Pin Codes of Shimla District
171001 Shimla H O
171001 Lower Bazar
171001 Shimla Gpo
171001 Shimla High Court
171002 H P Sectt
171002 Khalini
171003 A G P O Shimla
171003 Command H Q
171003 Bhont
171003 Kaithu
171004 Chaura Maidan Simla
171004 Nabha Estate
171004 Ambedkarchowk
171005 Botleauganj
171005 Summer Hill
171005 Boileauganj
171005 Chaili
171005 Summerhill
171006 Sanjauli
171006 Kamla Nagar
171006 Malyana
171006 Poabo
171007 Mashobra
171007 Baldeyan
171007 Dewla
171007 Durgapur
171007 Ghaini
171007 Khatnol
171007 Kiarkoti
171007 Pahal
171007 Thailla
171008 Jutogh
171009 Kasumpti
171009 Beolia
171009 New Shimla
171009 Rajhana
171010 Tara Devi
171011 Totu
171011 Badehari
171011 Bychari
171011 Chanog
171011 Devnagar
171011 Ghanahatti
171011 Jathia Devi
171011 Jubbarhatti
171011 Nehra
171011 Panesh
171011 Keonthal
171011 Rauri
171011 Shakarah
171012 Dhalli
171012 Chharabra
171012 Darbhog
171012 Koti
171012 Maloothi
171012 Mundghat
171012 Satlai
171013 Jubbar Hatti
171014 Syri
171016 Munda
171017 Guma
171018 Basanatpur
171018 Bharara
171018 Gumma
171018 Kadarghat
171018 Kariali
171018 Majhiwar
171019 Kufri
171019 Dharogra
171019 Gadheri
171019 Jalog
171019 Kangal
171019 Ogli
171019 Pandoa
171020 Madabag
171101 Ghana Ki Hatti
171102 Daria
171103 Dhami
171103 Chalahal
171103 Chanawag
171103 Jabri
171103 Kalihatti
171103 Kohbag
171103 Okharoo
171103 Thachi
171103 Toon
171108 Basantpur
171201 Theog
171201 Barog
171201 Bharana
171201 Bhogra
171201 Chikar
171201 Dharampur Madhan
171201 Jais
171201 Kiartoonal
171201 Sariun
171201 Sarog
171202 Kot Khai
171202 Baghar
171202 Bakhol
171202 Chalnair
171202 Darkoti
171202 Devgarh
171202 Garog
171202 Himri
171202 Kokunala
171202 Kotkhai
171202 Mahasu
171202 Nagan
171202 Purag
171202 Quinal
171202 Rawlakiar
171202 Tharola
171203 Tikkar
171203 Dharara
171203 Ghasani
171203 Kadiwan
171203 Pujarli No-
171203 Samara
171203 Sharontha
171204 Kiari
171204 Deori Khaneti
171204 Galeha
171204 Kiarvi
171204 Panog
171205 Jubbal
171205 Kayana
171205 Praunthi
171205 Pujarli No-
171205 Shailapani
171205 Sheel
171206 Hatkoti
171206 Anti
171206 Barthata
171206 Dhadighunsa
171206 Dhadirawat
171206 Jharag
171206 Kathasu
171206 Nandpur
171206 Pandranu
171206 Solang
171207 Rohru
171207 Bachhunchh
171207 Gawas
171207 Jagothi
171207 Kaloti
171207 Kansakoti
171207 Karasa
171207 Kui
171207 Kuthara
171207 Lower Koti
171207 Pujarli No.
171207 Samoli
171207 Seema
171208 Chirgaon
171208 Chilala
171208 Gaonsari
171208 Kanthli
171208 Khabal
171208 Khashdhar
171208 Larot
171208 Masli
171208 Pekha
171208 Sindhasli
171208 Tangnu
171208 Tikkari
171209 Fagu
171209 Dhamandari
171209 Dharech
171209 Majhar
171209 Satog
171209 Tiyali
171210 Nerwa
171210 Bharanu
171210 Bijmal
171210 Bour
171210 Chanana Dhar
171210 Deiya
171210 Eera
171210 Giahan
171210 Jublee
171210 Kedi
171210 Kiarla
171210 Madhana
171210 Malat
171210 Pawan
171210 Ruslah
171210 Thangad
171210 Tharoach
171210 Tikkri Neol
171211 Chopal
171211 Dewat
