My first blog

Aghanjar Mahadev Temple is a beautiful temple near to Dharmasala, which is located at Khaniyara village. Surrounded by mountains and forests, the place attracts a lot of tourists too apart from the pilgrims. It is believed that Arjuna, one among the Pandava brothers of Mahabharata was once on his way to Kailash Mountains and Lord Shiva appeared to him at the spot of Aghanjar Mahadev Temple and blessed him to have victory over the Kauravas. Aghanjar Mahadev Temple is about 5 km from Dharamshala at the foothills of Dhauladhar. The construction of this Shiva Temple is very unique and goes well with the illustrious scenic beauty of the place. There is a small waterfall also behind the temple with water flowing continuously around the temple. This temple is estimated to be about 500 years old. The cool breeze, peace, and serenity around the temple give a heavenly ambience to the devotees here. Another major attraction near to the temple is the Norbulingka Monastery at Sidhpur. The temple...

Dharamkot is a little hippie village in the Himalayas. It’s near Dharamshala and McLeodganj – the famous Buddhist destinations in Himachal Pradesh, India. While Dharamshala and McLeodganj have become extremely crowded because they are popular summer travel destinations, fortunately, Dharamkot has managed to maintain its quaint charm. This little  Yoga village  is ideal for a few days’ time off from the real world. Or even months.. if you’re lucky enough to take time off work for that long. Dharamkot is the perfect base for multiple hikes in the Himalayas such as Triund, Illaqua, Indrahar Pass, etc. It is just an overnight bus ride away from the famous backpackers’ hot spot – Kasol. My first visit to this village was back in 2008 and I kept going back for more. If you’re looking for a relaxed vacation that doesn’t involve hiking or walking around, then Dharamkot is NOT the place for you.   This village doesn’t have any roads, except...

Kharota is a Village in Fatehpur Tehsil in Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh State, India. It is located 47 KM towards west from District head quarters Dharamsala. 189 KM from State capital Shimla  Kharota is surrounded by Sulah Tehsil towards East , Nagrota Surian Tehsil towards East , Indora Tehsil towards west , Nurpur Tehsil towards North .  Pathankot , Mukerian , Talwara , Dasua are the near by Cities to Kharota.  I had visited there with one of my cousin. The way to kharota is not simple I Mean one had to go through a lot of turns it's not NH road. We went there in our own car but we didn't able to reach our destination by are own we had to take help from alot of people in our way about the direction. And we were in Himachal Pradesh people were so helpful to us that we can't discribe in words. We had really very very nice time there because that place is full of beauty and peacefulness. One can easily feel relaxed there under any hard time. The chilling cold wi...

Gyuto  Monastery    The number of monasteries present in India are unaccountable but we could surely state, for a fact, that every tourism destinations, mainly the Himalayan belt will definitely have an aesthetic monastery in its tour chart. The Himachal Pradesh Tourism does not serve it short in this department when it comes to Dharamshala. You will find many beautiful and historical religious buildings here, including the famous Gyuto Monastery. The region of Dharamshala is renowned throughout the world as the seat of Tibetan religious preaching. After fleeing from the Chinese grip, his holiness Lord Dalai Lama the 14th, Tsuglag Khang rallied his Tibetan mass of disciples and followers through the mountainous route of the Himalayas and found the safe haven in the serene environment of Macleod Ganj in Dharamshala. Since then, many years have passed and it is now the administrative center for Cultural & International Relations of Tibet. The famous Gyuto Monastery ...

I am fascinated by the mythological narratives related with the ancient cities & heritage, especially of my faith Hinduism.  Although, I am more of a spiritual person who most often is a bit lazy about the faith related rituals in my daily life, I am constantly wanting to know about the various narratives of our gods & goddesses; I find that Hinduism has very nicely emphasised many great teachings on humanity, environment and life, through the mythlogical narratives of the various gods & goddesses that are worshipped & revered. One of my favourite Gods (yes I say favourite as I feel a connection to him) is Lord Shiva. I make it a point to visit temples or places related to the mythology of Lord Shiva whenever I’m travelling to a destination (i.e. if it is supposed to have one). Some months back, I visited Palampur in Himachal Pradesh, India on an invite by   Himachal Heritage Village  for a  long weekend getaway  and amidst many wonderful exper...

Kunal pathri temple is  located in the beautiful Dhauladhar ranges in Kangra district, amid dense tea gardens and lush surroundings. The Kunal Pathari is only a few kilometers away from Dharamshala and a walk from Kotwali Bazaar will lead you to the rock temple of the local goddess. Since the temple is located near revitalizing tea gardens, the tourists can enjoy a good view of the Dhauladhar range, where they will be greeted by refreshing winds. This is a perfect place for a nature walk and photography and to get the blessings of the mother goddess. In the temple there is stone which remains always wet. The temple is easily accessible by walk. We had visited in February and it wasn't crowded . According to local belief, the moment it starts drying, it rains.The load to Kunal Pathri passes through forests and tea gardens, occasionaly allowing glimpses of wildlife ranging from rabbit to agile leopards. Kunal Pathri is an ideal location to have a secluded stay amidst scenic b...

