In
the Kangra Valley, just 17 km formDharamsala, is the historic town of
Kangra. Once cap capital of a powerful hill state, Kanghra was noted for
its beautiful temples and artistic heritage.
During the rule of Raja Sansar Chand the arts flourished. Fine
miniatures of the Kangra school and murals commissioned by him are still
to be seen in the palaces and temples in this area.
Places
of Interest:
Bajreshwri Temple: Just outside the town is the temple dedicated
to Bajreshwre Devi. Known one for its legendary wealth, this temple was
subject to successive depredations 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 Destroyed completely in 1905 by an
earthquake, it was rebuilt in 1920.
Around
Kangra:
Jwalamukhi:
The shrine to goddess Devi at Jwalamukhi is an important place of
pilgrimage. Here at the temple with its gilded demean eternally burning
flame issuing from a hollow in the rock is considered the manifestation
of the goddess.
Nadaun:
The palaces at Nadaun a former capital of King Sansar
Chand, has fine murals.
Sujanpur
Tira: Further upstream, 22 km form Hamirpur, is the last capital of
Sansar Chand set in idyllic surroundings.
