R C Kotwal
Bhadarwah is one of the most beautiful valleys in Distt. Doda having boundaries with Himachal Pradesh on one side. The Valley of Bhadarwah is located in the foot hills of Himalayan Mountains. The famous Kailash Mountain (14000 feet) and Asha Parvit remains snow bound throughout the year. The valley is thickly covered by forests with ever green deodar and chir trees and a perennial river called Neeru flows through this valley which originally originates from Kaplash Kund and other Nallahs like Puneja Nallah / Nalthi Nallah. Bhadarwah is located at an altitude of 1613M (around 5000 feet) from sea level. Bhadarwah is around 200 Kms from Jammu City and it takes around 5 to 6 hours by road to reach this amazing valley. It has rich cultural values and traditions being followed by locals since ages.
Bhadarwah is a land of splendours and surprises, a place where God’s architectural experience and elegance is felt by everyone whosoever visits this place.
There is a pond of water which is still called Shankhchur Talai (Pond). There is a small temple of Jimutavahana Prince now called Jaslee Devta in Bhadarwahi language. Keeping its importance in view, it is definitely a place you would like to visit during Summer season to get respite from scorching sun.
The climate of the place is wonderful during the summer months of April to October. However, November to March in winter months especially December/January/February you can get light to heavy snowfall. It’s a health resort type location where you require minimum 3 days to explore it. It’s an excellent location for growing valuable herbs Yoga Centres/Wellness Centres are also coming up. This place has got few 3-Star Hotels and a very good Home stay facility.
Bhadarwah is an ideal place for those who want to spend few days close for nature and its natural beauty.
Important historical and religious places of Bhadakashi are as below:-
* Kailash Yatra in Bhadarwah starts every year from Gatha (previously known as Ghosta) to Kailash Kund (1440 feet above sea level). Annually this yatra starts in the month of Bhadu on Dewadshi Thethi in Krishan Paksh according to Bikrami Samwat (i.e last day of August). Vasukinaga is the king of Nagas and is regarded as close to Shiva who keeps him in his neck. The Yatra starts in the morning with blowing of flutes and beating of drums amidst the shouting of religious slogans by the people like “Jai Bolo Naga Vasuki Ki, Jai- Jai Bolo Naga Baske Ki Jai”
* Gupt Ganga Temple Bhadarwah
Gupt Ganga temple is one of the most ancient temples in Bhadarwah. It is believed that it was built by Pandavas, when they were in last years of their “Agyatwass”. It is made of stone slabs and has a tomb like constructions. Here Ganga abruptly falls on the Lingam and then disappears. Inside the temple there are foot prints of Pandava King Bhimsen. There is a tunnel adjoining to the temple and there is no definite record of its depth. It is generally believed that Pandavas went through this tunnel to Anantnag area of Kashmir during their Agyatwass period.
Bhadarwah Fort/Kingdom
It is also known as Ratangarh fort. It was built by a Chamba King Madri Paul in 1733 A.D. He was killed by Bhadarwah revolutioners and after that incident Govt. of Chamba once again raided Bhadarwah. The Bhadarwah forces under the command of Shagtu Kotwal fought 3-4 days battle with forces of Chamb Raja at Padri Dhar near Bhadanvah where the general of Chamba Nathu Ram was badly defeated. The battle was fought around 1854 and then Shagtu Kotwal managed to present himself before Maharaja Gulab Singh at Jammu for accession of Bhadarwah into J&K State. Maharaja Gulab Singh gladly accepted the proposal and brave General Shagtu Kotwal was awarded with a Jagir in Kaillar named Droundhi.
*Mela Patt Bhadarwah
Mela Patt dates back to 16th century when Raja Nag Pal was ruling the kingdom of Bhadarwah and he was a great disciple of Vasuki Nag Devta and was full of special spiritual powers. Once he showed his spiritual powers and blessings of Vasuki Naga Devta to Akbar and his courtiers who were extremely surprised and accepted Raja Nag Pal as a special and blessed human being. As a token of respect, Akbar, the king presented Raja Nag Pal some treasures and gifts like metallic vessels of gold and silver ornaments, silk fabrics and musical instruments etc.
The Raj Purohit at Khakhal Mohalla where annual Mela Patt is held with the break of dawn on Nag Panchami i.e. Rishi Panchmi, a devoted person carries this Patt on his head in a procession led by the Chela (Mystic man) of the deity and musicians proceed to Ganesh Math, then it reaches the compound Temple. The traditional dance (Dalai) is performed before the Naga Deity and this procession later, concludes at the house of Raj Gurus in Khakhal. On the day of festival, the chief and traditional “Dhaklcu” dance is performed by the people of the area. The Dance has an ancient origin and the people of Bhadarvah have maintained its originality and simplicity, and a separate identity as a Dogra folk dance.
When 22 Tourism Development authorities were created across the state by J&K Govt. BDA was one of them and during the early years of 2000 decade, a no. of natural picnic beautiful spots were started getting developed and within few years of time the following spots were developed where any tourists can get a feel of Mini Switzerland:-
* Jai Valley-(Bhalra-Chinta Road)
* Gupt Ganga-Temple
* Tillugarh Resort- Bhadarwah
* Padri top Dhar Bhadarwah
* Chattar Galla Spot
* Fish Pond Lake view spot Gatha Bhadarwah 7 River view resort at Garh, Naithi/Sartingle
* Seoj DharValley
* Kaplash Kund and Mountain
* Vasuki Nag Temple Bhadarwah
* Soan Bain (Golden Bowl) and Asha Patti Parvit
* Bhadarwah fort
* Chandi Mata Mandir at Chinote Chakka
* Igloo huts at Khellani top at Village Khellani
* Mosque in Qilla Mohalla
* Basah Dhar near Jai Valley
* Jantron Dhar
Bhadarwah is an ideal place for those who want to spend few days close to nature and its natural beauty.
The author is SSP J&K Police (Retd)
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