171211 Dhawas
171211 Jhiknipul
171211 Khagna
171211 Makrog
171211 Marog
171211 Matal
171211 Nakorapul
171211 Pauria
171211 Sarain
171212 Matiana
171212 Kandroo
171212 Kelvi
171212 Kotighat
171212 Mahog
171212 Nagjubber
171212 Shari
171213 Narkanda
171213 Bhalawag
171213 Halanidhar
171213 Kanahar
171213 Kandyali
171213 Kharahan
171213 Khunni
171213 Kiara
171213 Madhawani
171213 Oddi
171213 Shilaru
171214 Dehabalson
171214 Devidhar
171214 Jangla
171214 Ranol
171214 Thana
171214 Todsa
171215 Rohni
171215 Mandhole
171216 Shilaroo
171216 Bholad
171216 Giltari
171216 Jhagtan
171216 Jhalta
171216 Tooran
171217 Sandhu
171217 Bhalu
171217 Charoli
171217 Jokhar
171217 Kanda Banah
171217 Kulag
171217 Kupvi
171217 Majholi
171218 Deori
171219 Cheog
171219 Salana
171220 Bagri
171220 Chanair
171220 Chhaila
171220 Deothibalson
171220 Ghoond
171220 Kalind
171220 Kiar
171220 Mahori
171220 Parala
171221 Dodra
171221 Jakha
171221 Kawar
171222 Lafughati
171223 Arhal
171224 Summer Kot
171224 Sungri
171225 Baghi
171225 Kalbog
171225 Khadrala
171225 Khangteri
171225 Ratnari
171226 Balag
171226 Basadhar
171226 Mundu
171226 Pulbahal
171226 Sari
171301 Chaba
171301 Juni
171301 Rewag
171301 Sunni Bhajji
171302 Tatta Pani
171303 Churag
171304 Karsog
171305 Chaila
171306 Pangna
172001 Bushahr H O
172001 Barach
172001 Dansa
172001 Duttnagar
172001 Khamadi
172001 Khaneri
172001 Kungal Balti
172001 Lailon
172001 Naula
172001 Nirth
172001 Padam Nagar (ndso)
172001 Rampur Bushahr
172001 Shingla
172001 Sholi
172001 Surad
172001 Thaili Chakti
172002 Gaura
172021 Danawali
172022 Bharawali
172022 Darkali
172022 Dawara
172022 Deothi
172022 Kareri
172022 Kashapat
172022 Munish Bhali
172022 Narain
172022 Taklech
172024 Chikul
172024 Galani
172024 Janjheli
172027 Baragaon
172027 Shiwan
172027 Teshan
172028 Delath
172029 Jar
172029 Kumarsain
172029 Pharal
172029 Sharambal Camp
172030 Bhutti
172030 Kirti
172030 Shamathla
172030 Thanedhar
172030 Virgarh
172031 Batari
172031 Jarol
172101 Ganvi
172101 Jaghori
172101 Kayab
172101 Koot
172101 Labana
172101 Phancha
172102 Dofda
172102 Kinnu
172102 Majauli
172102 Mashnoo
172102 Shahdhar
172201 Jhakri
172201 Kartot
172201 Sarpara
172201 Sugha
173219 Anandpur
173219 Dhari
173219 Shoghi
Palampur
Palampur is combination of three words ‘Pani’, ‘Alam’ and ‘Pur’. ‘Pur’, means settlement, Pani is water/rain, ‘Alam’ is environment dominated or adobe of. Hence, Palampur is a settlement where there is plenty of rainfall. It is a settlement, the sociocultural and environmental factors of which are determined by rainfall. Similarly, Bandla nearby appeared to have derived its name as a village
consisting of two words ‘Boond’ and ‘Ala’ again meaning thereby a village of persistent rainfall. Again a village Banoori if analysed interms of etymological means ‘Ban’ ‘Ruri’, a place where the dam had been washed away. So all the three settlements one way or the other try to highlight that there is heavy downpour in and around Palampur.
