|
|
Paonta
Sahib, a city sacred to the memory of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru of
the Sikhs, is also a bustling township with growing industries. It retains
tangibly memorials to the martial Guru in the form of his weapons and a
majestic Gurudwara and recalls his presence even in the name of the city
which is derived from "paon" meaning "foot" either
because he set foot in this place or according to an alternative story,
because he lost an ornament which he wore on his foot called a "paonta"
while bathing in the river Yamuna which flows here.
Overlooking the river is the Gurudwara where Guru Gobind Singh held court
and wrote the major portion of the "Dassam Granth". The Guru
also built the Paonta Fort in over hundred acres of land, which housed not
only his followers, but as many as 46 famous poets. Regular poetry reading
sessions and symposiums were organised to encourage the sort form. The
guru left Paonta Sahib after the battle of Bhangani with Raja Fateh Shah,
in which he defeated the errant ruler's army after thirty days of battle.
Paonta Sahib is distinguished by its association with the Sikhs and
attracts them by the thousands at the spring festivals of '
Baisakhi' and '
Holi
'. There are also two Hindu temples, one dedicated to Lord Rama called
Devi Ka Mandir and built by a princess, and the other is sacred to Lord
Kishna.
GURDWARAS
Gurudwara Paonta Sahib (200m): This site was Guru Gobind Singh's
home for over four years and it was here that he wrote the 'Dasam Granth'.
Within its precincts are the 'Sri Talab Asthan', where he disbursed
salaries and the 'Sri Dastar Asthan', where he judged the turban-tying
competitions. At the Kavi Darbar Asthan, poetic symposia were held. There
is also a memorial of 'Kalpi Rishi' and a museum that displays pens of the
Guru and weapons of the time.
Yamuna Temple (200m): This ancient shrine is immediately below the
Gurudwara and is dedicated to the Goddess Yamuna.
Gurudwara Bhangani Sahib (23-km): This commemorates Guru Gobind
Singh's first battle when he defeated Raja Fateh Shah and his allies.
Gurudwara Tirgarh Sahib (22-km): This Gurudwara is built on the
hillock from where Guru Gobind Singh shot arrows at the enemy.
Nagnauna Temple (16-km): Built in a hollow near the village of
Puruwalla, this temple is closely allied with the legend of Sirmour's
erstwhile ruling house.
Gurudwara Shergarh Sahib (12-km): At this spot Guru Gobind Singh
beheaded a dangerous man-eating tiger with a single swipe of his sword.
TEMPLES
Shiva Temple, Patlian: 5-km from Paonta Sahib, surrounded by
fields and sal trees, the 'linga' in this temple is supposed to be
steadily increasing in size.
Katasan Devi Temple: 30-km from Paonta Sahib, also known as Uttam
Wala Bara Ban, this is on the Paonta Sahib-Nahan road. The shrine is
revered by local people. At this spot, the forces of Sirmour defeated the
marauding armies of Ghulam Qadir Khan Rohiolla.
Balasundari Temple,
Trilokpur: Legend has it that the Devi's 'pindi' appeared in the bag
of salt brought by a local trader, Raja Deep Parkash of Sirmour in 1573.
Close by is a recently built Shiva temple. more..
Ram Temple: Within Paonta Sahib and also known as the 'Mandir Shri
Dei Ji Sahiba', this is located near the Yamuna bridge. With exquisite
marble work, this was built in 1889 in the memory of Raja Partap Chand of
Kangra by his wife, who originally belonged to Sirmour. The Kirpal Dass
Gurudwara is just past the temple.
WILDLIFE
Simbalwara Wildlife
Sanctuary: 12-km off the main Paonta Sahib-Nahan road, this is
known for a variety of bird life. more..
OTHERS
Assan Lake: 4-km from Paonta Sahib, this beautiful lake has all
facilities like speedboats, rowing, paddle and sailing boats. In addition,
one can enjoy water skiing and hovercraft rides. A fast food restaurant is
also available.
Fossil Park: 60-km from Paonta Sahib, this was the site of the
largest fossil find in the Shivalik hills. The park has a museum and
life-size models of the animals that once roamed these tracts.
Shrine of Baba Garib Nath: 8-km from Paonta Sahib, located in a
sal forest and with an excellent view of the area, the shrine is revered
by childless women.
Road: Paonta Sahib is connected by road. From
Renuka, it is 81-km via Nahan and 60-km via Rajban. From Dehradun it is
44-km.
Rail: The closest railheads are at Ambala, 95-km, Dehradun, 126-km
and Chandigarh, 95-km.
Air: The nearest airports are at Chandigarh and Dehradun.
Taxis/buses are available for Paonta Sahib at all places.
Hotel Yamuna
Citizen
Clock Tower
Ganga Lodge
Om Jees
Pontika
Mahak
City Heart
In winter, the temperature can hover around freezing point when heavy woollens are required. Summer temperatures are quite high and cottons are recommended.
){kind=link}