G L Khajuria
There is hardly anyone who has not seen the most famous movie Mehbooba – staring Rajesh Khanna, Hema Malini ,Prem Chopra etc which was shot in Chamba Valley. ‘Parvat Ke Pichay Chambe Da Gaun, Gaun Mein Do Premi Rehte Hain’ was the most prominent song. Spiritually speaking, most of us have had been to Mani Mahesh sanctum sanctorum where exists the most sacred lake of Lord Shiva and the spot is also named as Shiva’s Chougan and there are lush green vibrant surrounding afforested mountainous landscape piously called as ‘Shiv Bhoomi’ in Barmaur Sub division of Chamba in Kangra district. Many nature lovers also nomenclatures Chamba as lovers’ dreamland. Chamba proper is about 220 Km far from Jammu having an altitude of around 990 mts from mean sea level (MSL). Chamba is loveliest and charming valley of Himachal Pradesh, well known for its splendid beauty. The spot is with serene and scenic beauty having crystal clear water of gurgling streams and lakes. The lush green beauty of towering deodar, Kail and other coniferous trees, meadows in the uplands are beyond any description. The majestic mountains and mesmerizing meadows in the upland around Chamba valley and its surrounding is a nature’s treasure trove which haunt the pilgrims and tourists alike. Through myths, legend and history, Chamba valley has its fascinating stories to narrate about the culture, tradition and lifestyle of the people. Every year in the month of July – August held an age old prominently event known as Minger. On this auspicious occasion, even the Gods and Goddesses descend down from heaven and mountains homes to rejoice and join the festival to the tune of drums, flutes with other multihued music to pay homage to the lord of mountain valley- Raghuvera. And during this almost a week long Mela, the charming Chougan enlivens with the conglomeration of the inhabitants and many more from across the adjoining states with their colorful attire. All this gives multi-colored ambience within and around the Chougan. There are well wide-arrayed sequence of traditional dances to the tune of drums, flutes and bagpipers which reflects the everlasting age-old Pahari culture of this picturesque Chamba valley. The valley has a rich and multihued culture heritage of temple architecture, beautiful miniature and paintings akin to craftsmanship of vale of Kashmir. And of the most prominent are the Chapals, Rumals (handkerchiefs) and the embroidered unique caps which are found nowhere across the world. All these cultures have their own identity for which Chamba valley is famous for.
The history reveals that Chamba was founded by Raja Sahil Verma around 920 AD and was named after his favorite daughter ‘Champavati’. As far as spiritual aspect is unconcerned, Chamba has over the centuries back continued to enjoy its rich style and culture with Pahari Art, architecture and heritage much of which has been carefully preserved. Chamba has as well been famously known for the temples of God and Goddess. Dating back 8th century, AD, there is a cluster of 6 famous temple with towering vimanas dedicated to lord Shiva and Vishnu and Mata Laxmi. Laxmi Narayan temple is older one and there is rich carving. Bhuri Singh museum is the most prominent with a rich collection of miniatures from Kangra, Basohli and Chamba schools of Paintings, which give rich and beautiful presentation of the time.
At the prominent Chougan of Chamba valley, there is a beautiful presentation of image of Chaturmurati, with four armed image of Lord Vishnu which attract every soul who so ever have its Darshan and veneration. Having an over view, looking over Shamba and Ravi river, there is fabulous and fascinating presentation of Chamunda Devi Mata temple. This temple is hardly around a kilometer are so from the main bus terminus. The wood carvings give a fascinating look to every soul. Apart from, there are multihued temples of various Gods and Goddess as who are revered on important occasion preferably during auspicious Navratras and that is why Chamba valley is famous for the tourists and visitors alike.
(The author is former Deputy Conservator of Forests, J&K).