Location : Palampur is located at 32o-7’ North Latitude and 76o-32’ East Longitude, at a height of 1219 metres above mean seal level. Located at bulk of point, it is a fast growing valley town. Dharamshala is a district headquarters and an important regional town stablished by British is located at a distance of about 35 kilometres from the town. At the midway of Pathankot-Mandi National Highway-20 on one hand and picturesque Pathankot-Jogindernagar Railway line on the other, it has a very good accessibility and nodality. It acts as a base station to Tourist attractions in its surroundings.
Evolution Pre-Independence:- During the second half of 18th Century, with success of tea estates in Palampur area, the original settlement started developing. In 1888, it was made tehsil headquarter, by shifting the same from Bhawarna. The tea estate owners impressed upon the administration to bring infrastructure like schools, colleges and hospital. It also became a centre of labourers engaged in plucking of tea leaves and packing, transportation and marketing thereof. The earthquake of 1905 left a trail of destruction. Therefore, building style, projections and building material had to be modified. The tehsil complex, school and church towards T-Bud Hotel were built during British Period.
Consequent upon laying of railway line for hydro-electric project at Joginder Nagar in 1927 and thereby installation of railway station and staff quarters, construction activity grew fast. Increase in the employment, led to investment in the area, whereby multifarious development including roads
took place.
From historical point of view, the area around status of Subhash Chandra Bose and Jawahar Lal Nehru appears to be one of the oldest area. Starting from Courts coming towards Police Station, the houses and shops are the oldest. From Banuri moving towards Baijnath there lies a settlement known as ‘Al-Hillal’ meaning full moon. The land of this area was purchased by Nawab of Bahawlpur who got constructed a Palace Complex in 1931. This Palace Complex was purchased by Maharaja Hari Singh Father of Raja Karan Singh of Jammu who converted it into a motel and named it as Tara Palace Motel.
Post Independence:- In 1947, Sobha Singh moved from Punjab to Andreta and developed his art gallary. He painted world famous art pieces related to Punjabi culture and shot into prominence as an artist. After 1946, the regional linkages of town started improving. A Military station got established at a strategic location of the town. Agriculture University got established, besides the establishment of Indian Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (I.C.S.I.R.) Complex (IHBT). Many offices at the level of sub division pertaining to Electricity, Housing Board, Public health and PWD (B&R) were located. tourist accommodation like T-Bud Hotel by Himachal Tourism Development Corporation and other hotels were constructed.
Palampur is an important town of Kangra Valley. Population of Kangra District increased from 1174072 in 1991 to 1338536 in 2001, registering decadal increase of 14.01%. The decadal growth of the State is 17.53% in comparison to 21.34% of National average during 1991-2001. By comparing the percentage decadal growth rate of 1981-1991 decade with 1991-2001 decade, it can be observed that the growth rate has decreased from 18.50% to 14.01% in Kangra District. If one compares the growth rate of 1971-81 decade which was 23.71%, it can be concluded that from 1971 onwards the growth rate of population, in terms of percentage has decreased from 28.71% to 14.01%. It can, therefore, be attributed that the district is experiencing out migration due to less economic opportunities. Moreover, the family planning measures being adopted, have also attributed to decline in the growth rate.
