Rohit Shastri
Jammu and Kashmir is known for its natural beauty all over the world. The rivers, flora and fauna, historical and religious places of the state make it more beautiful. One such beautiful place from ancient times called Vishav Sathali presently known as Basholi is just 165 km from Jammu city. The town is situated on the bank of river Ravi and an artificial Lake called Ranjeet Sagar. The town is gate way to Himachal and Punjab States. J&K State is going to be connected with these states in coming times by construction of a new bridge over the Ravi river at Basohli.
According to a legend, Basholi was established by King Bhupat Pal 1635 A.D. on the bank of river Ravi. The King constructed two historical forts one is in the middle of the town and another constructed over a hill 3 Kms away from the town. It is pertinent to mention here that both the forts are situated on the top of two hills and one can enjoy the scenic beauty of the town from these forts.
The construction of the Ranjeet Sagar Dam has added a feather in the beauty of town. Due to the construction of the Dam an artificial lake has been created along the Bank of the River Ravi and an Island has emerged in it. These Islands attract tourists. Kali Mata Temple in the middle of one of the Islands is a great source of attraction to the tourists of the town.
One can easily reach this town via Lakhanpur or Billawar. The road is mettaled but there is need for further improvement of the road, so that more tourists get attracted to the town.
Basholi is motherland of great Scholars of Sanskrit. Authorities on Sanskrit like Acharya Pandit Chura Mani and Dr. Utam Chand Sastri Pathak are the prominent amongst them. The famous Chura Mani Sanskrit Vidyalya is also flourishing in the town.
Basholi Paintings carved a name of their own in the painting world. Ram Leela of Basholi is also famous in the world. It is performed here with great pomp and show.
Shiv Temple of Basholi has great religious importance. The pond in front of the Shiv Temple always remains filled with lotus flowers.
The forts constructed by King Bhupat Pal are in bad conditions due to the lack of management by the Government. There is the temple called Chanchloi Mata which has been constructed in the old fort 3 Km away from the town. There is an interesting story with regard to the establishment of the temple. It is a common tale in the town that during the regime of King Bhupat Pal, a young girl namely Chanchalo Devi fell in love with the son of the king and she wanted to marry him. The Prince too was also in love with the young girl. As the girl was poor and had a lower status in the society, so the king refused to accept her as daughter-in-law but the girl was quite adamant to marry prince.
The king put forth a condition to the young girl that if she would cross a distance from one fort to another fort on rope would accept her as daughter-in-law. The young girl accepted the offer and on fateful day she started her journey on the rope which was tied from one fort to another and both forts were situated on two different hills. Due to her strong will and determination, the girl managed to cross half way on the rope without taking any support. But when she was near her destination the young girl fell into deep gorge and died on the spot.
Later on it was found that the King had cut the rope with his sword. As the king had committed a great sin the soul of the young girl started wandering in the forts. As, a consequence of it, the family of the King faced lot of hardship and and his kingdom started falling apart. Thereafter the king met with a Saint who told that he should construct a temple in the memory of the young girl. The king constructed a beautiful temple in the fort. The idol of Bhagwati Mata and of Chanchlo Devi are worshiped herein the temple. It is managed and looked after by the Padha (Upadya) family and it is surrounded by natural beauty. There is need to maintain the fort, which is in a dilapidated condition.
To bring it to past glory, the Government should allot proper funds to it.
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