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Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as Sri Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple, (on account of its scenic beauty and golden coating for English speaking world), is named after Hari(God) the temple of God. The Sikhs all over the world, daily wish to pay visit to Sri Amritsar and to pay obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib in their Ardas.

Guru Arjan Sahib, the Fifth Nanak, conceived the idea of creating a central place of worship for the Sikhs and he himself designed the architecture of Sri Harmandir Sahib. Earlier the planning to excavate the holy tank (Amritsar or Amrit Sarovar ) was chalked out by Guru Amardas Sahib, the Third Nanak, but it was executed by Guru Ramdas Sahib under the supervision of Baba Budha ji. The land for the site was acquired by the earlier Guru Sahibs on payment or free of cost from the Zamindars (landlords) of native villages. The plan to establish a town settlement was also made. Therefore, the construction work on the Sarovar(the tank) and the town started simultaneously in 1570. The work on both projects completed in 1577 A.D.

Guru Arjan Sahib got its foundation laid by a muslim saint Hazrat Mian Mir ji of Lahore on 1st of Magh, 1645 Bikrmi Samvat(December,1588). The construction work was directly supervised by Guru Arjan Sahib himself and he was assisted by the prominent Sikh personalities like Baba Budha ji, Bhai Gurdas ji, Bhai Sahlo ji and many other devoted Sikhs.

Unlike erecting the structure on the higher level(a tradition in Hindu Temple architecture), Guru Arjan Sahib got it built on the lower level and unlike Hindu Temples having only one gate for the entrance and exit, Guru Sahib got it open from four sides. Thus he created a symbol of new faith, Sikhism. Guru Sahib made it accessible to every person without any distinction of Caste, creed, sex and religion.

The building work completed in 1601 A.D. on Bhadoon Sudi 1st, 1661 Bikrmi Samvat (August/September,1604). Guru Arjan Sahib installed newly created Guru Granth Sahib, in Sri Harmandir Sahib and appointed Baba Budha ji as its first Granthi i.e. the reader of Guru Granth Sahib. After this event it attained the status of ‘Ath Sath Tirath’. Now the Sikh Nation had their own Tirath, a pilgrimage center

Sri Harmandir Sahib, is built on a 67ft. square platform in the centre of the Sarovar(tank). The temple itself is 40.5ft. square. It has a door each on the East, West, North and South. The Darshani Deori (an arch) stands at the shore end of the causeway. The door frame of the arch is about 10ft in height and 8ft 6inches in breath. The door panes are decorated with artistic style. It opens on to the causeway or bridge that leads to the main building of Sri Harmandir Sahib. It is 202 feet in length and 21 feet in width.

The bridge is connected with the 13 feet wide ‘Pardakshna’ (circumambulatory path). It runs round the main shrine and it leads to the ‘Har ki Paure’ (steps of God). On the first floor of ‘Har ki Paure’, there is continuous reading of Guru Granth Sahib.

The main structure of Sri Harmandir Sahib, functionally as well as technically is a three-storied one. The front, which faces the bridge, is decorated with repeated cusped arches and the roof of the first floor is at the height of the 26 feet and 9 inches.

At the top of the first floor 4 feet high parapet rises on all the sides which has also four ‘Mamtees’ on the four corners and exactly on the top of the central hall of the main sanctuary rises the third story. It is a small square room and have three gates. A regular recitation of Guru Granth Sahib is also held there.

On the top of this room stands the low fluted ‘Gumbaz’(dome) having lotus petal motif in relief at the base inverted lotus at the top which supports the ‘Kalash’ having a beautiful ‘Chhatri’ at the end.

Its architecture represents a unique harmony between the Muslims and the Hindus way of construction work and this is considered the best architectural specimens of the world. It is often quoted that this architecture has created an independent Sikh school of architecture in the history of art in India.

A pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji is considered to be one of the holiest pilgrimages of our times. Popular the world over as Moonh Maangi Muradein Poori Karne Wali Mata, which means, the Mother who fulfills whatever Her children wish for, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji resides in a Holy Cave located in the folds of the three peaked mountain named Trikuta (pronounced as Trikoot). The Holy Cave attracts lakhs of devotees every year..

ike with most old Shrines, it is not possible to ascertain when exactly the pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine started. A geological study of the Holy Cave has indicated its age to be nearly a million years. Vedic literature gives no reference to the worship of any female deity, although the mountain Trikuta does find its mention in Rigveda, the oldest of the four Vedas aThe practice of worshipping Shakti, largely started in the Puranic period.

As per the legend, during the period when the Goddess was busy in annihilating the Asuras, Her three main manifestations viz. Mata Maha Kali, Mata Maha Lakshmi and Mata Maha Saraswati got together one day and pooled their collective Tejas or spiritual strength..

The Trikuta Mountain where the Shrine is located and the Holy Cave are the gateway to the dimension of Super Consciousness. And just like the Trikuta Mountain, which is one at the base but has three peaks (hence the name Trikoot), the revelation of the Mother Goddess in the Holy Cave is in a natural rock form which is one at the base but has three heads at the top. These three heads in a natural rock form are known as the Holy Pindies and are worshipped as the revelation of the Mother Goddess.

The 'Aarti' of the Goddess is performed twice a day first time in the morning just before the sunrise and second time in the evening immediately after the sunset..

Himachal was known since the earliest of times as "Devabhoomi", the abode of the Gods. The splendid heights of the Himalyan ranges, with its great scenic beauty and aura of spiritual calm seem the natural home of the Gods. Two thousands or more temples all over the State, reiterate this fact. Being a State full of isolated valleys and high ranges, several different styles of temple architecture developed and there are temples with carved stone shikharas, pagoda style shrines, temples that look like Buddhist Gompas or Sikh Gurudwaras etc. Several of them are important places of pilgrimage and each year attract thousands of devotees from all over the country.

Just outside the town of Kangra is the temple dedicated to Brajeshwari Devi. Known once for its legendary wealth this temple was subject to successive depredations by invaders from the north. Destroyed completely in 1905 by an earthquake, it was rebuilt in 1920 and continues to be a busy place of pilgrimage.

MANIKARAN: The serene location and the seemingly mysterious hot springs made Manikaran (Kullu) a place of pilgrimage in earlier times. Guru Nanak, the first Guru of the Sikhs, visited this place to spend time in meditation. A gurdwara that was built to commemorate his visit, is now a place of pilgrimage for the Sikhs.

Temple Nainadevi temple is situated on a hilltop, 8km from Ganguual, powerhouse of Bilaspur district. Nainadevi fair is held in Aug every year and thousands of devotees come from different places to attend this fair. Crafts People of Himachal Pradesh have developed through the years, rich tradition of handicrafts. People of this state are contained, simple and hardworking. Himachal Pradesh is famous for its woodwork, metal wares, carpets, woolen textile and leather embroidery. Some of the famous, original handicrafts are: Carpets Himachal Pradesh is well known for its carpets. Traditional patterns like dragons, garuda on a flowering tree, swastikas are found on the carpets. Symbols like flute, castanets, fishes are also woven on the carpets. Readymade garments, accessories and dolls are also quite famous.

Himachal Pradesh is famous for its old costumes and garments. Himachali women weave headscarves. People wear grass shoes, which are quite warm. Kurtas, saris, gowns woven by Himachali people, are different from rest of India. Bangles and rings are made of horsehair and worn by women. Shawls People of Himachal Pradesh spin and weave exceptionally fine and valuable shawls. The well-known soft Pashmina shawl is made from the hair of Pashmina goat. The most popular styles of shawls are ‘Dhobroo’ and ‘Pattu’. The embroidery is based on Kangra and Chamba schools of paintings. Chamba ‘Rumals’ are used as wall hangings, door & fire screens and cushion covers.

Leather crafts The Chamba Chappal (slipper) is made nowhere else like the ones made in this place. It provides comfort and is light and warm with leather socks. Paintings Chamba & Kangra schools of paintings are famous throughout the art world. New local craftsmen paint the Gompas into pictures.

