Located on the banks of the Yamuna river, in the state of Himachal Pradesh,
encircled by a thick sal forest, is the historic town of Paonta Sahib,
which was founded by the 10th Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh. He left Anandpur
Sahib, when only 16 years old, at the invitation of Raja Maidini Prakash
of Sirmour, and dwelt at this picturesque spot for around 4 years. The
word `Paonta' literally means `space for a foothold'. The Paonta Sahib
Gurudwara commemorates the stay of the great Guru, and it is said that
the waters of the Yamuna rush by silently through this spot, at the Guru's
requesting them to do so.
Sightseeing
Gurudwara Paonta Sahib: This site is believed to have been the
holy Guru Gobind Singh's abode for over 4 years, where he penned the `Dasam
Granth'. The Gurudwara houses the Shri Talab Asthan where he disbursed
salaries, and the Shri Dastar Asthan where he judged the turban - tying
competitions. The Kavi Durbar was the venue of the poetic symposia. A memorial
dedicated to Kalpi Rishi, and a museum showcasing the pens of the Guru
and the weapons of those times, are also located within the precincts of
the Gurudwara.
Yamuna Temple: Directly below the Gurudwara is an ancient shrine
dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.
Gurudwara Bhangani Sahib: This gurudwara commemorates Guru Gobind
Singh's first battle, wherein he vanquished Raja Fateh Shah and his allies.
Gurudwara Tirgarh Sahib: This gurudwara is constructed on the
very hillock, from where Guru Gobind Singh is said to have shot arrows
at his foes.
Gurudwara Shergarh Sahib: At this site, the Guru beheaded a vicious
man - eating tiger with a single wave of his sword.
Nagnauna Temple: The Nagauna temple is located near the Puruwalla
village, and is closely linked with the legend of Sirmour's former ruling
family.
Nahan ( 45 km from Renuka): This idyllic town was founded
by Raja Karan Prakash of Sirmour in 1621, and boasts of several temples,
a gurudwara, ancient palaces and pleasant walks.
Fossil Park, Saketi: This happens to be the largest fossil find
in the Shivalik hills, and displays a fascinating collection of fossils
and lifesize models of now - extinct animals, dating back to 85 million
years.
Shiva Temple, Patlian: What is fascinating about this shrine
is, that the linga enclosed within the sanctum is said to be steadily increasing
in size.
Katasan Devi Temple: Lying on the Paonta Sahib - Nahan road,
is this temple, also known as Uttam Wala Bara Ban. At this site, the forces
of Sirmour defeated the armies of Ghulam Qadir Khan Rohiolla.
Sirmour: The remains of the ancient capital of the princely state
of Sirmour, which is said to have been devastated by a flood in the 11th
century, when it was cursed by a dancing girl, are worth a visit.
Balasundari Temple, Trilokpur: This shrine was built by Raja
Deep Prakash of Sirmour in 1573. According to a legend attached to the
place, the Devi's `pindi' appeared in a bag of salt purchased by a local
trader.
Ram Temple: Located near the Yamuna bridge, within Paonta Sahib,
is this temple also known as `Mandir Shri Dei Ji Sahiba', built in the
memory of Raja Pratap Chand of Kangra, by his wife who hailed from Sirmour,
in 1889.
Simbalwara Wildlife Sanctuary: 12 km off the main Paonta Sahib
- Nahan road, this sanctuary is replete with a wide variety of avianfauna
population.
Baba Garib Nath's Shrine: This shrine revered by childless women,
lies deep within a sal forest.
Choordhar: A popular destination for trekking groups, Choordhar
is located at an altitude of 3,647m above sea level. Choordhar literally
translates as `the mountain of the silver bangle'.
Access
By air: The nearest airports are at Chandigarh and Dehradun.
By rail: The nearest railheads are at Ambala and Dehradun.
By road: From Renukaji, Paonta Sahib is 81 km via Nahan and 60
km via Rajban. From Dehradun, it is 44 km. Taxis/buses are available for
Paonta Sahib at all places.
Accomodation
Hardly 100 metres away from the main gurudwara, is Himachal Tourism's
Hotel Yamuna.
- Address :
- Hotel Yamuna,
Paonta Sahib,
Himachal Pradesh - 173025.
Tel:(01704)2341
