Introduction
Bilaspur District is one of the 12 administrative districts of Himachal Pradesh with its headquarters located at Bilaspur. It is situated in the Sutlej valley in the outer hills and covers an area of 1,167 sq kms. Its boundaries touch Una District, Hamirpur District, Mandi District and Solan District. Sutlej River is the main river which passes through the middle of the district and divides it into almost equal parts. The New Township Bilaspur is regarded as the first planned hill town of the country.
Bilaspur District lies between 31 degree 12 minutes 30 seconds and 31 degree 35 minutes 45 seconds north latitude and between 76 degree 23 minutes 45 seconds and 76 degree 55 minutes 40 seconds east longitude. It lies in the outer hills of the Himalayas next to Punjab plains and forms a part of the basin of River Sutlej which flows meandering across it for about ninety kms. It is bounded on the north by Mandi and Hamirpur districts, on the west by Hamirpur and Una districts, on its south lies Solan district. It is encircled in the east and north-east by Solan and Mandi district.
History of Bilaspur District
According to the early history of Bilaspur District, this region was ruled by the Chandravanshi Rajputs. After the independence of the country, Himachal Pradesh came into existence on 15th of April, 1948. It was created by merging 30 Punjab and Shimla Hill states in the Indian Union. At the time of the formation of this state, it had four districts - Chamba, Mahasu, Mandi and Sirmaur. Bilaspur was formed a separate district of Himachal Pradesh on 1st July, 1954.
Geography of Bilaspur District
Bilaspur district is situated in the Sub-mountain and low hills sub-tropical zone of Himachal Pradesh. There are seven hill ranges in the district namely Naina Devi, Kot, Jhanjiar, Tiun, Bandala, Bahadurpur and Rattanpur. Majority of these constitutes a chaugan agro-ecological situation of the district. Maximum length of Bilaspur District from east to west is about 51 km and maximum width from north to south is about 43 km. The district is mostly hilly and elevation of the lowest point is about 290 metres and that of the highest is about 1980 metres. The climate of Bilaspur District is temperate to sub-tropical. The summers are invariably hot, temperature rising to 42 degree Celsius at some places and it falls down to 30 degree Celsius soon after monsoons. For about three months in winter a thick mist surround Sutlej. Winters start around October and reach its peak in December-January. Average annual rainfall is around 1478.8 mm. The district receives maximum rainfall in the rainy season that is between June and August which is about 70 percent of total. During July and August relative humidity is very high in the district, which favours the infestation of insect pests and diseases in different crops. Best months for visiting this place are from September to December.
Culture of Bilaspur District
Fair and festivals are interwoven in the daily lives of the people of Bilaspur District. It is rather a cultural heritage of the people. Various types of fairs and festivals are celebrated almost throughout the year.
Temples in Bilaspur
Bilaspur is a district in Himachal Pradesh. The place is esteemed for the man-made Govind Sagar Lake on the Sutlej River that works as the reservoir for the Bhakra Nangal Dam Project. The road bridge on the Lake at Kandraur is the highest of its form in Asia. Bilaspur city is the district headquarters of the district. The present Bilaspur district was previously known as Kahlur, an erstwhile princely state of British India. The pietism of Geologically Bilaspur is located in the temperate zone. The main attractions of Bilaspur are Vyas Cave, Bhakra Nangal Dam, Tiun Fort, Markandeya temple and Naina Devi temple. Bahadurpur Fort, situated on top of the Bahadurpur hill, is the highest point in Bilaspur. Temples lace the place.
Markandeya Temple, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh- Believed to the meditating place of Saint Markandeya, Markandeya Temple is unanimously known to trusters.
Naina Devi Temple, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh- Naina Devi Temple is supposed to be that sacred spot, where Goddess`s Sati`s eyes had fallen after shattering to pieces.
Baba Basandi Temple, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh- Baba Basandi Temple was built in regards to the revered man, Baba Basandi and his courageous feats throughout his mortal life.
Badol Devi Temple, Badol, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh- Abounding in legends, Badol Devi Temple enshrines Goddess Durga in another manifestation as the presiding deity.
Goddess Sheetla Temple, Jangla Village, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh- Built amidst surrounding water body, Goddess Sheetla Devi Temple is the outcome of a believer`s lone sweat.
Jalapa Mai Sangirathi Temple, Sagirthin Village, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh- Constructed by two kings of different genres, Jalapa Mai Sangirathi Temple enshrines a black idol of the commanding goddess.
Nahar Singh Dhaulra, Dholra, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh- Dedicated to the sacred Sikh Guru, Nahar Singh Dhaulra is also known by various names.
Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh- Lakshmi Narayan Mandir houses several leading gods/goddesses in Hindu custom, featuring hill architectural work.
Maa Hari Devi`s Temple, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh- Built out of sheer devotion of a queen, Maa Hari Devi`s Temple has a singular feature behind its being so admired.
Naras Devi Temple, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh- Rebounding in numerous legends, Naras Devi Temple was built by a monarch for the betterment of his kingdom.
Gurudwara Anand Karaj Sahib, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh-Gurudwara Anand Karaj Sahib is located near Guru Ka Lahore. It was built at the spot where the Anand Karaj (marriage rites) of Guru Gobind Singh Sahib was in fact performed. The Gurudwara was restored in 1960.
Thakurdwara of Sunhani, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh- Thakurdwara of Sunhani is noted for its numerous religious customs, showcasing art work of varied centuries.