Chamunda Devi is a Shakti shrine, situated 10 km west of Palampur, on the Baner River. This colorful shrine has a wrathful form of Durga or Chamunda. The idol in the temple is considered so sacred that it is completely hidden beneath a red cloth. Here Lord shiva is present in the form of death, destruction & dead bodies along with Devi Chamunda. In the temple the devotees can see scenes from the Devi Mahatmya, Ramayan and Mahabharata. On either side of the Devi's image is Hanuman and Bhairo.

Devotees offer prayers, worship and give offerings for their ancestors. It is thought to be sacred to take a dip in Ban Ganga and to read and recite the writings of Shat Chandi. In the old days, people used to offer sacrifices also to the deity. The Goddess Chamunda was enshrined as chief Goddess with the title of Rudra in the battle between demon Jalandhra and Lord Shiva which made this place famous as "Rudra Chamunda".

CHINTPURNI

Pandit Mai Das , a Kalia Saraswat Brahman, is generally believed to have established this shrine to Mata Chintpurni Devi in Chhaproh village twenty-six generations ago. Over time this village became known as Chintpurni after the eponymous deity. His descendants still live in Chintpurni and perform archana and puja at the Chintpurni temple.

According to the Kalia family lore, Bhakta Mai Das's father lived in Athoor village in the princely state of Patiala. He was an ardent devotee of Goddess Durga. He had three sons called Devi Das, Durga Das and Mai Das. The youngest one was Mai Das. For various reasons, the family moved to village Rapoh, near Amb (now in District Una, Himachal Pradesh). Just like his father, Mai Das was an intense devotee of goddess Durga and spent much of his time in Durga puja, bhajan and kirtan. His brothers were not too happy with him as Mai Das did not spend much time on affairs of this world. However his father made sure that his worldly needs were met.

Mai Das had got married when his father was still alive. After his father died, his brothers refused to provide any financial support to him. They told him to look after himself and his immediate family. Mai Das had to face many difficulties after he separated from his brothers. However his faith and devotion to Mother Durga remained undiminished as he sincerely believed that Durgaji removes all difficulties for her devotees.

Once Bhakta Mai Das was travelling to his in-laws' place. After a long and tiring walk, he sat down to rest under a Vat tree (banyan tree, Ficus Bengalensis) in a densely forested area. He dozed off and started dreaming. A luminous and beautiful young girl appeared in his dream and said to him, " Mai Das, stay in this place and serve me. That will be best for you." Mai Das woke up with a start and looked around. He could not see any other person nearby and felt quite confused.
Bhakta Mai Das continued on to his in-laws' house. He was still thinking about his dream. Was that really the Devi? If so, how would he carry out the Devi's command? He arrived at the in-laws' house but did not stay there for long as his mind was quite unsettled.

On his way back, he sat down under the same Vat tree and began to concentrate his thoughts on Durga Mata. He prayed, "O Mother, I have but a small mind and cannot comprehend your powers. If you consider me a true devotee, please present yourself and remove all my doubts". Upon hearing Mai Das's prayer, Durga Mata appeared in front of Mai Das in her Chaturbhuj form sitting astride a lion. Mai Das fell to the Devi's feet and prayed to her, "O Bhagavati, do command me. How may I serve you that my life be best spent at your lotus feet?"
Durga Mata said, "I have been living at this very place for many, many years but in the Kali Yug people had neglected this spot. I will now appear under this tree in the form of a pindi (a round stone). Perform puja for me every day."

Mai Das was still somewhat reluctant to live there as panthers and other wild animals abounded in the dense forest. Also as that spot was on a hill-top, there was no known source of water nearby. Durga Mata pointed to a place on the northern slope of the hill and told him to dig out a stone under which he would find a spring of fresh water.

She gave him a mantra - Namaskar mantra :
"om eM kleeM hreeM shri bhayanaashini hooN hooN phaT swaha "
so that he would have no fear. She also gave him the Mool Mantra -
"om eM hreeM kleeM chamunDaay vichchayah".