The tourist coming from Amritsar, Pathankot and Jammu and Kashmir, intending to visit Kullu-Manali, pass through the town. The pilgrims also visit Baijnath Shiva Temple. The Tibetan Lamas moving
about in the area during their Mcleodganj and Dharamshala stay also visit the town. A few tourists do visit the Sobha Singh Art Gallery, Andretta and Nora Richard’s House, one of the pioneer centres of Punjabi Drama taken over by the Punjab University. Other places of tourist attraction in the region are such as Chamunda, Bir-hang gliding, Jogindernagar and Sujanpur Tihra.
TOURISM AND INDUSTRY
Palampur town is blessed with the beauty of nature that provides warmth to tourists. Due to Kashmir problem, the importance of tourist towns of Himachal Pradesh including Palampur has increased. During the peak season about 5000 tourists visit the town in a day.
Tourism
Tourist Attractions :-Palampur has meerged as one of the favourite tourist destinations during the last decade or so. A tourist is attracted to Palampur because of pleasing climate, lush green, tall and majestic trees, tea plantations, snow-clad mountain range of Dhauladhar where silence of mountain speaks volumes of development in philosophical, historical and cultural thoughts. Here snow-clad white peaks, blue sky and changing red and yellow shades of rising and setting sun create striking panorama of colourful natural paintings. In such a setting, existence of certain old temples in the surroundings of Palampur display the rich and wonderful built-in heritage of Indian society for which Indians are proud of. Besides the specific tourist attractions in and around Palampur, the simplicity, hospitality, colourful dresses and musical rhythm of the people of Himachal attract both Indian and foreign tourists. The tourist attractions available in and around Palampur can be classified into the three categories namely natural attractions, built-in heritage attractions and institutional attractions.
(i) Natural Attractions :-Palampur provides scenic beauty of
the Dhauladhar mountain, alongwith its peaks covered with white snow.
During the day, white snow mixes the blue colour of the sky with different
shades of sun rays/light and thereby creating amazing and pleasant (to both
eyes and mind) pictures, scenery, particularly in the morning and evening, at
the time of sun-rise and sunset.
Besides this, the greenery of forests and that of tea gardens
on the pleasing undulations (rise and fall) of the ground create lot of
enjoyment and rhythm while moving in and around Palampur. The beauty of
tea gardens gets further enchanced when one finds Himachal women in their
colourful dresses, singing folk songs while plucking the tea leaves.
Bandla segment and Neugal park also fascinate the tourists
with their natural richness in terms of contours, water and vegetation.
Billing, 20 Kms from Baijnath and about 35 Kms from Palampur is an ideal
place for hand/para gliding, where these events are held. This place is
regarded as one of the best aerosports place in the world.
Neugal Glacier-considered to be paradise for trekkers, at a
height of about 1700 metres is another natural attraction in the Dhauladhar
range. Some tourists cross this glacier to reach Holi Valley of Chamba
district, situated on banks of the Ravi.
(ii) Built-in Heritage Attractions:-In this category, the area has
the following attractions.
1. Vindhya Vasu Temples at a distance of 4 Kms.
2. Baijnath (16 kms from Palampur) having : (i) Temple of “Vaidya Nath”-Lord Shiva which is called as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas
(ii) Mahakal and Mukuteshwar Mahadev Temples near Baijnath.
(iii) Around Baijnath-Bir and Tashijong-two famous Tibetan refugee settlements.
3. Andhretta-house of famous artist Sobha Singh, B.C. Sanyal and Nora Richards. House of Sobha Singh is now a gallery that displays many of his paintings.
4. Near Andhretta-a small attractive village having a
pottery and craft centre.
5. Chamunda Devi-On the banks of Baner Khad, about 20 Kms from Palampur, a temple of Chamundaji is visited by thousands of
tourists every year from Himachal, Punjab and other northern states of India.