Gurudwara Paur Sahib, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh- Gurudwara Paur Sahib is associated with Guru Gobind Singh and his stallion.
Gurudwara Sehra Sahib, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh- Gurudwara Sehra Sahib is linked with Guru Gobind Singh`s matrimony.
Gurudwara Tirbaini Sahib, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh-Gurudwara Tirbaini is located in the vicinity of Guru Ka Lahore. It is related with Guru Gobind Singh Sahib, the 10th Guru of the Sikhs. A sarovar (tank) is located in close proximity.
Guru Ka Lahore, Bassi, Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh- Considered sacred by worshippers, Guru Ka Lahore is allied to Guru Gobind Singh`s nuptial in the background of war.
Tourism in Bilaspur District, Himachal Pradesh
Tourism in Bilaspur district involves many famous tourism centres which are scattered throughout the Northern Indian district. Gobind Sagar Lake, Bhakra Dam, Namhol, New Bilaspur town, Swarghat and many other regions are quite popular tourist destinations in this district.
Bhakra Dam : Bhakra Dam known to be the highest dam in the entire world and is located in the Naina Devi Sub-Tehsil, at a distance of nearly 14 km from the town of Nagpal. The then Governor of Punjab, Sir Louis Dane had conceived the original plan of building this dam. In 1938 to 1939, the districts of Hisar and Ropar witnessed droughts which claimed innumerable human lives and cattle. The Second World War was stumbling block towards the progress of the completion of this dam. However, in March, 1948, the official work of making the dam finally commenced. It was inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru on 17th November, 1955. The construction of the dam concluded in October 1962. The dam measures 226 metres in height, 518 metres in length and 9 metres in width. The villages known as Bhakra and Nangal, which are located near the foothills of the lower Himalayan mountain ranges have inspired the naming of the Bhakra Dam. A Public Relation Office has been established in Nangal Township to facilitate the numerous tourists who visit this dam.
Gobind Sagar Lake : This lake has been named to pay tribute to the late Guru Gobind Singh, who was the Tenth Sikh Guru. It is situated on Sutlej River and was constructed near the hydel dam at the area called Bhakra. The waters of Beas River had been channelled so as to make it flow into Gobind Sagar Lake. The total area of this lake is about 170 square kilometre and it has a length of 90 km. Tourists can enjoy facilities which include water sports like scooter racing, sailing, water- skiing, kayaking and ferry rides, as well as rides in speed boats. The department of Tourism and Civil Aviation arranges regattas particularly during the months of October and November.
New Bilaspur Town : This town was found in the year 1633, when the capital of Himachal Pradesh was transferred here from Sunhani. The town of New Bilaspur is based immediately above the old, original Bilaspur Town at an altitude of 670 metres above sea level. Modern techniques and ideas have given birth to the town of New Bilaspur. The new town is about 64 km away from the region of Kiratpur, and located on the Manali National Highway No-21. A motor launch can be thrilling to its visitors. The months of September to December are considered the ideal months to travel to this place. The annual cattle fair or `Narwari` is organised in this town for about five months in March. Wrestling tournaments are arranged too. Nalagarh and other regions of Punjab offer their cattle, which are sold in New Bilaspur town. Buses are readily available from Mandi, Chandigarh, Shimla and Hamirpur. Temples of Raghu Nath ji, Deomati, Khanmukheshwar and Sri Naina Devi Ji are worth visiting.
Kandrour Bridge : The Kandrour Bridge is located at a distance of about eight kilometres from Bilaspur, on the National Highway No-88, across Sutlej River. In April 1959, the construction of this bridge was started. Finally, it was completed in the year 1965. The length of Kandrour Bridge is 280 metres and breadth is about seven metres. The bridge has a height of 80 metres. Kandrour Bridge has been granted the first rank in entire region of Asia for being the tallest bridge in Asia. The bridge connects Hamirpur, Ghumarwin and Bilaspur. Shri Raj Bahadur, the Minister of Transport had inaugurated this bridge in the year 1965.
Deoli Fish Farm : Deoli Fish Farm is located about 15 km away from the township of New Bilaspur, on the Shimla-Mandi Road. As many as 14 nursery ponds and two large water tanks are present in the premises of this farm. It was established in the year 1962. During 1978, many fish species were introduced by creating an aquarium inside the farm. This farm is important since it is historical and also since it offers excellent training programmes in fish culture. It has been granted special recognition by Punjab University for its rich sources of various kinds of fishes which facilitate research work. Every year, about 30 to 40 lacks fingerlings are preserved here. In 1989, a hostel and training unit was set up here in order to encourage fish farmers and research personnel to carry on their activities. In Gobind Sagar reservoir, sports fisheries have been introduced which are quite popular amongst the visitors.
Namhol : Namhol is a tiny hamlet which is located at a distance of nearly 24 km from the region of Bilaspur and about 68 km away from Shimla, on the Bilaspur-Shimla road. Raja Amar Chand had built a Thakurdwar in 1833 AD. This temple shelters brass idols of Lord Hanuman, Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. Namhol is a renowned area where the ginger trade flourishes.
Swarghat : Swarghat is present at an altitude of 1128 metres from the mean sea level and is 42 km away from the summer capital of Raja of Bilaspur. Pine trees surround this beautiful place. Nearby tourist locales include Bhakra Dam, the temple of Naina Devi Temple and Lakshmi Narayan Temple.
Native, as well as foreign tourists make a beeline for this area, on account of all these interesting tourist attractions.