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Paonta Sahib,
Himachal Pradesh |
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Paonta
Sahib is a city sacred to the memory of Guru Gobind
Singh, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs. Situated on the
Yamuna River, Paonta Sahib is a bustling township with
growing industries. It is one of the important places
for the Sikhs. It retains tangible memories of Guru Gobind Singh in the form of his weapons and a majestic
Gurudwara. It recalls his presence even in the name of
the city which is derived from Paonta meaning "foot",
either because he set foot on this place or, according
to an alternate story, he lost an ornament which he wore
on his foot called "Paonta" while
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bathing in the Yamuna
river. |
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Legend surrounds the ruins of the old
capital of the Raja. Sirmouri Tal, not very far from Paonta
Sahib was destroyed by the curse of a court dancer when the
Raja went back on an oath to give half of this kingdom in case
she crossed a narrow gorge on a rope. She did but the wily
Raja offered her the entire kingdom if she could dance her way
back. She started back but as she was half way across, he cut
the rope hurling the helpless girl into the stream. Floods
followed which swept away the city, the Raja and the royal
house, as a result of dancer's curse. Vishawkarma temple and
few other Hindu temples are also located in Paonta Sahib. The
water of river Yamuna is being dammed down stream of Paonta
which will soon have a water reservoir where water sports will
be organised.
Tourist Attractions in Paonta Sahib
The main tourist attraction in Paonta Sahib is Gurudwara. The
other attractions in Paonta Sahib are Sahastra Dhara, Khodra
Dak Pathar, Kafota and various other temples. |
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Gurudwara
Overlooking the Yamuna river is the Gurudwara where Guru
Gobind Singh held court and wrote the major portion of the
Dassam Granth. On the river bank behind the gurudwara stands
the historical temple of Yamuna ji, and besides it the Ma
Yamuna Bal Park which has a huge statue of goddess Yamuna and
busts of Mahatma Gandhi, Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru and Dr. Y.S.
Parmar, the first Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh. Next to
the Park, a gorgeous replica of the Sanchi Ashoka Pillar
overlooking the town and the river Yamuna can be seen. On the
other side of Yamuna |
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river is Uttar Pradesh.
Other Temples
Other places of interest around Paonta Sahib are the Patanjali
Jyotirlinga Temple, said to have been worshipped by Maharishi
Patanjali, a disciple of Maharishi Vyas-the author of epic
Mahbharat. Shiva temple at Shivpuri (8 kms.), Bhadarkali
temple and Tirgarhi gurudwars at Bhagani and Gangvaha Tirth
across the Yamuna where Gangaji crossed over the Yamuna bank
to please Rishi Gautam, the husband of the legendary Sati
Ahilya. On The Himachal side of the Yamuna Bank near Gangavaha
Tirth is Rampur Ghat, which legend associates with the
crossing of river Yamuna by Lord Ram on a boat. At Paonta
Sahib, to the right of Yamuna bridge, stands the Dei-Ka-Mandir,
constructed about a century ago by the sister of the then Raja
of Sirmaur to propitiate Lord Ram, the family deity of the
Suryavanshi Sirmauri Rulers.
Sahastra Dhara
At Sahastra Dhara, there is a confluence of river Yamuna and
Tons. This is a beautiful place and a paradise for tourists.
Nearby is village Kalsi, 25 kms. from here, which was the old
capital of Sirmaur. At this place there is an Ashok Rock Edict
which is worth a visit.
Khodra Dak Pathar
Khodra Dak Pathar is beautiful picnic spot just 25 kms. from
Paonta. There is a beautiful park, a swimming pool and a
tourist bungalow. At this place the torrential river Yamuna
has been tamed into an artificial lake. While going from
Paonta to Khodri one will be delighted to have the canal side
drive. Chhibran power house is a unique sight to see as the
entire structure has been built underground.
Kafota
Situated at a height of 1804 meters and 42 kms. from Paonta
Sahib on Jagadhari-Markanda road, is village Kafota which has
a salubrious climate and hold potential for picnic. There is a
PWD Rest House for comfortable stay. 18 kms. from Paonta Sahib
is Rajban Cement Factory. A few kms. from Rajban is Kamrau,
the biggest village of Sirmaur district known for rich lime
stone quarries. At this place there is a Tilordhar Tibetan
Colony with its Buddisht monastery, but the most beautiful one
is at Purnwala on way to Bhajain. The Tibetan presence here
has resulted in beautiful Tibetan artifacts especially carpets
being manufactured for marketing.
Hw to reach Paonta Sahib
Paonta Sahib is easily approachable from Nahan. One can also
come from other route by bus or car/taxi connecting Dehradun,
Haridwar and Shimla. |
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