6. Nandi- Keshwar Temple at the back of Chamunda Temple.
7. Mcleodganj, Dharamsala, the abode of His Holiness Dalai Lama and Budhist pilgrimage centre.
8. The historic fort and Bajreshwari temple, Kangra.
9. Jawalaji Temple, 60 Kms from Palampur is regarded
as one of the Hindu’s Shakti Peeths. First temple was built in 7th century
and later on a gilded dome was added and white gold parasol was installed
by Mughal Emperor Akbar.
(iii) Institutional Attractions:- These include the H.P.
Agriculture University, ICSIR, Environment Convention centre and
Ayurvedic Hospital, Paprola. Vivekanand Regional Hospital under way will
be another centre for attraction of its own kind.
TOURIST NODES :-The Tourist nodes around Palampur are as under:-
- Dharamshala : At a distance of 34 Kilometres towards
North-West in the lap of Dauladhar, Dharamshala has dominating site
alongwith War Memorial, Rock temple at Kunal Pathari, Kangra Art
Museum, St. John’s Church, Mecleodganj the abode of His Holiness Dalai
Lama, Bhagsunag temple, Dharamkot, Dal Lake, Naddi, Kareri, Guna Devi,
Triund, Aghonjar Mahadev, Chin Maya Tapovan Ashram etc. Dharamshala
and its surrounding area afford a lot to see, enjoy and cherish.
- Chamunda Devi: At an altitude of 800 meters, Chamunda
Devi is in midway of Palampur and Dharamshala and has recently acquired
wide fame. The Goddess is said to grant boons requested to her. At the back
of temple is a cave like scoop where a stone “Lingam” under a boulder
represents Nandi Keshwar(God Shiva). It is an enchanting spot with
glorious view of the mountains, the Baner Khad, Dadh and Lahla forests. - Gopalpur:-At a distance of 8 Km. after Chamunda Devi is
Gopalpur where the Forest Department has set up a zoo called Dhauladhar
Nature Park. - Baijnath:-Located at a distance of 16 Km. from Palampur,
Baijnath is in realit, the appellation of the chief temple Shiva
Vaidyanatha(Lord of physicians). Legend has it that this is where King
Ravana (From the epic Ramayana) supplicated Shiva for a boon of
immortality. The linga enshrined in its sanctum is one of the 12 Jyotirilingas
in the country. - Masroor :-Masroor is 26 Km. from Gaggal on Nagrota
Surian Link road and is famous for remarkable group of rock-cut temples.
They form a group of 15 monolithic rock cut temples in the Indo-Aryan
style and are richly carved. - Bir/Billing :-Located at a distance of 35 Km from Palampur,
it is predominantly Budhist town of Bir known for monasteries and a
handicrafts centre. Bir has most salubrious climate and offers good view of
colourful fields and tea gardens below the valley. Bir serves as a landing
ground for hang/para gliders. Billing is 12 Km. from Bir which is one of the
best aerosport sites in the world. The mountain ranges set like an
amphitheatre, offer opportunities for high altitude cross country flying for a
range of more than 200 Km. - Kangra :-Kangra town is 18 Km. from Dharamshala. This
was the first seat of Raja Sansar Chand II(1775-1823). One of the ancient capital of powerful hill State- fort of Nagarkot stands as a mute witness to
the ravages of conquerors from Mahmood of Ghazni of the Emperor
Jahangir and the disastrous earthquake of 1905. - Nurpur :-Located at a distance of 65 Km. from Dharamshala
on Pathankot road, Nurpur is the famous town , named after Nurjahan, the
consort to the Mughal emperor Jahangir. It has an ancient fort and a carved
God Krishna temple. Nurpur is famous today for its fine pashmina shawls
and textiles. - Jawalamukhi :At a distance of 56 Km. from Dharamshala,
here is the famous temple of Goddess Jawalamukhi also called the ‘Flaming
Goddess’ or ‘Sher of the flaming mouth’. It lies in the valley of Beas and is
built over some natural jets of combustible gas believed to be a
manifestation of the Goddess Devi Bhagwati Jawalamukhi. Many people,
especially women take a vow that if anything they ardently wish for, is
obtained, they will go on pilgrimage to the temple here.