She said, "In the past I have been known as Chhinnamastika. From now on people will also call me Chintapurni as I have removed all your doubts and worries. My devotees will arrange to have a temple built here. Whatever offerings are made should be sufficient for you and your descendants. " The Goddess gave him a few other instructions and disappeared.

Mai Das went to the spot to which Devi had pointed to look for water. His joy knew no bounds when he removed the stone and a stream of crystal clear and sweet water gushed forth. A water tank was built there subsequently. Water from this tank is reserved for the use of the Temple.

Bhakta Mai Das built a small hut for himself near the water tank and began regular worship of the Devi's pindi at the hill-top. A few years after, devotees built a small temple which has gradually been expanded.

Pandit Mai Das's samadhi is located a short distance away on the eastern side of the water tank.

Twenty six generations later, his descendants continue to offer worship to Shri Chintpurni Devi. The forest has more or less disappeared and the area has become more settled. Although the village is still called Chhaproh in government land records, it is generally known as Chintpurni after the Devi who resides there.

Tales about the miraculous powers of the Devi have spread far and wide. Thousand of devotees visit the temple every year and particularly so during the Navaratras in Shravan (August), Kartik (October) and Chaitra (March-April). Sankranti, Purnima and Ashtami are the other popular days.

JWALAMUKHI DEVI

Location: 34-km South Of Kangra
Altitude: 1,737m
Houses: Jwalamukhi Devi Temple
Main Attraction: March-April & September-October Navaratra Celebrations
Famous As A: Hindu Pilgrimage

The Flaming Goddess
Jwalamukhi is 34-km from Kangra and 56 km from Dharamsala. Recognised as one of the 51 Shaktipiths of India, Jwalamukhi's Devi Temple, tended by the followers of Goraknath, is set against a cliff. The picturesque temple, built against a wooded spur, in the Indo-Sikh style, has a dome that was gilded by Mughal Emperor Akbar.
An eternally burning flame that issues from a hollow rock in the sanctum is considered the manifestation of the goddess Devi. During March-April and September-October every year colourful fairs are held during the Navaratra celebrations.

THE LEGEND OF JWALAMUKHI
Jwalamukhi is a famous temple of goddess Jwalamukhi, the deity of flaming mouth, built over some natural jets of combustible gas, believed to be the manifestation of the Goddess. The building is modern with a gilt dome and pinnacles, and possesses a beautiful folding door of silver plates.

Under the gaze of the Dhauladhar range and set amidst the undulating hills that character sub-Himalayan Himachal Sati's tongue is believed to have fallen at Jwalamukhi and the goddess is manifest as tiny flames that burn a flawless blue through fissures in the age old rock.

Raja Bhumi Chand Katoch of Kangra, a great devotee of goddess Durga, dreamt of the sacred place and the Raja set people to find out the whereabouts of the site. The site was traced and the Raja built a temple. The burning flames and the complex have come to be known as Jwalamukhi.

The temple located on a small spur on the Dharamsala-Shimla road at a distance of about 20-kms from the Jwalamukhi Road Railway Station attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year. No idol is located in the temple but only the flames, which come out from the crevices of the rock, are worshipped. They are natural jets of combustible gas.

There is a small platform in front of the temple and a(check usage) big mandap where a huge brass bell presented by the King of Nepal is hung. Usually milk and water are offered and the ahutis or oblations are offered to the sacred flames in the pit, situated in the centre of the temple in between the floor pillars supporting the roof.

The deity is- offered Bhog of Rabri or thickened milk, Misri or candy, seasonal fruits, milk and arti is done. There is a mystic Yantar or diagram of the goddess, which is covered with, shawls, ornaments and mantras are recited. The puja has different 'phases' and goes on practically the whole day. Arti is done five times in the day, Havan is performed once daily and portions of "Durga Saptasati" are recited.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh paid a visit to the temple in 1815 and the dome of the temple was gold-plated by him. Just a few feet above the Jwalamukhi temple there is a six-feet deep pit with a circumference of about three-feet. At the bottom of this pit there is another small pit about one and a half feet deep with hot water bubbling all the time.