Himachal Pradesh, a place where nature has shown its majestic compilation at every loop and corner. A place where the enchanting prayers of pious temples become a stress-busters. This Himalayan terrain has auspicious exuberant of the snow-clad mountain, the lush green bedding of tea gardens, magical stories of rivers and mysteries of natural lakes. Here is the aroma of apples, conveys of pilgrims, a colorful splash of fairs and festivals. So, let's unbind some more tales about Himachal.
Sunday 29 December 2019
MATA ASHAPURI TEMPLE : Pleasure to eyes and peace to heart
Ashapuri Mata commonly known as the 'wish-fulfilling goddess' is the famous deity of the Palampur region. Away from the hustle-bustle, this hilltop temple premises amaze the eyes with picturesque natural
views and the divine environment tranquil the soul. The temple remains pilgrim laden throughout the year.
Its religious significance and impeccable beauty makes devotees visit this temple
again and again.
A glance at the
history
According to mythology, the temple was built in the
dwapra era. Pandavas found Mata Ashapuri
here in Pindi form during their incognito
exile and built this temple. While some locals tell that this temple was built
by the Katoch dynasty.
How to reach Mata
Ashapuri temple
One can reach there by cab, bike and even by bus. The buses
are limited and one needs to confirm the bus timings. Ashapuri temple is
31 km away from Palampur and 51 km from Sujanpur bus station. A train trip
can also be preferred up to the Panchrukhi
railway station.
People who hail from the Panchrukhi region
must remembered many walking routes
to reach the temple. Up to 90's, it
was very common to visit the temple on foot. Once the road facility to Ashapuri
temple came into existence then the trend of on foot traveling to the temple
become the neglected one. For now, there is well-established roads from Panchrukhi
as well as from Sujanpur.
Fair and festivals
Navratri is celebrated with great pomp and show in this
place. A festival is being organized and devotees from all across the region
come here to be a part of fair and take blessings.
The heartwarming
people of Ashapuri temple:
The people of Ashapuri village are very simple, happy,
talkative and helpful. Water is always available in the small distance in the
stairs. I must say it’s a neat and tidy village, the homes and lifestyles are old
but completely traditional. Women can be seen knitting and gossiping at the
same time.
About my experience
I visited this holy shrine in October 2019. It took almost
one hour from Panchrukhi to the Ashapuri temple. The road condition was good
except for a few patches. The whole way from Panchrukhi
to Ashapuri temple is a complete nature getaway. The view of farthest hilltops, lush valleys, dense forest of Pinus and synchronization of villages in the middle of forest soothes the eyes.
I divided my journey into two parts one is safely reaching the base of the Ashapuri temple without getting nostalgic about the view. And
the other is a small track of almost half an hour to reach the temple
premises. So, Jor se bolo Jai Mata Di is necessary to chant out loudly. There
are stairs which lead from shops to someone's home and even fields. Whole
travel remained cheerful by walking, resting and even talking with fellow
devotees.
Some travel tips:
- Keep your
spirit high to climb steep accent stairs. It may take half an hour if you don't
take rest ( chanting Jai Mata Di always help here).
- Keep cash with you. I haven't seen any ATM service available here.
- Water, snacks and Indian food is available throughout the
stairs. Toys, temple pics, and other small items are easily available and that
too in cost-effective prices.
- Roads are worn and torn in some places otherwise they are good enough to drive { be caution during the rainy season). The maximum distance covered is through the dense forest so you may not
get a car service station if stuck in a middle way.
- There is one pwd guest house near the temple. Locals also
provide rooms for night stay just in minimal charges.
Picture sources: Internet
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Taranda Mata Mandir Kinnaur
If you are heading towards kinnaur then its natural that you are going to have more discussions about its roads than the destination. Its tr...
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If you are heading towards kinnaur then its natural that you are going to have more discussions about its roads than the destination. Its tr...
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Nowadays people prefer to live in luxury appartment of cities and choose barren terrain of hilly subtle to satisfy their wander-to-explore ...
Good
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