Nahan: An idyllic getaway
Ramesh K. Dhiman

IN the sweltering heat, cool and serene scenic spots flash across one’s mind’s eye. Nahan, known as the jewel of hills and a captivating hill retreat is an ideal getaway from the heat and dust of the plains.

Nestling in the foothills of the Shivaliks, the capital of erstwhile princely Sirmour state, ensures the visitor a breathtaking view of the awe-inspiring hills and dales dotting this less-known tourist spot. Barely 90 km from Chandigarh, it was discovered by Lt George Francis White. The town was founded by Raja Karan Prakash in 1621, during a hunting escapade. An incurable nature lover, the king fell for Nahan’s unspoilt natural beauty. Since the town is skirted by sprawling plains below and hemmed by sky-kissing hills. the topography offered a strong military base. So infatuated was the king that he made it his dream capital.

A unique example of unity-in-diversity, Nahan has earned a well-deserved distinction of being a mini-India, where people with diverse religions, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, be they Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims or Christians, have been living in perfect harmony. They share their agonies and ecstasies, irrespective of caste and creed and celebrate fairs and festivals together.

Called a temple town, Nahan is dotted with ancient temples; gurdwaras, churches and mosques. Prominent among them are the Lord Shiva temple at Rani Taal. Bereft of elaborate sculptural motifs and exalted domes, the temple stands apart for its pentagonal patterns and incredible geometrical detail. The Jagan Nath temple housing the images of Lord Vishnu and other deities, is yet another ancient temple which attracts devotees from across the country. Located on the Burra Chowk, its heavily-carved outer walls are decorated with a mosaic of paintings and murals with dominant folk themes,. The arched gateway leading to the highest seat of worship, adds beauty to its grandeur. Towards the fag-end of the monsoon, Bawan Dwadashi is celebrated. A big draw, it is a religious festivity marking the ceremonial immersion of the images of various gods and goddesses that are brought in a colourful procession to the temple. Adjoining the historic Chaugan, is a historic gurudwara that evokes memories of the life and times of Guru Gobind Singh Guru during his brief sojourn here. The saint-soldier guru is believed to have visited this charming hill retreat on the invitation of the then ruler. Before resuming his onward journey to Paunth, now Paonta Sahib, the master proffered his sword to the host king as a keepsake.

A keen walkers’ dream-come-true destination, Nahan has many talabs or ponds dotting its landscape. While a majority of them have been reduced to mere choking puddles, the historic Rani Taal, where queens used to take bath, retains a semblance of its royal elegance. The palace was connected with this talab by a tunnel, the tell-tale imprints of which intrigue the onlookers. The palm-fringed sidewalks, skirted by well laid-out yet ill-maintained lawns, add to its ethereal elegance.

Amongst other places of tourists interest in and around Nahan is Saketi which has the Shivalik Fossil Park, which has been raised at the original site where the fossils were discovered. Life-size fibrous images of dinosaurs extend a warm welcome to visiting enthusiasts. Renuka, another charming tourist destination, attracts tourists of sorts. The piece-de-resistance is the Renuka Lake.

Choordhar peak is yet another picturesque sight that no visiting tourist can afford to miss paying a visit. Surrounded by green hills, from the Choordhar peak one can see a gorgeous sunrise and sunset.

Paonta Sahib, another religious centre, witnesses an unprecedented rush of pilgrims on the occasion of Baisakhi and Holl-Mohalla. A bustling industrial township, the gurdwara at Paonta Sahib reminds one of the 10th guru’s stay at Paonta. Overlooking the tranquil Yamuna, the master used to hold his courts here. A major portion of the Dasham Granth is believed to have been written here.