Kullu
was once known as Kulanthpitha, which means the
end of the habitable world. Beyond rose the
forbidding heights of the Greater Himalayas, and
by the banks of the shining river Beas, lay the
fabled 'Silver Valley'.
Here is the core of an intricate web of numerous
valleys - each of which is a visual delight and
seems more beautiful than the other. The mountain
scapes remain spectacular whether in brilliant
sunshine or in the haze of the mist. The 'Silver
Valley' has nature's treasures that lie carelessly
scattered as flowers on the high meadows.
The
town of Kullu has long been a centre of faith. In
the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh installed here
an idol of Lord Raghunathji, which he brought from
Ayodhya. As a mark of his penance, he placed the
idol on his throne and it became the presiding
deity of the valley.
TEMPLES
Raghunathji Temple: In the 17th century, Raja Jagat Singh of Kullu committed a great wrong. To
atone for the sin he sent a senior courtier to
Ayodhya for a statue of Lord Raghunath - Lord Ram.
This temple was built by Raja Jagat Singh to house
the image even today, is greatly revered. The
shrine houses an image of Shri Raghunath in his
chariot.
Bijli Mahadev Temple: Set on a spur that offers
some spectacular views, this temple is famous for
its 20m high rod that periodically draws
lightning, which shatters the 'Shivalinga' and
scorches the building. Using only butter as
adhesive, the 'linga' is then carefully pieced
together by the temple pundit.
Basheshwar Mahadev Temple, Bajaura:
This 9th century Shiva Temple
is renowned for its intricate stone carvings.
The
Vaishno Devi Temple:
4-km along the Kullu to Manali
road is the temple with a small cave having an
image of goddess Vaishno or Durga.
Jagannathi Devi Temple: This temple is in Bhekhli
village, 3-km from Kullu. It's a stiff climb but
from the temple one can catch fine views of the
town.
PALACE
Sultanpur Palace: It contains some fine examples
of the Kullu style of miniature painting,
characterised by simple rural scenes and the lack
of human subjects.
OTHERS
Akhara Bazaar: Known as one of the main bazaar,
where Kullu caps, shawls, 'pattoos', gudmas, 'puhlas'
and 'namdas' or rugs are sold in plenty.