Hamirpur Town
Hamirpur, situated in the outer Himalayas amidst thickly populated region of Himachal Pradesh is an important regional centre. Name of the town is believed to be after ruler Hamir Chand who ruled during the last years of 17th Century. It has been functioning as Tehsil Headquarter since pre-independence period. After reorganisation of Himachal Pradesh during 1971, town was upgraded as Headquarter of Hamirpur District. The town spreading over terraces of Hathli Khad and slopes of Jhaniara-Hiranagar Dhar has bewitching view of snow clad Dhauladhar. Besides its beautiful setting, town has fascinating and variable scenery throughout the year. Situated on junction of Kangra-Shimla National Highway-88, Jalandhar-Mandi National Highway-70, Hamirpur-Palampur State Highway-39 and major district roads connecting, Una, Dhaneta, Sarkaghat, Bilaspur and Mandi towns, it retains character of commercial trade centre and education centre of the region.
Location : Situated at an altitude of about 765 metres, Hamirpur town has 30o-41' 00” North latitude and 76o-31' 00” East Longitude. The town is spread in an area of 5.24 sq kms having population of 12,544 as per 1991 census and revised Planning Area has been spreaded in an area of 33.20 sq. km. having population of 28,966 as per 1991 census and 36,619 as per Housing and Demography Survey 1999. It is well connected by roads from all the districts Headquarter towns of the State as well as neighboring States.
Evolution:
During the year 1888, Hamirpur was made Tehsil Headquarter of Kangra District. The Tehsil complex, Boys School Building, Old Hospital building were built during British period. The name of town was named after the name of Raja Hamir Chand of Kangra. Hamirpur town was made district headquarter of Hamirpur District on September 1, 1972 as a result of trifurcation of Kangra District as Kangra, Hamirpur and Una. Construction activity grew fast. Increase in the employment led to investment in the area, whereby multifarious developments including roads took place. Many offices of
District level as well as regional and State level were located pertaining to Health, Public Works, Public Health, Electricity Board, District Welfare, Employment, Agriculture & Industries etc. Tourist accommodations like Hotel Hamir, Hotel Puri, Hotel Gautam, Hotel Pratap, Shiva Guest House etc. were also constructed.
Nagar Parishad: After re-organisation of Himachal Pradesh during 1971, town was upgraded as Headquarter of Hamirpur District. Town recorded highest growth rate of 139.63% during 1971-81 decade in the State. Notified Area Committee which was Managing the civic functions of town was helpless to meet the growing demand due to its limited resources, accordingly the Govt. raised the status of Notified Area Committee to Municipal Council during the year 1968 to provide better civic facilities. Since then, Municipal Council is functioning in the town. It is divided into 11 wards, represented by 11 elected Municipal Councilors and 3 nominated councilors. The institutional,residential and commercial areas have, however, been developed outside the Nagar Parishad area in the rural Panchayats. Due to a fear of taxation and intervention by Municipality the people of rural area don't want to be included in the Nagar Parishad.
As per 1991 census population of the area was 28966.
DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTER
-
General Profile: Hamirpur town is serving mainly as administrative,
educational and shopping centre for the surrounding areas. Moreover, it has a regional
technical educational facility, such as National Institute of technology, Govt. Polytechnic,
Girls I.T.I. and College of Education. Number of important district level as well as the
State level offices such as H.P. Subordinate Services Selection Board, Chief Engineer,
Transmission, Chief Conservator Wildlife, HP Ex-Serviceman Corporation etc. are also
located in the town.
The town is surrounded by the various small towns growth centers which are
situated in the close vicinity of this town such as Bhota, Barsar, Nadaun, Tikker, Dhaneta,
Sujanpur-Tihra etc. The town is also easily approachable from well known religious
places such as Baba-Balak Nath Temple and Jawala Ji Temple. The town is having
central location to all these small towns and religious places.
