from Shimla, is the temple dedicated to Durga and Shiva. The gods are said to have fought a pitched battled at this spot.

JAKHU AND SANKAT MOCHAN: These two temples close to Shimla have a commanding views of the hills.

NAINA DEVI TEMPLE: On a hill, close to Bilaspur and Kiratpur (34 km), is famous shrine of Naina Devi. A colourful fair, the Shravana Astami Mela is held in July-August.

CHINTPURNI: A winding road goes up to the temple dedicated to Bhagwati Chinmastika or Chinpurni-the goddess who grants all wishes. A popular place of pilgrimage, Chintpurni is about 75 km from the town of Una and 100 km from Jalandhar.

RENUKA: The  temple, dedicated to the immortal Renuka, stands near the picturesque Renuka Lake (Sirmour).

TRILOKPUR: About 25 km from Nurpur (Kangra), at the confluence of the Bohar and Bhali streams, is another sacred spot popular with pilgrims of various faiths. There is a Hindu temple, a Buddhist monastery, a gurdwara and a mosque at Trilokpur.

BABA BALAK NATH TEMPLE: A cave temple located in Deothsidth, in the Dhaulagiri Hills of Hamirpur, is a noted place of pilgrimage. People come here to seek the blessing of Baba Balak Nath whose image is located in the cave. Shahtalai, 46 km from the the district headquarters of Hamirpur and accessible by road, is about 10 km from Deothsidh.

 

BUDDHIST PILGRIMAGES

The remote valleys of Lahaul, Spiti and Kinnaur have strong Buddhist traditions. Splendid gompas, Buddhist monasteries, built along bare mountain-sides seem to be a part of the rugged terrain. These are the repositories of a wealth of Buddhist art and culture. The dim, cool interiors of ancient monasteries glow with the brilliance of painted murals, stuccos and elaborate thangkas framed with rich borders of silk.

In Dharamsala, where the Dalai Lama has settled in exile, is a marvelous Tibetan township where an entire cultural tradition is being nurtured. It is a centre that attracts scholars, pilgrims and tourists.

REWALSAR: Perhaps the most sacred spot for Buddhists in Himachal Pradesh, Rewalsar is 20 km south west of Mandi. According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava departed for Tibet from this beautiful spot, to spread the 'dharma'. A pagoda-style monastery stands along the edge of the lake.

GURU GHANTAL MONASTERY(3020 m): This is on the right bank of Chandra river about 4 kms. above Tandi and is believed to be the oldest Gompa of Lahaul having wooden structure with pyramidal roofs, wood carving, preserving the idols of Padmasambhava & Brajeshwari Devi. On the full moon night in mid-June a festival called "GHANTAL" is celebrated by Lamas & Thakurs together.

KARDANG MONASTERY(3500 m): It is about 5 kms. from Keylong across Bhaga river. It is believed to be built in 12^thcentury. Monastery has a large library of Kangyur and Tangyur volumes of Budhist scriptures in Bhoti. Kardang village was once the capital of Lahaul.

SHASHUR MONASTERY: Situated on a hill about 3 kms from Keylong (Lahaul & Spiti) towards north on the same slope. During June/ July this monastery attracts a large number of visitors when Lamas perform the devil dance. It was founded in the 17^th century a.d. It belongs to red hat sec and is located among the blue pines. The paintings represent the history of 84 Buddhas.

TAYUL GOMPA(3900 m): Tayul Gompa is 6 kms. from Keylong (Lahaul & Spiti) and is one of the oldest monasteries of the valley having a huge statue of Guru Padmasamhava about 5m high and houses library of Kangyur having 101 volumes. In Tibetan language Ta-Yul means the chosen place. There is an interesting story behind this.

KYE MONASTERY: It is situated 12 kms. north of Kaza (Lahaul & Spiti) and serves the western population of Spiti. It is the oldest and biggest monastery of the valley and located at (4116 m) above Kye village. It houses beautiful scriptures and paintings of Buddha and other goddesses. Lamas practice dance, sing and play on pipes and horns. Relegious training to Lama's is imparted here. It has murals and books of high value.

THANG YUG GOMPA: It is located 13 kms. above Kaza (Lahaul & Spiti) serving western part of central Spiti. Situated in a secluded place in the narrow gauge of Kaza Nallah, it generally has a Lama from Tibet. Above this there is a long plateau which leads to Shilla peak.

