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Enveloped within the high mountain ranges, the original
capital of Chamba district,
Bharmaur also known as Brahmour, is a facinating little town. Mainly
popular for its several ancient temples and monuments that reflect the
towns glorious past. It is also the base for the famed
Manimahesh Yatra
and for various marvelous treks in the region.
Known
as 'Brahmpur' in the 6th century, it was the seat of power of Chamba state
for some 400 years till AD 920, when a new capital was founded at
Chamba by Raja Sahil Varma. All
the temples present in Bharmour stand on a level area, which is called the
Chaurasi after the 84 Siddhas, who are believed to have meditated in
Bharmaur over 1,000 years ago. These Siddhas hailed from
Kurukshetra
and visited Manimahesh.
The oldest temples in the complex are those of Lakshna Devi and Ganesh.
Both these temples are made in the hill style with gable roofs and rubble
masonry. The tallest temple in the whole complex is of Manimahesh, built
in shikhara style of architecture. The temple has a Shiva Lingam on a
raised platform. The other temple in shikhara style is of Nar Singh. Lord
Vishnu in his avtar as Nar Singh (also spelt as 'Nrusimha') has been cast
vividly. There is a bronze 'Nandi' of life size, which stands facing the
Manimahesh temple.
There is a small water source called "Ardh Ganga" in a corner
of the temple complex. Bathing in its water is considered religiously
significant. The country around Bharmour is regarded as belonging to Lord
Shiva and is sometimes called Shiva-Bhumi. Being the home of nomadic
shepherds Gaddies it is also called 'Gadderan'. Bharmour is also known for
its delicious apples and local blankets.
CITIES
Chaurasia: Life in Bharmaur centres around the temple
square-Chaurasia, which owes its name to the 84 shrines built within its
periphery. The beautiful shikhara of Manimahesh temple dominates the
square. A life-size image of Nandi in polished brass stands before it.
Manimahesh: This place 34-km away from Bharmaur is at a height of
4,170m and is an important place of pilgrimage. The view of the towering
peak of the Manimahesh Kailash (5,656m) and its mirror image in still
waters of a little lake are quite fascinating. Bands of pilgrims wend
their way up the arduous track to bathe in the icy lake and to worship at
the little temple there. Thousands of people come for the main pilgrimage,
the Manimahesh Yatra in the months of August / September. Himachal
Tourism Tents are also available here.
Chhatrari: The Shakti Devi temple in Bharmour is of great
archaeological importance. This place is 40-km away from Bharmaur and
45-km from Chamba via road. The village is inhabited mostly by the Gaddies
who are semi-postral lot, engaged in rearing of sheep and goats. Situated
at a height of 6,000 feet, it's famous for its remarkable hill-style
temple of Shakti Devi. The temple of Chhatrari is regarded as one of the
holiest ones competing with well-known temples of "Lakshna Devi"
at Bharmour and of "Bhawani" at Kangra.
Kugti: The last inhabited village of Bharmaur is not too far from
the Kugti Pass (5,040 m) and is on the challenging trail from Bharmaur to
Keylong. Overlooking splendid forests of conifer, Kugti has a little
forest resthouse too. The famous temple of Keylong Wazir is just 2-km away
from here.
Trekking: Treks of 5-8
day duration, viable from June to October include:
Bharmaur to Triloknath / Udaipur in Lahul over the Kalicho Pass (4,803m).
Bharmaur to Udaipur over the Chobia Pass (4,996m).
Bharmaur to Manali over the Kugti Pass (5,040m).
Bharmaur to Manimahesh (4,170m).
A branch of the mountaineering Institute,
Manali , at
Bharmaur organises treks and provides information and equipment like
tents, sleeping bags etc. more...
Road: Bharmaur is 65-km away from Chamba along an attractive hill road that follows the river for much of its route. During the yatra days, the Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation (HPRTC) provides special bus services between Chamba and Bharmaur. Chamba is 56-km drive from Dalhousie, which is well linked by road with public and private transport. Bharmaur is situated 80-km away from Dharamsala.
One can find a handful of simple guesthouses in Bharmour such as the PWD Resthouse, except during the times of Yatra when everywhere is booked.
Manimahesh: 34-km
Chhatrari: 40-km
Chamba: 65-km
Dharamsala: 80-km
Dalhousie: 121-km