The Shree Vajreshwari Mata Mandir also known as Kangra Devi Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Vajreshvari, a form of Durga located in the town Kangra, in Himachal Pradesh. The  temple is taken care of by the government of India. I have visited this temple last month and trust me it was really very beautiful and interesting one. As we enter the main gate there  was a Nagarkhana or drum house and is built similar to the Bassein fort entrance. The temple is also surrounded by a stone wall like a fort. Inside the main area Goddess Vajreshvari is present in the form of Pindi. The temple also have a small temple of Bhairav. In front of the main temple an idol of Dhayanu Bhagat is also present.  There is blanner placed at the  main entrance of the temple on which whole story about the epitome  placed inside the temple is written in hindi language,  that after Goddess Sati sacrificed herself in the honor of Lord Shi...

Ask same like Baba Balak Nath Mandir, Jwalaji temple is also very important for my family. Once in year we have to visit to Jwalaji temple otherwise my Mumma feels like empty empty in her life...(jokes a parts).The flaming temple of Himachal Pradesh, Jwalaji temple is located at a distance of 34 km south of Kangra Valley. The Jawalaji temple is considered very powerful, and count as one of the 51 Shakti-Pitha temples in India. It is here that Sati’s tongue fell which can now be seen in the form of the flame. Dedicated to Goddesses Jwalamukhi with flaming mouth, the temple is believed to have nine permanent flames named after the goddesses- Mahakali, Unpurna, Chandi, Hinglaj, Bindhya Basni, Maha Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ambika and Anji Devi. It is said that centuries ago, a shepherd saw the flames for the first time and Raja Bhumi Chandra, the ruler of the area had the original temple built. The Mughal Emperor Akbar installed a gold parasol and Maharaja Ranjit Singh had the dome gilded. ...

The temple is located at a distance of 23Km from Palampur, 14Km from Kangra and 16Km from Dharamshala in the kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. I visited to Chamunda Devi Mandir from Dharamshala and it just take 30 to 40 minutes to reach at our destination. It was totally “roommates trip" because I visited there only with two of my girls. We took a bus from post office bus stop of Dharamshala at 10:30Am and reached there at around 11:10Am. We bought our ‘parsad' from the local shops opened outside the temple, and then we entered the temple with all for positive vibes. As we were walking slowly slowly, looking at everything around us,and capturing our memories just in a minute a group of monkeys came in our way, we were totally afraid of them one of my friend throw her Prasad and all the monkeys run towards it, in between we make our escape possible towards the temple. It was really a memorable experience for all of us. Chamunda Devi temple is one of the earliest temples ...

As I belong to district Hamirpur, if I would say I never visited Baba Balak Nath then you might feel like how stupid I am, but fortunately it's not like this my family believe in Baba Balak Nath a lot...it's like yearly trip for my family to visit His temple. Also there is a small temple is made in my home in the worship of Baba Balak Nath. Balak Nath or Sidh Baba Balak Nath is a Hindu deity worshipped in the northern Indian states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. His shrine is known as "Deotsidh". It is situated 45 kms away from "Hamirpur" near the border of Hamirpur and Bilaspur districts of Himachal Pradesh. Sidh Bawa Balak Nath is known as the "merciful (one who forgives all the sins)" god incarnated in Kali Yuga. He is the follower of Nath Sect. Baba Balak Nath uses peacock as their Mount( vahana). There is a one local song something like “baba balak nath udi gya more Bani k ohunu udne da bal c"my Mumma use to sung this song whenev...

Norbulingka institute is just at the distance of 15-20 minutes away from chraan where I am presently residing. Last weekend I decided to visit this place with my roommates.The weather was gorgeous, gently sunny with the promise of may showers. Nature did not disappoint. By the time we reached Norbulingka, a gentle shower had started. We paid a nominal entry fee of Rs.40.00 and entered the gates. Norbulingka means “Jewel garden” and the Institute is a fabulous example of community living, while nurturing a self-sustaining living heritage. Norbulingka Institute was founded in 1988 by Kelsang and Kim Yeshi, with the aim of preserving Tibetan heritage and culture in its literary and artistic forms, as a haven for artists to work on their crafts. Norbulingka Institute was officially inaugurated in 1995 by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Today, Norbulingka has nine workshops including thangka painting, statue making, thangka applique, woodcarving, applique, wood painting, tailorin...

