LOCATION

Tucked in the Western Himalayas in Jammu and Kashmir state, the lush green valley of Bhadarwah  lies at  a distance of 203 Kms. from the capital city Jammu and 145 kms. from Chamba.  It is known as 'Chotta Kashmir'  or  'Mini Kashmir' due  to its picture perfect scenic beauty.....

 Bhadarwah town is a cup shaped valley surrounded by snow clad mountains on all sides. The Valley is bestowed with innumerable springs and  Rivulets adding to the beauty of Bhadarwah. The main river Neeru passes through the valley.

(A view of Bhadarwah Town)

TEMPLES OF BHADARWAH

•  On the banks of river Neeru to the east of Bhadarwah town  is the ancient Gupt Ganga temple made of stone slabs. This Shiva temple has water coming out of a rock hence the name Gupt Ganga (hidden Ganga).According to local legend Pandavs took shelter here during their exile and went to Kashmir through a tunnel cave from here. The cave is still  present adjacent to the temple.

(Gupt Ganga temple on the banks of river Neeru in Bhadarwah)

• Bhadarwah is famous for ancient temple of Nagraj Vasuki with highly venerated idols of Nagraj Vasuki and his friend Raja Jimoot Vahan .These life size idols made of  black granite were exquisitely carved by local artisans .Since Vasukinag is the presiding deity of Bhadarwah , this temple is the centre of all religious and social activities of natives.  

       (Idols in sanctum sanctorum of Sh. Vasukinag Temple Bhadarwah) 

• More recently, a magnificent temple of Chandi Mata  has been constructed in Chinote Bhadarwah which attracts a lot of pilgrims. Every year on 18th August a grand yatra starts from this temple and proceeds to village Machail situated in  Padder  area of Kishtwar.

                             (Chandi Mata Temple at Chinote Bhadarwah)

OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST

• Atop a hillock on the west side of Bhadarwah town is an old fort which was constructed by the ruler of Chamba in 1733 A.D . The fort was converted into jail in 1919 and many  renowned personalities including Sheikh Mohd. Abdullah  were imprisioned here .One can have a magnificent view of  Bhadarwah Town from here.

(The Fort of Bhadarwah)

                         (A bird's eye view of Bhadarwah town from Fort)  

In the vicinity of Bhadarwah are the famous meadows of Jaai and Padri. Inhabited by nomadic Gujjars during summer months , these places are  favourites of  tourists due to their natural beauty.

• The green valley of Jaai lies on northeast side of Bhadarwah at a distance of about 32 Kms. The valley is surrounded by green coniferous forests .A rivulet called Jaai nallah passes through the valley  enhancing its beauty.  Tourists  can stay in colourful tents and fibreglass huts.

             ( The Jaai meadow of Bhadarwah)

• Padri is one of the most beautiful meadows of Bhadarwah. Situated at a distance of 41 Kms.from Bhadarwah on Bhadarwah Chamba road, it marks the boundary between J &K state and Himachal  Pradesh. Covered by lush green grass, the slopes of Padri present an enchanting view.

                                      (Padri meadow of Bhadarwah)

FESTIVALS AND PILGRIMAGES OF BHADARWAH

       

             Bhadarwah is also famous for its fairs and yatras.

Mela Patt held on Nag Panchmi  in honour of Nagraj Vasuki and Raja Nagpal is a much awaited festival .This festival has been celebrated with much fervor and gaiety since 16^th century .The festival  lasts for three days in Khakhal ground of Bhadarwah.

                                     ( A view of Mela Patt in Bhadarwah)

One of the most important Pilgrimages of Bhadarwah is the Kailash Yatra which commences from Bhadarwah and culminates in a sacred freshwater lake called Vasuki Kund which lies in the centre of peaks of kablas mountain also called Kailash Parvat. Situated about 21 kms from Bhadarwah about 14500 ft. above sea level, this lake of cold crystal clear water is considered to be abode of Nagraj Vasuki. Thousands of Pilgrims from different places participate in the yatra every year. 

 (A veiw of the Vasuki Kund at Kailash /Kablas Parvat Bhadarwah)