Population Growth
-
As per the 1971 census of Hamirpur town it has reported 3671 souls. Prior
to 1971 Hamirpur was Tehsil head-quarter. After re-organisation of Himachal Pradesh
during 1971, the town was upgraded as headquarter of newly created Hamirpur District.
Population of Hamirpur town has been recorded 8797, 12544 and 17219 persons as per
1981 , 1991 and 2001 census respectively. The growth rate of population of Hamirpur
town during the decade of 1971-81 was 139.63% against the average urban population
growth rate of 35.20% in the State. Whereas the growth rate of population during the
decade of 1981- 1991 and 1991-2001 was recorded as 42.59% and 37.27% respectively.
Among the major towns of Himachal Pradesh, Hamirpur town has recorded highest
growth rate during 1971-1981 decade.
The National Institute of Technology, H.P. Subordinate Services Selection Board, Govt. Polytechnic College, Subhash Chand Bose Govt. PGD College, Education Colleges and Zonal Hospital make it destination of Students, Job Seekers, Academicians and Experts. The town is vibrating with multifarious activities including trade, commerce, tourism, education institutions and transport.
Bus Stand:
The Inter State Bus Terminal is presently located on the National Highway-88 in the heart of town. The complex was constructed during the year 1980 and occupying an area of 4762 sqm. providing space for parking of 45 buses. Five buses depart in every two minutes from Bus Terminal during peak hours to different places and overall 1600 buses are plying from the bus stand in a day. The fleet strength of Himachal Road Transport Corporation buses in local depart has increased to about 100 buses. Besides, there are about 120 buses in the private sector.
Jwalamukhi Temple
| Location: | At a distance of 34 kms in south of Kangra |
| Built by: | Raja Bhumi Chand Katoch |
| Dedicated to: | Jwala ji (a form of Shakti) |
| Also known as: | Flaming Goddess |
| Attraction: | Nine flames that are burning without fuel |
| Significance: | One of the 51 Shakti Peethas |
| How to reach: | One can easily reach Jwala Devi Temple by taking regular Buses or by hiring Taxis from Kangra, Himachal Pradesh |
The famous temple of Shaktipeeth Jwalamukhi is 35 km from Kangra and 53 kms from Dharamshala. Dedicated to the "GODDESS OF LIGHT", the temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples in northern India.
Jwalamukhi is a famous temple to the goddess Jwalamukhi, the deity of flaming mouth, built over some natural jets of combustible gas, believed to be the manifestation of the Goddess. Raja Bhumi Chand Katoch of Kangra, a great devotee of goddess Durga, dreamt of the sacred place and the Raja set people to find out the whereabouts of the site. The site was traced and the Raja built a temple at that location. The building is modern with a gilt dome and pinnacles, and possesses a beautiful folding door of silver plates. Under the gaze of the Dhauladhar range and set amidst the undulating hills that character sub-Himalayan Himachal Sati's tongue is believed to have fallen at Jwalamukhi and the goddess is manifest as tiny flames that burn a flawless blue through fissures in the age old rock.
The temple located on a small spur on the Dharamsala-Shimla road at a distance of about 20 km from the Jwalamukhi Road Railway Station attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year. No idol is located in the temple and the deity is worshipped in the form of flames which come out from the crevices of the rock. They are natural jets of combustible gas. There is a small platform in front of the temple and a(check usage) big mandap where a huge brass bell presented by the King of Nepal is hung. Usually milk and water are offered and the ahutis or oblations are offered to the sacred flames in the pit, situated in the centre of the temple in between the floor pillars supporting the roof.
The deity is offered Bhog of Rabri or thickened milk, Misri or candy, seasonal fruits, milk. There is a mystic Yantra or diagram of the goddess, which is covered with, shawls, ornaments and mantras are recited. The puja has different 'phases' and goes on practically the whole day. Aarti is performed five times in the day, havan is performed once daily and portions of Durga Saptasati are recited.