I was around 15 years old when I visited rewalsar lake for the first time...I remember very well it was our school trip of 10th class. We all gather in our school playground at 6Am and then with our respective class teacher we step up in HRTC buses which were booked by our school authorities. It is situated at about 25 kms from mandi. Rewalsar is a small circular Lake with three quarters of mile in diameter. It is an important place of pilgrimage. This lake is known for its floating island. When we reached there one of the priest told us a historic and interesting story about rewalsar lake..  As with the formation of Rewalsar lake, the legend goes that princess Mandarva, the daughter of King ‘Arshadhara' of  ‘ZOHAR'(the Tibetan name of Mandi) resolved to renounce her royal ties and dedicated herself to the religious order. The king agreed and she took her bows before a Buddhist scholar named ‘Shantarakshita'( believed to be the brother of Padama- Sambhava's). Pad...

Nawala is a festival of Gaddi tribe inhabiting the valleys of Kangra, Chamba and some parts of mandi and Kullu. And I belong to district Hamirpur, so I never heard about Nawal in my life. As from last one and half year I am leaving in Dharamshala I came to know about this amazing festival Nawala. And thankfully I got chance to watch this festival live at one of my friend house. It was one of the best experience in my life. This is celebrated individually at a time when a householder thinks it proper, but it is a must once in a life time. Gaddis always invoke Shiva's help in misfortunes, ailments and for success in certain undertaking. While doing so, they undertake to perform His worship. The special prayer is called Nawala and may be offered at the time of the marriage, on the construction of a new house, recovery from illness, etc. This is a sort of thank-giving service offered to their deity Shiva. Navwala is said to have been derived from the word Navmala, meaning a new gar...

The world has changed, but the school system has not changed with it. Students spend many years in an obsolete system studying subjects they will never use and preparing for a world which no longer exists. School prepares people for jobs in a world where machines are employable. The school system offers a one-size-fits-all that doesn't work for everybody. There isn't much on offer in the school system for a curious mind or someone who yearns for something different; it teaches different minds the same things. Hence Einstein said, "If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life thinking it's stupid." Schooling is more about memorisation, standardisation and conformity. The school system doesn't pursue tapping into individuals' natural abilities, and that's where it has missed its effective mark. Schooling prepares you for what society expects you to be. The school system programmes students not to fail — and if t...

Fort of Kangra is at the distance of 20 km from Dharamshala where I am presently leaving. On our last weekend me and few of friends made a plan to visit Kangra fort . The historic fort of Kangra was built by Bhuma Chand, the founder of Katoch dynasty. The  fort is spread over an area of around 4 km and is guarded by high walls and ramparts. Kangra fort is located atop a hill on the base of which the river Banganga and Patal Ganga embrace each other. This hill station area is best to be visited during the summer months of March to August as it has a mild and pleasant climate during that time. The winters can get too chilly and even experience snowfall. Visiting the fort during the da is perfect as th many things to see can keep you occupied even till sunset. In the beginning of the fort there is museum which has collection of all the broken stones of the fort along with some other historic material .  This fort had been centre of attraction for the rulers of northern India,...

The chief harvest festival of people in the Kangra valley is observed on the first day of ASOJ(September). During the early hours of the morning of the day a barber goes with galgal fruit, turf, and lamp in the bamboo basket announcing the arrival of that auspicious day. Men, women and children bow to the fruit, which is considered an emblem of the fruits of the harvest about to be reaped and of the happy termination of the rainy season. People offer coin, grains and walnuts. Afterwards, the offerings are taken by the barber, and the sair is placed near the source of a spring or water source (boli). There is a special repast in the afternoon, and the women songs. All members of the family meet that day. The women clad in their best and the best food cooked and partaken. This is  a BARA DIN of Hill men and everybody tries to be among his family that day. It marks the departure of the rainy season and the people thank God for the rains having gone leaving their houses and crops un...

“We are now in the mountains and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm making every nerve quiver, filling every pore and cell of us" Living in the second winter capital of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala I thought it would be every disappointing for myself if I wouldn't go for the trek of triund. So with some of the members of my friends list we made our plan of triund.The starting point of triund trek is galu, however there are many options  to reach galu. Either you can hire a taxi from Mcleod Ganj till galu or you can start the trek right from Mcleod Ganj.Trek can also be started from Bhagsu Nag .We took a taxi from taxi stand of Dharamshala direct to galu, after taking really tasty breakfast up there we were all ready for the trek.The weather was amazing as always and the freshness in the air was just amazing.Triund has an unambiguous byway which goes through a beautiful mixed forest of oak, deodar and rhododendron.We thought Triund would be an off beat destination and ther...