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 and 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 this 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.
