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Once known as an
important seat of administration, Kangra the capital city
of Chand dynasty tells a story of glory, which has faded
into history. One of the most picturesque valley of lower
Himalayas, the valley, sheltered by the sublime Dhauladhar
hills, is green and luxuriant.
The temple of Brajeshwari Devi is very famous in the area.
It is believed that in the bygone era this temple was very
rich and each time it was plundered it was always able to
restore itself. The valley also comprises of the famous
Kangra fort, which was taken over by the British in 1846
on clause of a treaty. In 1905 an earthquake destroyed
both the temple and the fort, but the temple was rebuilt.
The town was attacked by Mohammed Ghaznavi and conquered
by Emperor Feroz Tuglak and Maharaja Rant Singh. Prior to
this episode, Kangra was the capital of the great Hill
State, its renowned ruler being Maharaja Sansar Chand
Katoch, a great patron of arts. It was during his reign
that the Miniature and Rajpur Schools of hill paintings
flourished. Close to Kangra is Nagarkot a beautiful area
with the fort perched on top of a ridge overlooking the
confluence of Manjhi and Baner rivers. Kangra valley
provides a tremendous contrast in nature of places to be
visited. Dharamshala is full of Buddhist air whereas
ancient Hindu Temples such as Brajeshwari , Baijnath,
Jawalamukhi and Chamunda Devi dot the countryside.
PRIME ATTRACTION
TEMPLES
Brajeshwari Devi Temple (Bajeshwari Devi Temple):
Known once for its legendary wealth of diamonds and
pearls, this temple was subject to successive depredation
by invaders from the North. Mohammed of Ghazni is known to
have departed with a king's ransom in gold, silver and
jewels in 1009. Earthquake of 1905 destroyed it
completely. Rebuilt in the present form in 1920, it
continues to be a busy place of pilgrimage.
Jawalamukhi: 30-km from Kangra, 56-km from Dharamsala,
near the Beas river and on the side of cliff, is one of
Hindu dome most famous shrines. Built against the side of
a rocky spur, the temple is dedicated to the manifestation
of the Devi of fire also called the "Flaming Goddess". A
blue flame fed by natural gas, shoots out of the rock in
the sanctum in which the goddess, Jawalamukhi, manifests
herself.
FORTS
Kangra Fort: The remains of the fort of the Kotch
Raja's of Kangra are located on a strategic height,
overlooking the Ban Ganga and Manjhi rivers. At the top of
the fort there was also a place of the Kotch kings. The
earthquake of 1905 in Kangra destroyed both the palace and
the fort. It is now in its ruins
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