KUNGRI GOMPA: It is situated in the Pin valley about 10 kms. from Attargo where Spiti river has to be crossed to enter Pin valley. It is serves the population of Pin valley.

DHANKAR MONASTERY: It is situated about 25 kms. east of Kaza and serves eastern part of central Spiti. Dhankar is a big village and erstwhile capital of Spiti King. On top of a hill there is a fort which use to be a prison in olden times. The Monastery has about 100 Lamas and is in position of Buddhist scriptures in Bhoti language. Principal figure is a Statue of "Vairochana" (Dhayan Budha) consisting of 4 complete figures seated back to back. It has relics in the shape of paintings and sculptures.

TABO MONASTERY: This is another large gompa serving the population of eastern side. It has its origin in the tenth century old and is located 50 kms. from Kaza (Lahaul & Spiti). In fame it is next to Tholing Gompa in Tibet. It has about 60 Lamas and houses a large collection of Scriptures, wall paintings etc. Murals of this gompa have similarity to that of the Ajanta paintings.

NAKO: The legendary footprints of the Guru Padamsambhava are enshrined at the Lotsabaage Monastery at Nako. This high altitude village in Kinnaur is located near a limpid lake.

TASHIGANG GOMPA: Can be visited by taking diversion from Khab to Namgya and then trekking to the Gompa.

TILASANGH MONASTERY: 1 km. trek from Ka, it is 12 km. short of Yangthang.

SIKH PILGRIMAGES

The Sikhs came to the Shivalik Hills, in Himachal Pradesh in 1695, at the invitation of the ruler of Sirmaur, to help him fight the Mughals. Guru Gobind Singh with his army, settled in Paonta Sahib in the foothills. During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, at the end of the 18th century, many of the western hill states also came under Sikh sovereignty.

PAONTA SAHIB: This is the main centre of Sikh pilgrimage in Himachal. The gurdwara picturesquely located on the banks of the River Yamuna in district Sirmour, is venerated due to its association with Guru Gobind Singh, the 10th Sikh Guru. In March, an important fair is held and the holy Granth Sahib is taken out in procession.

REWALSAR: The gurdwara at Rewalsar, near Mandi, is located on the periphery of a lake sacred to both the Hindus and Buddhists as well.

MANIKARAN: The serene location and the seemingly mysterious hot springs made Manikaran (Kullu) a place of pilgrimage in earlier times. Guru Nanak, the first Guru of the Sikhs, visited this place to spend time in meditation. A gurdwara that was built to commemorate his visit, is now a place of pilgrimage for the Sikhs.

CHRISTIAN PILGRIMAGES

Christianity made a late appearance in Himachal Pradesh, after the arrival of the British. The churches here are not more than 150 years old. Tall churches-the relics of the Raj, are to be found mainly in the small hill stations that the British created as summer retreats.

KASAULI: Still unspoiled and very much as the British left it fifty years ago, Kasauli (Solan) has a fine old church. The Christ Church, is a typically Anglican structure of the period. Its foundation stone was laid in 1844. Well proportioned, its spires, buttresses and gothic arches are framed against the stately deodars.

SHIMLA: The Christ Church, with its tall spire dominates the ridge in Shimla. This imposing structure is visible from as far away as Tara Devi, 8 km away. It was built in 1844, when Shimla was slowly coming into its own as the premier hill station of India., the Christ Church was designed to accommodate the entire Shimla congregation. Various memorials and stained glass windows fill the somber interior with colour and light.

The first Catholic edifice of Shimla, St. Michael's Church, was built in 1850, at the western end of the Lower Bazaar. Later additions have made it an unusual piece of architecture. Inside the church are five marble altars, all brought from Italy in 1855 and fine stained glass windows.

DHARAMSHALA: The stone church of St. John lies on a motorable road between Mcleodganj and Forsyteganj 8 Km from Lower Dharamshala (Kangra). It has a monument of Lord Elgin, one of the viceroys of India, who died in Dharamshala and was buried here.

DALHOUSIE: Dalhosie (Chamba) is another hill station with a number of old churches. The church near the G.P.O. looks untouched by time. It has an angular roof of inter-leafed hexagonal slates. The Catholic church of St. Francis, built in 1894, is set against a backdrop of tall pines overlooking the Subash Chowk.