The Mughal Emporer Akbar, learning about the legends of Jwalamukhi tried to douse the flames with a stream of water. However , the great power of the Goddess, still kept the flames burning. Realizing the power of Jwala Devi, Akbar came with his army to this temple. He brought a Gold umbrella (Chatra) for the Goddess, but on offering, the umbrella turned into an unknown metal suggesting that the Goddess didn't accept his offering.
Maharaja Ranjit Singh paid a visit to the temple in 1815 and the dome of the temple was gold-plated by him. Just a few feet above the Jwalamukhi temple there is a six-feet deep pit with a circumference of about three-feet. At the bottom of this pit there is another small pit about one and a half feet deep with hot water bubbling all the time.
The temple is identified as one among the 52 Shakti Peethas . It is also one of the most renowned temples of Goddess Durga .
Legend about Akbar, the Mughal Emperor
During the ruling period of Akbar, he learned about the legends of Jwalamukhi. In a fit of anger, he tried to douse the flames with a stream of water. The great power of the Goddess, still kept the flames burning. Realizing the power of Jwala Devi, Akbar came with his army to this temple. He brought a Gold umbrella (Chatra) for the Goddess, but on offering, the umbrella turned into an unknown metal suggesting that the Goddess didn't accept his offering.
NIT Hamirpur
Campus
The campus is situated at Anu in Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh and is 4 Kms from main bus stand of Hamirpur on Hamirpur – Toni Devi road. The city of Hamirpur is well connected with the rest of the country by road. The nearest broad gauge rail head is at Una (Himachal Pradesh) which is 80 Kms from Hamirpur. The campus has a picturesque surrounding facing snow clad Dhauladhar mountain ranges. Lush green pine trees surround it. The campus is well laid with roads, electric installations, water supply, underground drainage, etc. The place has healthy climate with moderate temperature ranging from 1oC to 38oC with an altitude of 900 meters.
Travel Guide
The Institute is located on Hamirpur – Toni Devi - Awaha Devi Road in the outskirts of Hamirpur town.
Rail Link
Nearest broad gauge train head is at Una (Himachal Pradesh ), at a distance of 80 Kms from Hamirpur. Una is well linked to all parts of India and journey is of nine hours from Old Delhi Railway Station. Taxi/Bus services are available from Hamirpur to Una. NIT Hamirpur is around 4 kilometers away from Hamirpur bus stand.
Air Link
The nearest airport is at Gaggal (district Kangra) about 75 Kms from Hamirpur. Direct air link from Delhi to Shimla is also available. Shimla airport is at a distance of 175 (approx.) Kms from Hamirpur.
| JAGSON AIRLINES FLIGHT SCHEDULE | ||||
| DELHI-SHIMLA-KULLU-SHIMLA-DELHI (MONDAY,WEDNESDAY,FRIDAY) | ||||
| JA-221 | DELHI | 0730 | SHIMLA | 0830 |
| JA-221 | SHIMLA | 0900 | KULLU | 0930 |
| JA-222 | KULLU | 1000 | SHIMLA | 1030 |
| JA-222 | SHIMLA | 1100 | DELHI | 1200 |
| DELHI-CHANDIGARH-KULLU-DHARAMSHALA-KULLU-CHANDIGARH-DELHI (TUESDAY,THURSDAY,SATURDAY) | ||||
| JA-211 | DELHI | 0700 | CHANDIGARH | 0750 |
| JA-211 | CHANDIGARH | 0820 | KULLU | 0850 |
| JA-211 | KULLU | 0920 | DHARAMSHALA | 0850 |
| JA-212 | DHARAMSHALA | 1010 | KULLU | 1040 |
| JA-212 | KULLU | 1110 | CHANDIGARH | 1140 |
| JA-212 | CHANDIGARH | 1210 | DELHI | 1300 |
